In an inspiring display of dedication and strategic focus, Masha Kassam, a 26-year-old graduate of ASF College of Accountancy, has set a remarkable precedent by qualifying for the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Malawi (ICAM) Accounting Technician Diploma in a record time of just two sittings. He completed the Accounting Technician Diploma during the December 2024 diet.
Ther impressive feat builds upon his earlier success in completing the Certificate in Financial Accounting (CIFA) in the shortest possible time – a single sitting – cementing his reputation as a student of exceptional drive and capability.
Masha Kassam
Masha’s journey into accountancy wasn’t merely academic; it stemmed from a profound desire for “gaining financial intelligence” and a clear vision of becoming a Chartered Accountant in Malawi. Achieving the Technician Diploma recognition was a crucial stepping stone on the path.
Looking beyond the Technician Diploma, Masha harbours ambitious long-term goals. He plans to gain practical experience by “developing [his] career in accounting through work,” pursue a bachelor’s degree in accountancy, and ultimately achieve the prestigious Chartered Accountancy Malawi qualification. His aspirations extend to entrepreneurship, with a dream of owning and running a reputable accounting firm committed to providing quality services.
His decision to fast-track the Technician Diploma qualification was deliberate. Masha aimed to prove that completing the program in the shortest possible period is achievable, demonstrating that ambitious academic timelines are attainable. Furthermore, he saw the rapid success as a way to build the goodwill necessary for establishing a reputable accounting firm in the future.
Masha’s record-setting achievement was underpinned by a rigorous and meticulously planned study regime. Central to his approach was setting clear targets, including completing all study manuals at least three times, guided by a strict timetable. He maintained a study checklist and committed to studying for a minimum of four hours daily, ensuring manual completion by the fourth month of each semester. The final phase involved intensive exam preparation, focusing on refining his question approach and answering techniques using past examination papers and suggested solutions provided by ICAM.
He identified several effective strategies: achieving a thorough understanding through multiple completions of study manuals, strictly adhering to the study timetable, and maintaining unwavering focus during designated study times.
To supplement his tuition at ASF College of Accountancy, Masha proactively utilized a wide array of external resources. Beyond the core ICAM materials, his toolkit included foundational texts like Frank Wood’s accounting books, advanced materials such as ACCA study texts (F2, F5, F7, F8), online platforms like FOG Accountancy Tutorials, Marketing 99, and Academic Gain Tutorials (AGT), economics textbooks by authors such as Parkin, essential Malawian legal acts (Taxation, Employment, Companies Act 2013), and even resources for Information Systems like “Discovering Computers 2011.” This demonstrates a comprehensive approach to building knowledge across all subject areas.
The most challenging aspect, he notes, was balancing the theoretical and computational demands of the program, which required significant commitment, dedication, and sacrifice. Effective time management was therefore crucial.
Like many students, Masha encountered hurdles. Financial constraints posed a significant challenge, impacting everything from printing study manuals (as he preferred hard copies) to purchasing resources and data bundles. He also faced periods of emotional difficulty, particularly when experiencing “slippage in syllabus coverage.”
His resourcefulness proved key in overcoming these obstacles. Financial pressures were mitigated through income earned from part-time tutoring for both secondary and ICAM students, combined with vital support from parents and relatives. Emotional dips were managed by implementing a “Plan B,” which involved reallocating some examination preparation time to cover remaining concepts.
Masha gratefully acknowledges the robust support system that buoyed him:
- ASF College: Provided encouragement and guidance on approaching the study materials.
- Family: Offered crucial support by providing for needs within their means.
- Friends: Past classmates shared “extra tips,” while current peers inadvertently motivated him through their questions, pushing him to deepen his understanding of concepts.
Masha also credits ICAM for providing vital support, particularly through examiner reports offering direction on past assessments, recommending supplementary study resources, and ensuring students were alerted to updates in study manual content.
A pivotal moment came during his first sitting when ICAM presented him with a recognition award for achieving the highest mark in Accounting 2. “This motivated me to push harder for the unthinkable to be achieved,” Masha recalls.
Reflecting on his journey, Masha offers valuable advice to current and future Technician Diploma students: “ICAM Technician Diploma is achievable as long as the dedication and commitment to studies is there.” He emphasizes the importance of following all Institute updates, utilizing resources like examiner reports, ensuring comprehensive syllabus coverage, and employing a strategic approach to using study manuals.
Masha views the Technician Diploma qualification positively, noting it serves as a “good start-up,” potentially enabling him to apply for mature entry to obtain a bachelor’s degree in relevant commerce fields.
Masha Kassam’s story is more than just academic success; it’s a powerful illustration of ambition, discipline, strategic planning, and resilience. His record-setting qualification serves as a potent inspiration, demonstrating to students across Malawi that with unwavering commitment and smart strategies, even the most ambitious goals can be surpassed. His journey underscores the value of the ICAM pathway and signals a bright future for dedicated accounting professionals in Malawi.
Editor-in-Chief