Leigh Jostins
finance director, Marks Barfield Architects, UK
Things have gone full circle for Leigh Jostins. Now finance director at Marks Barfield Architects,the designers and originators of the London Eye, she started her career as a musician, then became a writer and sub editor on music magazines.
After such a wide range of careers, it was the arrival of her first child that led Leigh into accountancy. 'The hours didn't really fit in with having a family because I had to work in the evenings,' Leigh explains. So she found a job locally as a bookkeeper and then moved to work for Marks Barfield Architects. Most of her working day is spent at the architects, and she spends the rest of her time working as an accountant for her husband's recording studio.
Leigh chose ACCA because of recommendations from Marks Barfield's auditor and from her family. 'Although I studied with BPP and at home, I found the qualification pretty challenging because of the maths - I don't have maths A-level,' remembers Leigh. But, it was worthwhile. 'I have a more professional outlook, am better educated and understand people better, thanks to the ACCA qualification,' she says.
Her success was rewarded when she became the ACCA new accountant of the year in 2001 (the same year that Marks Barfield Architects were awarded Architectural Practice of the year by Building magazine) and this was followed, in 2003, by Marks Barfield Architects winning the prestigious Queen's Award For Enterprise. 'Both particularly amazing achievements,' she says proudly.
Since graduating in February 2001, Leigh feels that her ACCA membership offers her support, continued education and respect. For those still to complete the exams, she says: 'If I can do it, anyone can. You just have to want it enough.'
Studying for her ACCA exams and the benefits of becoming a member have helped her in her career, especially as finance director at Marks Barfield Architects. 'In my view,' she says: 'modern finance professionals need positive, but prudent, financial reporting skills and honesty, objectivity and tenacity.