Priyanka always dreamed of working with a global firm, but she knew that just having a degree wasn’t enough. Even with a B.Com (Hons.) and articleship experience, she felt something was missing when it came to being “job-ready.” That’s when she decided to push herself further and pursue ACCA with The WallStreet School.
Here, she found exactly what she needed – clarity in concepts, practical problem-solving, and the right guidance at every step. Bit by bit, she built the technical knowledge and confidence that set her apart. From cracking exam strategies to sharpening her interview skills, Priyanka turned her challenges into stepping stones.
All that effort finally paid off when she landed a role at KPMG, one of the most respected firms in the world. Her story shows that with determination, the right training, and a never-give-up attitude, ACCA can be the bridge between classroom learning and global opportunities.
Let’s hear more about her experience in her own words…
Q. Congratulations on your placement at KPMG! How did you feel when you got the offer?
The moment I got the offer from KPMG was a mix of immense relief and profound joy. All those long hours of studying, preparing for exams, and practising interview questions had finally paid off. It honestly felt like a dream coming true. I still remember the exact moment — I was so nervous when I opened the email, and when I read the words “we’re pleased to offer you…,” I couldn’t stop smiling. I immediately called my parents, and hearing the happiness in their voices made it even more special. It wasn’t just a job offer— it was proof that all the sacrifices, sleepless nights, and self-doubt were worth it.
Q. Why did you choose to pursue your ACCA studies with The WallStreet School?
I chose The WallStreet School because I wanted something more than just textbook learning. Their comprehensive curriculum and focus on practical application stood out to me right away. At TWSS, the classes were engaging and often connected theory with real-life case studies, which made learning much easier. The faculty were not just teachers—they were mentors who truly cared and guided us at every step. Tushita Ma’am supported me during my PM exam, especially when I had to balance both my job and exam preparation. She helped me with the right strategy to manage everything. Vidhi Ma’am guided me on how to approach ACCA from day one, showing me what my stepping stones should be. Their ability to simplify complex topics, give real exam strategies, and check in on us when we felt stuck really made a difference. What I appreciated most was the personalised approach that mentors actually understood where each student was struggling and helped us work through it. That kind of support gave me the confidence I needed to continue pushing myself forward, and a special thanks goes to Shilpi Ma’am, whose constant guidance and encouragement played a huge role in my journey.
Q. What challenges did you face during your ACCA journey, and how did you overcome them?
My biggest challenge came with my first audit exam, which I unfortunately failed. It was the first time I had failed any exam in my life, and it hit my confidence really hard. I remember feeling lost and questioning whether I was capable enough for ACCA. But instead of giving up, I leaned on my support system. My family constantly reminded me that one setback didn’t define me, and my mentors at TWSS — especially Shilpi Ma’am told me failure was just feedback and guided me on how to approach the subject differently the next time. I started practising past papers more regularly, broke the syllabus into smaller chunks, and focused on understanding the “why” behind audit procedures instead of just memorising. When I finally cleared it, it felt like one of the biggest wins of my journey. That experience taught me resilience—failure doesn’t mean you stop, it means you find a better way forward.
Q. How did ACCA coaching help you secure a job at KPMG?
ACCA was instrumental in helping me get this role at KPMG. The qualification not only gave me strong technical knowledge in accounting, finance, and audit, but also built my professional skills, which Big 4 firms really look for. For example, during the interview, I was able to explain financial concepts with confidence and link them to practical scenarios—something I had practised multiple times in class and through mock tests. ACCA also showed employers my commitment and discipline; clearing the exams is proof that I can handle complex work and pressure. Another thing that helped was the way TWSS trained us to think about “professional marks” in exams. That mindset of structuring answers clearly and addressing what’s being asked carried over into how I structured my interview responses. In short, ACCA wasn’t just a qualification—it was a training ground that prepared me for the real challenges of working at a place like KPMG.
Q. What advice would you give to ACCA students who dream of joining Big 4 firms like KPMG?
My biggest advice is to be resilient and persistent. The ACCA journey isn’t always smooth—you will face challenges, and sometimes things won’t go as planned. But that doesn’t mean you’re not capable; it just means you need to keep going. Be consistent with your preparation, practice questions regularly, take mock tests regularly and don’t just focus on passing exams, focus on understanding concepts because those are what you’ll use in real jobs. And don’t be afraid of setbacks. I failed my first audit exam, but that failure made me stronger and better prepared for the future. Also, lean on your support system — your mentors, peers, and family. For me, the guidance of mentors like Shilpi Ma’am and the encouragement from my family made all the difference. If you keep working hard and stay disciplined, landing a role at a Big 4 like KPMG isn’t just a dream, it’s very much possible.
Priyanka’s journey proves that setbacks don’t define you — perseverance does. From failing an exam to securing a role at KPMG, she showed that with focus, consistency, and the right guidance, ACCA can open doors to Big 4 opportunities.
You can connect with her via LinkedIn: 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyanka-gianey-a980771a8/
