Whilst life is full of many competing demands, exams are different. They demand that a student shows that they have understood all the learning that has been taken on board over the years, in only a few hours, on a particular date. No surprise then that our understanding of the exam process and the word pressure are very much bound together. These pressures will no doubt be felt by F5 exams students whilst studying performance management accounting.

Pressures that prevail at examinations are not dissimilar to those found in the workplace. These pressures generally arise from the need to consume and understand large volumes of complex information and to produce a quality outcome, within a limited time frame. This is complicated by the fact that the outputs are assessed to exacting standards and will have a direct effect on how performance is judged. Also and at the same time, other regular chores will have to be kept in hand.In this regard, exams give a great chance to perfect the coping strategies required for many of the aspects of life as an ACCA accountant.

However, this scene could be interchanged for that of an accountant taking on a project on performance measurement accounting or preparing monthly management information. The amount of information to digest will be large, time will be short, expectations of both client and employer high and the assessment of your decision-making will determine how performance is rewarded. The accountant can maintain control and use these powerful influences to encourage outstanding performance by utilising the same skills and tactics deployed as a student to manage the stresses and achieve exam success.

Doing prework in advance of a client engagement, much as with exams, will be invaluable in securing thinking time and will enable rapid decisions when time is ebbing away. Also, using skills to manage time by rostering actions, sorting them by importance and creating a timetable will make it easier to concentrate on the controllable.   

It is crucial in order to stay cheery and ensure maximum contribution to the team to look after the body. Eating well, maintaining fitness levels, making time for breaks and keeping relaxed are all beneficial. Finally, adopting a positive outlook and using the formal and informal support available through the ACCA, employer and peers will make it easier to maintain a good work / life balance and ensure that your hard work is satisfying and ultimately enjoyable.

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