Exceptional exam results are built on more than hard work alone. They reflect dedication, consistency and resilience, as well as the support and opportunities available along the way.
Through our graduate traineeship programme, offered across our offices in Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Cork, they have combined professional study with hands-on client experience while building their careers in an international firm.
We caught up with Ishika and Kedar to learn more about their journeys so far, the experiences that shaped them and the advice they have for future trainees.
Kedar:
"I am a Level 2 Audit Associate in the Audit & Assurance team based in our Galway office. I first joined the team as an Audit Intern in May 2024 before returning as an Audit Trainee in September 2024.
Alongside my traineeship, I have successfully completed 11 of the 13 ACCA examinations on my journey to becoming ACCA qualified."
Ishika:
"My academic journey began in India, where I completed a Bachelor's degree in Commerce and Economics. I then moved to Ireland to pursue a Master's in Corporate Finance at the University of Galway.
After joining Forvis Mazars, I went on to successfully pass my Law, Tax, Audit and Assurance, and Strategic Business Reporting exams on the first attempt.
In my current role, I work with a wide range of clients across different industries, which has given me the opportunity to apply my technical knowledge in practice, continue developing professionally and learn from a supportive team."
Ishika:
"Speaking with the graduates and members of the recruitment team at a University of Galway careers fair gave me a genuine insight into the firm's culture, opportunities and support for professional development and ACCA exams.
It gave me confidence that Forvis Mazars was a place where I could learn from experienced colleagues, take on meaningful work and continue to grow."
Kedar:
"What stood out most to me during my internship was how supportive and approachable everyone was, regardless of seniority. I always felt comfortable asking questions and was encouraged to learn and take on new challenges.
By the end of my internship, I knew it was somewhere I wanted to build my career."
What is the most valuable skill you've developed during your traineeship?
Ishika:
"Balancing client work with studying for ACCA exams has taught me how to prioritise tasks, stay organised and work effectively during busy times."
Kedar:
"Working on a variety of audit engagements has given me a deeper understanding of auditing standards, financial reporting and how to apply professional judgement in real-life situations.
I have also become much more confident communicating with colleagues and clients and managing competing deadlines."
Ishika:
"One of the biggest factors behind my exam success was having a structured study plan and staying consistent throughout my preparation.
The firm's tuition support, learning resources and dedicated study leave gave me the structure and confidence needed to prepare effectively.
Another key factor was the support from colleagues who had already completed the ACCA qualification. They were always willing to share their experiences and provide guidance which has been invaluable throughout my studies."
"For me, success came from consistency rather than last-minute cramming. I made it a habit to study after work each day, even if it was only for a couple of hours. Those small, consistent efforts over several months made a huge difference. The support from the firm also played a significant role. The dedicated study leave gave me valuable time to focus on revision before each exam, and working on audit engagements that closely aligned with the ACCA syllabus helped reinforce many of the concepts I was studying. I'd also like to give a special mention to David from my team. We often stayed back after work to study, and even on days when he didn't have to, he'd sometimes stay behind just to keep me company. Those small gestures and conversations made the long evenings much easier, and I really appreciated the support throughout exam season."
Kedar Kulkarni Audit Associate, Galway |
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Kedar:
"Finding out that I had achieved Ireland Rank 1 and World Rank 3 in the ACCA Audit and Assurance exam is definitely one of my favourite memories. It was a surreal moment and sharing it with my colleagues made it even more special.
Outside of those milestones, it's often the small everyday moments that stand out the most. We have great conversations in the office, everything from what's happening in the stock market and the economy to recommending good films and TV shows. Those chats, along with the firm's social events, are a big part of what makes the office such an enjoyable place to work."
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"One of my favourite moments so far has been my first Christmas party with the firm. It was a fantastic opportunity to get to know the wider team on a more personal level. As someone who was still relatively new to the firm, it was a great way to meet people from different teams outside of my usual day-to-day work. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, which made me feel even more integrated into the firm and its culture. It is the people, the relationships you build and the shared experiences along the way that make your time at the firm truly rewarding."
Ishika Sardeshmukh Audit Associate, Galway |
Ishika:
"You are not expected to know everything from day one. What matters most is having a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and the enthusiasm to take on new challenges."
Kedar:
"Be curious, be willing to learn and don't be afraid to ask questions. If you're prepared to work hard and make the most of the opportunities available to you, you'll grow both professionally and personally."
Kedar: Collaborative. Supportive. Empowering.
Ishika: Rewarding. Exciting. Transformative.
Ishika and Kedar's experiences demonstrate how our graduate traineeship programme combines professional development, practical client experience and a supportive team environment. Their journeys also highlight the opportunities available across our regional offices, where graduates can build rewarding careers while working towards their professional qualifications.
Applications for our 2027 graduate traineeship programme open this September across our offices in Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Cork.
Looking for actionable insights and useful solutions? Advice you can put to work right now? Get the latest news from Frovis Mazars in Ireland in your inbox. We have insights into developments in audit, accounting, tax, financial advisory and consulting that affect your business. We can provide you with unique perspectives and thoughtful solutions so you can meet new challenges and seize opportunities.
Audit Associates Ishika Sardeshmukh and Kedar Kulkarni from our Galway office recently achieved exceptional results in their ACCA examinations, both placing first in Ireland and third globally in the Audit and Assurance exam.
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