A greener future I wanted to say thank you to PQ for supporting bookkeepers and accountants supporting a greener and more sustainable future. I wholeheartedly agree that the accounting industry has a part to play in the fight against the climate crisis. It’s disappointing that industry regulations are only now changing, but whether that’s for environmental or monetary reasons – better late than never! It’s also disappointing to hear colleagues dismissing the role they have to play (including last month’s PQ star letter writer). Many in the industry have been fighting the crisis for a lot longer. As an industry we are key players, able to influence and educate
clients on the financial benefits of a greener and sustainable business model. By providing
simple triple bottom lines (people, planet and profit) for clients, and showing the benefits of working in a circular, sharing or regenerative economy structure, accountants can be instrumental in other industries making small but wellthought-out changes. I would love PQ to continue discussing the industry’s role in fighting the crisis and providing educational pieces on small and large changes we can make within our own firms. Kathryn Frimond, via email The Editor says: Don’t worry Kathryn, saving the planet is top of our agenda too! It is important that we all understand what changes in behaviour can make a real difference.
Our star letter writer wins a fantastic ‘I love PQ’ mug! Time to lose the diet Having gained several pounds while preparing for the ACCA APM (Advanced Performance Management) exam, I was surprised that the examiner’s reports talk about ‘diets’. The online Oxford English Dictionary didn’t give a satisfying answer, but Wiktionary revealed that ‘diet’ means a ‘session of exams’ in Scotland. I find it interesting that ACCA, with its international focus, uses such jargon when easier terms are available (exam sitting or session). After all, my APM studies taught me to keep the audience in mind when writing reports (mnemonic PAIL: purpose, audience, information, layout). To those with future APM diets, read the examiner’s reports since they contain valuable insights. To everyone else, good luck with your post-Christmas diets! Martin Michlmayr, via email
Typeface torment PQ magazine, please help us to get our voice heard. I had a big issue with the latest ACCA exams and I thought others would too – it’s the question font, it’s just not readable! I was forced to copy
out the questions to the word processor just so I could read it. But this caused so much delay and really affected my performance. Does anyone else have the same concerns? Name supplied via Facebook
Hold AAT to account I was surprised that AAT is pushing back the launch of its new qualification by seven months. I just wanted to know why PQ didn’t make more of this story? Name and email address supplied
On one of our favourite Facebook Groups (UK ACCA Distance Learning Students) a PQ asked: “Where do you store all your study material? Any pics?” We loved the response that said: “I either sell the books or throw away (depending on how bad my exam preparation was).” Another said they had “these two to help me.” Others make sure they
are very visible: “On my coffee table and a constant reminder to stop watching TV and do some studying.” And “every possible corner for at least 6 months, afterwards I use the recycling bin.” Some studiers were reluctant to throw anything away: “I didn’t bin any of my books and notes for now. Will do once I qualify.” However, some have taken an alternative route: “I’ve gone
paperless so I have online textbooks and store all my notes, mind maps and lecture notes in a single digital notebook on the iPad (GoodNotes app). I use online lectures so I can study easily when I have spare time by having everything easily accessible and well organised.” A discussion then ensued on whether it is worth investing in an iPad. Robert explained: “It’s certainly helped me – the 12.9 inch screen is excellent. They’re pricey of course but to be able to write the same as on paper but then digitally organise and access my notes has been super helpful.”
PQ Magazine PO Box 75983, London E11 9GS | Phone: 07765 386489 | Email: graham@pqmagazine.com Website: www.pqmagazine.com | Editor/publisher: Graham Hambly graham@pqmagazine.com | Associate editor: Adam Riches | Art editor: Tim Parker Contributors: Robert Bruce, Prem Sikka, Lisa Nelson, Anna Kate Phelan, Tony Kelly, Phil Gammon, Edward Netherton | Subscriptions: subscriptions@pqmagazine.com | Origination services by Classified Central Media If you have any problems with delivery, or if you want to change your delivery address, please email admin@pqmagazine.com
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