HARD work and commitment all adds up for Alex Thomas who after years of study has qualified as an accountant.

Alex, from Caerleon, who works at Newport-based Parker & Co Accountants, has passed her final exam to become a certified chartered accountant.

Practice manager Alex did her CAT (Certified Accounting Technician) qualification at Coleg Gwent and her ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualifications at the University of South Wales, Newport, before completing her final two years of study at home.

Alex said: “I am delighted to have achieved this important professional qualification and that I am now a fully qualified accountant. I am pleased that I won’t have to read another text book.

“My qualification is also a major boost for the Parker & Co practice, which has exciting plans for growth in the near future.”

Alex, who has been employed in accountancy since 2007 after previously working in the Employment Service, says she plans to use some of her spare time developing her water sports interests of canoeing and paddle boarding.

Practice managing director Gary Parker said: “I couldn’t be happier for Alex. I know how hard she has worked to achieve this qualification and also how important it is for us as a practice to have another fully qualified accountant as part of our business offering.”

Alex said: “I would like to thank Gary for his never wavering encouragement and support of me completing my exams. Over the past couple of years, he has tried a variety of incentives and encouragement to give me the final push I needed to pass these important exams.”