GUERNSEY students are more tenacious than their UK counterparts when it comes to accountancy exams. James O’Brien, director of locally-based firm Account for Training, said that he had been in Guernsey for 15 years and was

surprised that there was no complacency with regard to taking exams in the

island, although there was virtually full employment.

‘Guernsey students seem to have a greater desire to get certificates as fast as possible,’ he said.

Eight of his students had passed a series of nine Certified Accounting Technician exams within two years.

Debbie Ashplant passed the exams in just two sessions.

‘This is likely to be one of the fastest successes on record,’ said Mr O’Brien.

Mrs Ashplant, 41, a Kleinwort Benson employee, was proud of her achievement.

‘It’s a good example for my children. It’s nice when you get to my age to see that your brain still works.’

Mrs Ashplant is continuing her studies and hopes to qualify as an accountant within two years.

Another fast track candidate was Mark Parnwell, 44, who works for Collenette Jones. He took a day off work, read the textbooks and passed the first two exams on computer. He passed the other seven exams in the next two exam sessions. Although Mr Parnwell had been working in the finance industry for 28 years, he had not had the time or inclination to study before.

‘I took the exams when the time was right for me – when my youngest went off to university.’

He felt that being able to take exams under controlled conditions on a computer was a determining factor in enabling more mature students to study.

‘Because the first exams were computer based, I felt I could do them. I underachieved when I was at school and I’m pleased that I have now reached my potential.

‘I was probably more chuffed to get the first two exams. This time, it was just a relief to pass.’

He was grateful to his employers for giving him the opportunity to take the exams and, although he did not intend to continue with his accountancy studies for the time being, he was thinking of getting complementary qualifications in information technology.

Thomas Tough from Specsavers took longer to pass the exams, but was equally as proud of his achievements.

‘I failed a couple of exams along the way and had to wait six months to retake. I missed a couple of sessions through work commitments so it’s taken me seven years in all to pass.’

Mr Tough is now embarking on another series of exams in business training.

Mr O’Brien believed that a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, when it came to learning, was a contributory factor to his students’ success. He also felt that people have a more flexible attitude towards change than they used to.

‘In the past, people wouldn’t go into accounting but far more people are willing to change careers these days. They recognise that there are good employment opportunities within the finance industry and they grasp them. Companies over here are also far more supportive than in the UK when it comes to training,’ he said.