My three least favourite words
September 20, 2021I speak to a lot of students and hear a lot of the same things. And alot of words! Some of these words make me roll my eyes … opps … should I not admit that out loud?! 😜 My three least favourite words are …. Wait for it,… Read more
If you got 76 or 78 marks in your CIMA case study
September 8, 2021Whether you got 98 on your objective test or 78 in your case study … this blog is for you. As your Accounting Revision Coach I am on a mission to give you revision focused support so that your exam journey is full of motivation, self confidence and the right… Read more
The benefits of 4 week revision phase
August 27, 2021I bang on about a 4-6 week revision phase allll the time! No, not because I want to extend your exam journey. It’s mainly because I want you to become a smart, confident Accountant. I speak to qualifying accountants every day, I hear your struggles and I know exactly… Read more
Study VS Revision
August 11, 2021The difference between Study VS Revision is very simple Let me explain … I will warn you in advance for the blog, that I get quite passionate when it comes to revision advice. I won’t apologise for my revision passion, mainly because my students love it and when I’m… Read more
Having Accountability keeps you on track
July 6, 2021Does having accountability keep you on track – absol – fricking – lutley! Do I think you perform better with accountability – hell yes! Why though Helen … well obvs I’m gonna reveal all in this week’s blog, but ultimately it’s because bring held accountable brings out an inner… Read more
How to plan a perfect case study answer
June 22, 2021Planning gives you a smarter response. In your case, it gives you a smarter exam answer. If you don’t plan your answer, then you are missing out on marks! This week’s blog is relevant if you are sitting your CIMA case study or ACCA Students specifically any… Read more
Resitter? Oh this blog is for you!
June 7, 2021I love that I am a resitter! I love that I failed some of my exams! I love that I am now a coach and can really speak to and help resitters to give you the tools and techniques you need to be able to resit with confidence! Of… Read more
Your go to CIMA case study blog!
March 8, 2021⚠️ Warning ⚠️ This blog is all about CIMA case study 🤓 😜 This is your go to CIMA case study blog! Oh! I am such a geek when it comes to coaching about the CIMA case studies! I cannot wait to share my Helen style coaching with you… Read more
Revising whilst balancing working from home
February 28, 2021I’m not sure about you, but at the start, working from home for me was enjoyable and I was able to work less but get as much work done and being in the comfort of my beautiful home (with Spencer my dog) made it stress-free and dare I even say… Read more
Revision Confidence Article
February 18, 2021I am super proud to be writing this blog on my website for YOU! Sometimes in life you must shout about your achievements. This achievement is one of mine – so far in 2021 – But I am sharing because it’s all for YOU! I have published my… Read more
Keeping Revision Simple!
July 26, 2020Keeping Revision Simple. My Ultimate Revision Blog – Tips & Advice Keep It Simple Stupid – KISS your revision. I get carried away and can tell you so many revision tips and exercises that work and that will transform your revision. But if I did – then overwhelm… Read more
Confidence – Is the KEY to exam success
July 12, 2020If I could shake you and give you one thing that I know will make a huge impact to your exam success … it would be … CONFIDENCE You know that feeling when you are ready and prepared, with a great big smile and your head held… Read more
Diaries of an oddball accountant – Year 6 – Having that smug feeling & what I’ve done with it!
September 8, 2019As you may (or may not) know I am CIMA qualified and I didn’t pass all of my exams 1st time. My ‘Diaries of an oddball accountant’ is me sharing my highs and lows to the emotional but very rewarding Accounting rollercoaster qualification that I know you guys… Read more
Diaries of an oddball accountant – Year 5 – Putting CIMA 1st (properly)
September 1, 2019My ‘Diaries of an oddball accountant’ is me sharing my highs and lows to the emotional but very rewarding Accounting rollercoaster qualification that I know you guys are on. Read and use it as a confidence booster (to know you’re not alone) – a motivational story (to prove it’s worth… Read more
Diaries of an oddball accountant – Year 4 – My Power Year!
August 25, 2019My ‘Diaries of an oddball accountant’ is me sharing my highs and lows to the emotional but very rewarding Accounting rollercoaster qualification that I know you guys are on. Read and use it as a confidence booster (to know you’re not alone) – a motivational story (to prove it’s worth… Read more
Diaries of an oddball accountant – Year 3 – How have I not finished yet?!
August 18, 2019My ‘Diaries of an oddball accountant’ is me sharing my highs and lows to the emotional but very rewarding Accounting rollercoaster qualification that I know you guys are on. Read and use it as a confidence booster (to know you’re not alone) – a motivational story (to prove it’s worth… Read more
Diaries of an oddball accountant – Year 2 – Keep Going!
August 11, 2019My ‘Diaries of an oddball accountant’ is me sharing my highs and lows to the emotional but very rewarding Accounting rollercoaster qualification that I know you guys are on. Read and use it as a confidence booster (to know you’re not alone) – a motivational story (to prove it’s worth… Read more
Diaries of an Oddball Accountant – Year 1 – Super Keen! 🤓
August 4, 2019As you may (or may not) know I am CIMA qualified and I didn’t pass all of my exams 1st time. My ‘Diaries of an oddball accountant’ is me sharing my highs and lows to the emotional but very rewarding Accounting rollercoaster qualification that I know you guys are on.… Read more
Failing my CIMA exams? The BEST thing that happened…
July 21, 2019I know I say this all the time – but it’s TRUE. I know exactly what you’re going through right now. I was nervous & moody before my exams (sound familiar?!). I’d study for weeks, reading my text book over and over. I’d spend days and days writing long,… Read more
What I think about revision notes!
