Chantel Creasey – BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance

Chantel is this year's winner of the Bowes Financial Accounting Prize.

'I was very honoured to be awarded the Bowes Financial Accounting Prize for achieving the highest mark in the Advanced Financial Accounting exam. It feels fantastic to have my hard work recognised and also confirms I made absolutely the right decision when choosing my degree.

When I first visited Portsmouth I knew it was the University I wanted to attend. The area is really student orientated which makes leaving home a lot easier. I had three amazing years thanks to the University, social life and the people.

I have managed to secure a graduate trainee job in finance, which offers me training in four different areas of finance. This job will be ideal for me as it will allow me to really gain an understanding of what is involved in all areas within the industry, enabling me to continue my career in the area I most preferred.'

Richard de-Winton – BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance

Richard is the winner of two prizes for his efforts on BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance: the Bowes Financial Accounting Prize (2009) and the Grant Thornton Prize.

'Initially, I chose this degree at the University of Portsmouth due to its good reputation for high educational standards and the thorough teaching of the units that make up the course. Upon commencement of the course it was evident I had made the right choice. The course provides a well-rounded introduction to numerous aspects of accounting, finance, business, law and economics whilst providing students with numerous unit options, allowing each student to tailor the course to meet their specific interests or career aspirations.

The broad experience provided by the course is subsequently backed up by in-depth discussions of topical issues within accounting that are relevant to today’s ever-changing world of business and the current economic climate. It allowed me to develop a greater understanding of the financial world, an insight that I will carry with me in my future career. Furthermore, the course has provided me with in-depth knowledge that can be directly applied to a career within finance or other business-related working environments, not to mention many exemptions from the professional accounting qualification that I plan to obtain over the next few years.

The Portsmouth Business School is a modern, vibrant place to study, with a great selection of staff that are always willing to help. Moreover, the facilities that Portsmouth Business School has available are vastly accommodating, with abundant computer access, access to academic literature, subscriptions to many online information services including financial databases, and a specialised placement and career service to name but a few. In sum, the BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance degree at Portsmouth University is the ideal course to enter a range of careers, by providing the essential knowledge of accounting and finance that is directly applicable to almost every business worldwide.'

Laura Bird – BA (Hons) Accounting and Business

'I did maths and business studies at A Level and I was really good with numbers, so accounting was the obvious choice at university.

I really enjoyed the course and met people from everywhere. In year three I did a year's placement at IBM, which was good fun and gave me something to base my dissertation on. My dissertation looked at the Sarbanes Oxley Act, which was the American government's response to the big accounting frauds like Enron and Worldcom. It has been really hard work, but I learnt a lot.

The three things I will take from my time at Portsmouth are that I have learnt to work hard, I really know how to have fun and lastly, I have met friends I hope to have for life.'

Daniel Porter – BA (Hons) Accounting and Business

'I am doing the accounting and business degree and while I do prefer the finance-based subjects, the management stuff is very important. It gives you the big picture, which I think helped me get my job.

I have already found a job with an accounting practice. I will start in the summer and they are putting me through the remaining ACCA exams. I know I will miss student life. Socially the University is very lively, you have the seafront and most importantly, Gunwharf Quays.'

Clydea Chong – BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance

'I come from Hong Kong so what I liked was the sea; when you have a load of deadlines and you are really stressed it's nice to go down to the beach, it's always so fresh. It's also really convenient - the Students' Union, the University buildings, my halls of residence, they are all in the city centre.

Doing well is easy, all you need to do is keep focused in the lectures and seminars and if you find it difficult then just ask for help. Being an international student is difficult as it means you are a long way from home and family, but the lecturers and staff are approachable and really helpful.'

Bukky Oluwabukola – BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance

'I love Portsmouth. It can be hard leaving home, but after a couple of months down here I didn't want to go back to London. All the lecturers are very approachable and my personal tutor is always there to help if I need any advice or assistance. When I finish I am going to complete the remaining ACCA exams and work in an accounting practice. The money is good and you can work all over the world.'

Fola Sogbesan – BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance

'I always wanted to work in this field; my dad was a banker and I was good at maths at school. It's a bit more than that though. I have always been interested in finance, I try to watch the business section on the news and flick through the business pages on the internet.

To do well you have to be at it all the time. Do what you have to do when you have to do it and don't put things off, otherwise things catch up with you. Put the effort in. It's an old saying, but you reap what you sow.'

Udai Patel – BA (Hons) Accounting and Business

'I knew I was coming here as soon as I attended a Preview Day. It's a great location, everything is so close. The best thing so far was Freshers' Week. They have marquees and stalls for all the societies in Ravelin Park and during that week most of the clubs and bars do cheap drinks. It's a great way to meet people.

I really like the management accounting aspect of my course and hope to do CIMA or ACCA and work for one of the major banks.'