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Chloe earns accounting award
First-year accounting student Chloe Barnes has become the first University of the Sunshine Coast student to gain a place in The Institute of Chartered Accountants Achiever program.
Chloe, 20, was one of only 19 accounting students selected from 102 applicants across Queensland to take part in the program which will see her working for national accounting firm, William Buck, in Brisbane during January.
Chloe said she believed the training and advice she received from USC staff, her determination to make a name for herself and her previous work experience as a cafe assistant manager had given her an edge in being selected.
"I knew I was up against HD (high distinction) students from University of Queensland and QUT, but I really wanted to get my name recognised at the Institute of Chartered Accountants," she said.
"I knew if I got this, I’d stand out from my competitors when I apply for a job. This is the best thing that’s ever happened in my life, in terms of my career.
"I will be with the trade and corporate services at William Buck. It’s going to be really hard work but it will be worth it. This will be really good preparation for what I’m going to go into in two years time."
Chloe, who went to school at John Paul College at Coffs Harbour, NSW, thanked USC Head of School of Commerce Monte Wynder for his encouragement and the University’s Careers and Graduate Employment Officer Clive May for providing her with advice about interviews.
Mr Wynder attended the recent Chartered Accountant Achiever Program Award placement ceremony in Brisbane to celebrate Chloe’s success. He said her achievement reflected well on both her and the University of the Sunshine Coast.
"This is the first time a USC student has been chosen in this highly-competitive program,’’ he said.
"Twice during the presentations USC was congratulated and the specific comment was that it shows the high standard the University has reached to get a placement such as this."