Study Zone

The secrets of success

PQ magazine spoke to CIPFA prize-winning PQs to discover their tricks of the trade

Iain Banfield was presented with the Arthur Collins Memorial Medal and the Richard Emmott memorial Prize at the recent CIPFA prize-winners’ lunch. So what insight can Iain, who works for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, give those following in his illustrious steps?
Why did you choose CIPFA? It was the only option given by my employer! But the more I looked at the course structure, the more I was attracted to the depth of coverage (which strayed a long way from traditional accountancy to management and leadership, economics and politics). The public sector focus was another plus, particularly as we moved to the applied material in the later stages of the course. So, on reflection, it was a wise choice.
How has having the qualification helped with your work at BIS/UKTI? I think it’s mostly helped with the mind-set as much as understanding new technical detail. It teaches you to think more about value for money, project appraisal and even how to address certain managerial and cultural change issues when approaching every-day scenarios. The qualification also gives a great deal of credibility when you do need to delve into the detail.
What is the secret to your exam success? Exam technique plays a huge part in the final CIPFA exams. Its a big change from the first two-and-a-half years and working out early on how you best cope with one all-day exam with a mountain of paperwork and one that requires a substantial piece of research before going in is the key. The course gives a real opportunity to explore different techniques, see what works best and discuss with others.
Do you use any special revision techniques? I tried to focus revision on the areas where it would have most impact. Nobody’s got the time while doing a day job to learn huge swathes of textbook so it’s important that you use revision time effectively. I found that past papers and revision courses gave a good indication of where examiners like to focus. Saying that, in the earlier exams, basic memory tricks can be a big help in learning lots of lists. I also found study groups a help, to bounce ideas around and break-up the monotony of the final few days of revision.
What advice do you have for PQ readers? Focus on what you know works for you. Some people cope well with cramming, others prefer a more even pace through the course – it’s important not to get too worried about what others are doing and just be honest with yourself about your own preparation. Personally, I always responded best to lots of discussion whether in the class, revision groups or the pub. Challenging each other is a great way of testing whether you genuinely understand something.
What did you do when you were not studying for your exam?
My main escape was watching Crystal Palace, where I’m season ticket holder, but I think it may have just reminded me of the merits of better financial management!

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