October 2020

Elis Karadalieva

BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance 2020

1. Tell us about yourself. 

I’m 30 years old, originally from Bulgaria, and have lived in London since 2012. I’m married with two children, and have been working in East London as an Account Assistant since 2018.

2. What is your fondest memory at Anglia Ruskin University?

Since I was in primary school, I knew that I always wanted to be an accountant. I’ll never forget the email I received from ARU London with my offer for a place on the Finance and Accounting course. I’m so incredibly happy to have finished my course and can say that my dreams finally became true!

3. What has been your favourite job?

I was given the opportunity to join an accounting practice and expand on my knowledge learnt over the past 3 years at ARU London. I started as a Bookkeeper, and after 2 years became an Accounts Assistant, allowing me to enhance my skills in accounts, VAT returns, self-assessments and many more. I worked and studied at the same time which gave me a chance to put everything I had studied in class into practice.

4. In one word, how would you describe ARU? 

Life-changing.

5. How did your time at Anglia Ruskin help you?

I found that even when I am not confident with a subject, I know if I work hard, I can achieve success. I developed my communication, my time management, and working as part of a team; all skills which are very important for me as an individual and for every employer to see in an employee.

6. What did you love about your chosen course?

For me, completing my ACCA is the next step in progressing my career, so the exemptions I’ll get from ACCA is maybe the most important for me. The location of the University and the timetable were great, and after seeing how my colleagues were prepared by their different universities, I was happy to see that ARUL provided me with what I believe are better and more relative skills/knowledge in my area compared to others.

7. What advice would you give to current students as they're preparing to graduate? 

Enjoy all your modules. Try to gain as much knowledge and as many skills from your lecturers and colleagues as you can.

8. What do you know now that you wish you had known whilst studying? 

I found the beginning of the course really difficult, but each semester, I saw improvements in myself, especially in accounting. I found it difficult to study, work and look after my family at the same time, especially after having my second child in my second year, but it wasn’t impossible. I think having at least one practice module, perhaps software practice such as using Quickbooks or Clearbooks would have been useful.

9. Who was the biggest influence on your career? 

Myself. As I mentioned earlier, I started as a Bookkeeper, and expanded my skills to become an Account Assistant and one day I want to have my own practice after finishing my ACCA and becoming a Charter Accountant. I want to set a good example for my kids, and I know that if you work hard, one day you will achieve everything you want.

10. What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Every little step you take brings you closer towards your big dream.

11. Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know. 

I have a son who is 5 and a daughter who is 2. I achieved an A grade in almost all of my modules, after studying during the night throughout my course under the light from the TV. I’ve now completed my Finance and Accounting degree with First Class Honours and could not be more proud of myself.

12. What’s next? 

I hope only good things will happen in the future. Now, I know I can achieve my goals so I’m not scared to dream.