July 13, 2019STOP! Seriously just stop… put down the pen and paper and STOP writing revision notes. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been talking about revision notes a lot. In the panic run up to the ACCA exams, the things I’m hearing and seeing most are ‘I’m writing too many… Read more
Why did you start your finance qualifications? And WHY you should finish!
May 21, 2019When I was 8, my teacher asked me “what do you want to be when you grow up?”. And I answered brightly “an accountant!”. Yes, really. I was an odd child (and yes, feel free to laugh at me!). But I saw an accountant as a professional career.… Read more
Finally getting qualified…what are you waiting for?!
April 8, 2019Ok. I’m going to be frank here. This year was meant to be the year you pass and/or qualify. Right? Finally get your CIMA or ACCA letters & step up into the job you deserve. That job you KNOW you’re ready for. Finance Manager, Financial Controller, Head… Read more
Feel stuck in a finance job that you don’t love?
March 31, 2019It’s SO tough when you’re ready for that promotion. You have the practical experience & KNOW you can do it. But you can’t get the job, because you’ve not got your ACCA or CIMA qualification and letters yet! So as a qualifying accountant, you’re stuck in a role you… Read more
Revising for your accountancy exams. Not much fun? There IS another way!
March 23, 2019Well – it really hit home this week, that ‘traditional’ revision doesn’t work for everyone. The pages & pages of notes aren’t much fun. Maybe that’s you? The truth is that there are loads of different ways to revise. Many that you might not have come across before (they… Read more
Why exam failure never stopped me (and why it shouldn’t stop you!)
March 17, 2019Why exam failure never stopped me (and why it shouldn’t stop you)… My Grandma is in hospital right now. It’s the weekend – and as I type this, I’ve come down to Devon to visit her. I’m staying at her house and last night, I found a letter… Read more
A little confession … yes I feel the same as you!
February 14, 2019Confession time! How do I start this?! I’m getting twitchy and nervous just ‘saying’ it out loud! This week marks 6 years since I qualified with my CIMA qualification, one of the proudest achievements of my life… so far! As you know I describe myself as the most… Read more
How I successfully achieve my goals!
December 27, 2018I pride myself on my planning and organisational skills, not because I’m arrogant or a show off, but because they work for me and the amazingly successful results I want out of my life. For example, a few years ago I set some yearly goals – to have £4,500 in… Read more
What’s the difference between a coach and a tutor?
December 9, 2018Hi guys! I have nearly 5000 Linkedin connections (If that’s not you – why not 😉 – just click here to connect). And I have been asked may times over the last few months to ‘What I do’ and ‘Can I teach the syllabus’ to you. I wanted to… Read more
A-Z tips for your Career Success
July 24, 2018A-Z tips for your Career Success For the past 26 days I have been creating and posting A-Z tips onto my Instagram Page (here) for you to read, learn and implement. The A–Z tips are short bite-sized career focused tips to show you what my careers coaching style is like,… Read more
Why – The most important question of all!
July 18, 2018Asking the most important question of all – ‘Why?!’ One of my coaching styles is to ask quite a few questions, especially at the start of a new client relationship. This really helps both of us to understand so much! One of my aims as a career coach is… Read more
How to give the perfect handshake!
June 24, 2018Hello! Here you will learn how to give the perfect handshake… keep reading! 🙂 Over on my social media I am shouting about the A to Z of nailing your career strategy. I have talked about A to G so far (you’ll have to go on my Facebook or Instagram… Read more
Fun Facts about me! Helen Pretty – Your career coach
June 9, 2018Hey guys! So I have been set a little challenge (Thanks Maddie!) … and I love a fun little challenge.. so here is my blog for this week – Fun facts about me! Using Gifs! (because that’s cool right?!) So, for those who don’t know me. I am… Read more
How to get your CV Noticed
June 2, 2018How to get your CV noticed (if a recruiter had 10 CV’s- why would they pick yours?) Hello! How many times have you wondered how do you get your CV noticed? I use an analogy (which is often true) which makes my clients focus and have a real life… Read more
Top 3 tips for an amazing Personal Statement
May 31, 2018Hello! I’m Helen Pretty – your Career Coach and Mentor – Bringing you your next blog – ‘Top 3 tips for an amazing personal statement’. Thank you for taking a step forward to your job search. Your personal statement is that section of your application (normally found on your… Read more
Expectations of a Career Coach
May 28, 2018Hello! I’m Helen Pretty – your Career Coach and Mentor. Firstly thank you for taking the first step to changing your job, stepping up in your career and being proactive in your job search! In this blog I talk about the expectations of a career coach. The Oxford dictionary’s… Read more
How to find the motivation to search for a new job
May 10, 2018I bet you want to know how to find the motivation to search for a new job? Thank you for taking an interest in your career! I want to share with you some ways to build your toolkit. This blog is about how to find the motivation to search for… Read more
My Career Journey so far … getting to know me!
March 24, 2018Hey, Here is my career journey… so far! If you commit to a mentoring package with me, then I ask you to discuss your career journey and how you got to where you are today! I thought it would be a great idea if I shared the same discussion with… Read more
What are your top 5?
March 24, 2018What are your top 5? Hey there Helen- what do you mean?! My top 5 favourite foods…NOPE! My top 5 favourite excuses to call in sick for work?… NOPE! Your top 5 Personality Traits- What makes you- YOU- Unique, brilliant and ultimately right for this Job!? This is… Read more
Setting SMART Goals & Objectives
March 24, 2018Setting SMART goals and Objectives! So you want to have a new job? And you know what area you want to work in. But you have no idea how to do it and get there? You’re reading this blog for a reason – firstly thank you! Secondly – I… Read more