On the Road to CA Success Ten Years Later: Kristen Farnham’s Story

As she hadn’t studied for some time, Kristen first completed Milpark’s SAICA-accredited Advanced Accounting Bridging Course before beginning the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA/CTA).

“I didn’t want to waste time doing a bridging course, but it was very valuable,” she explains. “Laws and standards had changed since I last studied, and it was a good foundation, bringing me back to a level I hadn’t been at for a decade.”

Taking on the course full-time meant studying 40 hours a week alongside her job, which helped her get accustomed to a demanding study routine. “I was relieved when I completed it, it was easier than I expected. I could see light at the end of the tunnel.”

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Kristen’s schedule was demanding, with early starts at 5 a.m., long study sessions after work, and study-focused weekends. “Milpark’s distance learning model made it possible to study while focusing on my job,” she explains.

She adopted a disciplined schedule to help balance work and study. “Milpark stressed the importance of a timetable, which I thought might be overkill; it turned out to be a lifesaver. I knew exactly when I would be studying.”

“If you’re not organised, you’ll fall off the train and it will go without you. The timetable was my guide every day.”

A strong support system was essential to Kristen’s success, particularly her partner’s help. “He completely took over at home - he cooked, cleaned and managed everything else, so I could focus on studying.”  

Kristen’s employer offered study leave and financial assistance and Milpark’s community also provided invaluable support. “Milpark has this incredible way of keeping you motivated,” she says. “Whether it was staff or other students, someone was always available.”

“If it weren’t for Milpark, I would never have been able to achieve this. They hold your hand the whole way. They make a plan, so you don’t fall behind, and they’re there 24/7 to motivate you, even if it’s not about the coursework.”

Kristen’s success was also rooted in her self-discipline and willingness to make personal sacrifices. “I had to set aside personal interests, like running, to stay focused on my CA goal,” she admits. Strictly following her timetable enabled her to stay on track.

She avoided burnout by rewarding herself with small breaks and “reset” weekends. “Sometimes, just taking a weekend off was enough to recharge and refocus.”

Kristen’s time at Milpark culminated in a remarkable achievement: passing her PGDA with distinction and ranking sixth in the country. “It’s very rewarding to know you are capable of doing something to this prestige level.”

She has since gone on to pass her ITC board exams on the first try. “I couldn’t be more thrilled. The journey isn’t over yet, but it will end in CA(SA)!”

Her advice for others is simple: “Don’t wait a decade like I did. If you’ve got a dream, go after it now. With the right support and plan, it’s achievable, especially with Milpark’s flexible online learning programmes.”

Kristen’s success came down to planning, support and commitment. Here are her top tips for successful studying while working:

• Create a Realistic Timetable: “Having a set timetable keeps you accountable.” Prioritize Self-Care: Short breaks after exams helped her recharge. “A little reset keeps you from burning out.”
• Lean on Your Support Network: Kristen says she couldn’t have done it without a strong support system. “You need to let your supporters know what you need and how they can help.”
• Be Consistent: “Studying every day, even for a short time, makes a huge difference.”
• Reward Your Progress: Setting small goals kept her motivated. “Celebrating wins along the way helps you remain focused on your ultimate goal.”

Kristen Farnham’s story shows that with dedication, the right support, and Milpark’s flexible distance learning, achieving a CA qualification in South Africa is possible - even after a long break. “Thanks to Milpark, dreams do come true - even after 10 years!”

Click here to discover how Milpark’s School of Professional Accounting can help make your CA(SA) dreams a reality. Apply now for a Milpark PGDA/CTA and take the first step to achieving your dream.

Connect with Kristen on LinkedIn.