Peter Cowan, named at one of the ICAS Top 100 Young CAs 2019, shares his thoughts on his career and what it takes to be a leading CA.
Peter Cowan
Senior Audit and Accounts Analyst
I joined the fun in June 2015.
My time is split between preparing companies’ and individuals' year end accounts and auditing larger companies, as well as preparing tax computations for clients.
As my dad was an accountant, I had first-hand experience of what I thought an accountant did and it seemed like an exciting career. This choice was highly influenced by the fact my dad played in many golf outings. Being young, naïve and a keen golfer, I thought playing golf was part of what accountants do, so I decided I had to follow accountancy as a career path.
The varied multitude of clients from many difference sectors with the variety of challenges making each day different and interesting.
To gain as much work experience as possible (both accounting and other work), as this will help put the knowledge learned at ICAS into real life scenarios. Also, I would say to expect a large workload but know that the work you put in now will be worth it.
A high personal code of ethics, the ability to adapt to different situations, a good work ethic and, most importantly, a good sense of humour.
It’s an absolute honour and a privilege and makes all the hard work I put in over the years even more worth it.
Fun, friendly, fabulous
To a role that continues to challenge me and utilises all I have learned at both Hall Morrice and ICAS.
