Completing the ACCA alongside client work is a test of routine, stamina and judgement under pressure. We spoke with Jack Kirk, Assistant Fund Accountant in our UK team, about the habits that kept his studying consistent, what improved his exam performance and the advice he would give to trainees starting out.
How did you balance full-time work with studying for ACCA and what made it manageable?
Balancing full-time work with ACCA studies required structure. I found that doing most of my studying early in the morning worked best for me. By coming into work earlier and studying before the working day began, I was able to focus while I was still fresh and avoid fatigue after a full day at work. It also meant my study routine was not disrupted by unexpected late finishes.
I also made an effort to keep my expectations realistic. Rather than aiming for long, overly ambitious study sessions, I focused on consistency. This approach helped me maintain progress through each exam cycle and made the overall process far more manageable in the long run.
What helped most while studying?
The most helpful thing was question practice. Working through exam kit questions and reviewing the examiners’ comments gave me a much clearer understanding of what the examiners were looking for and how marks were awarded. This was particularly valuable at the final level, where professional marks play a significant role.
Understanding how to structure answers and communicate points clearly was just as important as technical knowledge and regular question practice helped develop those skills.
One piece of advice for trainees starting ACCA
There is a wide range of study resources available, from Kaplan study sessions to the ACCA study hub and online content such as YouTube. My advice to anyone starting ACCA would be to try as many of these resources as possible early on. Everyone learns differently so testing different approaches can help you find the study method that works best for you.
Once you find a method that works for you it becomes much easier to stay engaged and motivated throughout the qualification.
What do you wish you had known earlier?
I wish I had realised sooner the importance of practising questions under timed conditions. At the later levels, time becomes one of the biggest constraints. Learning how to answer questions efficiently and effectively is crucial, as there is often not enough time to write down everything you know.
Practising under time pressure earlier would have helped me develop this skill sooner.
Supporting trainees at Langham Hall
At Langham Hall, trainees develop technical capability alongside the commercial judgement that comes from client-facing experience. For those studying towards professional qualifications, that means building a routine that is sustainable, knowing when to ask questions and learning from experienced colleagues as work becomes more complex.
Jack’s approach reflects what we encourage across the firm: consistency, strong habits and steady progress, supported by teams that take development seriously.
