STUDENTS' FAQS ON WORKPLACE MENTORS

WHO SHOULD BE MY WORKPLACE MENTOR?

• The workplace mentor:
  • should ideally be a qualified accountant recognised by law in your country and/or a member of an International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) body
  • must have knowledge of your work
• Your workplace mentor should be someone with whom you work closely, who knows the type of work you are doing now, and who also knows the quality of your work. Ideally this will be your line manager or the person to whom you report on particular projects or activities.
• Alternatively, are there any consultants or external contacts - not necessarily employees - who know your work, are qualified accountants and could act as your workplace mentor? For example, your organisation may have external accountants or the organisation's auditor might be willing to fulfil this role - but make sure they do not feel there is any conflict of interest if they agree to do this.
• If your workplace mentor is not qualified you will need to find a training supervisor who is qualified to countersign performance objectives.

HOW DO I FIND A WORKPLACE MENTOR?

• Make sure you are able to explain - to both your employer and your potential workplace mentor - the numerous benefits that will result as you achieve your performance objectives. For example, you will develop skills in areas such as communication and time management. There are also personal benefits for your workplace mentor, because the mentoring role may contribute to the continuing professional development (CPD) requirements of his or her own professional body.
• It is also a good idea to tell your employer how to save time by combining some of your PER activities with the firm's human resources (HR) systems and practices. Doing this will benefit your employer, as ACCA's PER is designed to fit in with organisational target setting, review and appraisal processes.
• ACCA has produced a brief guide that trainees can download and give to potential workplace mentors, explaining the reasons for taking on the role. Download a copy of Become a workplace mentor from the bottom of this page.