60 Seconds with Theano Stamou, our PQ of the Year

What is the secret behind Theano’s amazing success story? She left Greece aged 23 and moved to London in pursuit of new career challenges. Currently part-qualified and studying for the Strategic Business Leader exam, Theano shares with us what got her to the shortlist of the prestigious PQ Magazine Awards in 2020.

1.       Why did you choose to study accountancy and ACCA?

My mum is an accountant and I knew that I wanted to follow her steps from a young age. I chose ACCA not only because of its worldwide reputation, but also since I knew that it would equip me with all the necessary practical knowledge to thrive in the accountancy profession.

2.       What is your current job?

I am currently working as an Assistant Management Accountant for an Interior Design and Architecture company.

3.       There are only 24 hrs in a day, how do you fit it all in?

Honestly, it’s not easy; you need to prioritise and sometimes turn socials down. This doesn’t mean that you can’t have a social life, you just need to manage your time properly and keep thinking that the more effort you put on your studies, the quicker you’ll be done with them.

4.       What was the funniest thing during your ACCA studies?

Most of my close friends are studying towards similar qualifications and this made the whole ACCA journey easier and more fun. Occasionally, we spend our weekends together studying and hence, there are lots of funny moments to recall.

5.       What would your perfect weekend be like?

It would probably be a weekend in my hometown back in Greece, spending some time with my friends and family.

6.       What inspires you?

Visiting a new city or restaurant is always inspirational!

7.       What is your favourite place in the world?

Paris! Amazing museums, culture and food.

8.       If you could be an animal, which one would you choose and why?

Perhaps, a Zebra; I am very loyal and persistent as person but at the same time spontaneous.

9.       What do you like about London the most?

London is a city combining everything; every type of social activity, cultural diversity and opportunities for a fast track career progression.

10.   When you’re having a bad day, what do you do to make yourself feel better?

With a warm bath and a cup of tea everything seems much better.

11.   What is your dream job?

In the long run, I see myself running my own company specialising in the provision of financial advisory services.

12.   Any advice to students?

Avoid sitting many exams in one go; it’s better if you sit just one and pass it, rather than taking two or three and failing all of them. I think this is what helped me pass all my exams at first sitting and achieve good scores.