A Trowbridge-based finance student is celebrating his global success, after being honoured by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants at a celebratory lunch at Brasserie Blanc in Bristol.

Simon Wilshire, who is commercial finance manager at The Consortium in Trowbridge, took first place globally in his final CIMA exams last year, beating nearly 5,000 other students.

Students in the South West performed exceptionally well over the past year in their CIMA exams and the lunch was an opportunity for students and their employers to enjoy their success.

Mr Wilshire was one of four students from the south west, who all came in the top five in the UK in their CIMA professional exams, to be invited to the lunch hosted by CIMA South West Area chairman David Johnson.

Mr Wilshire said: “The CIMA qualification was a lot of work but definitely worth it. It really helped that I could see the day-to-day use and application of what I was learning as I was learning it, which made it instantly rewarding.

“After winning the prize for my final exam I secured my ideal job – a commercial finance manager position at Connect Education & Care (The Consortium).”

To become a Chartered Management Accountant, students need to complete 10 professional qualification exams across four years.

This is complemented by three-years’ experience which can be gained while studying. Mr Johnston said: “It was fantastic to be able to join the recent CIMA prizewinners and commendees from the South West, and their employers, to celebrate their success at a special lunch.

“We are very proud that this part of the UK has been home to so many who have excelled in their professional exams.

“CIMA qualifications can provide so many opportunities to young people in their careers and enable them to provide an outstanding array of skills to any employer.”