law and accounting personal statement

Sample Personal Statement Accounting and Finance

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following personal statement is written by an applicant who got accepted to several top accounting and finance programs. Variations of this PS got accepted at the University of Michigan, Vanderbilt, and Indiana University. Read this personal statement to understand what a top essay in Accounting and Finance should look like.

Example Personal Statement Accounting and Finance

I have never made popular choices, whether academic or professional. Where high academic achievement irrefutably means pursuing a career in Medicine or STEM, I opted for a career in management. I was free to choose a path for myself, owing to my performance during an extensive pre-induction professional training program. Fortunately, I picked a path that everyone believed was insignificant.

My decision to move to a new city to pursue my path did not receive encouragement. Making my own decisions has given me the freedom to dream and make it a reality. It has strengthened my belief that I am the only one who can bring a difference for myself and those around me. Brazil’s institutions may seem frozen, yet, at the grassroots, Brazil is in perpetual motion with ceaseless creativity. To accelerate this motion, we need to bring better and more affordable solutions; I plan to do that.

Growing up in Brazil, I have constantly questioned why we are still not growing economically despite having abundant resources. I frequently discussed the economic factors affecting us with my father, leading me to work at local NGOs and attend voluntary programs. My interest intensified when I discovered during these experiences that the unequal distribution of resources was a major cause of our economic constriction.

Moreover, our medical, engineering and academic professionals would not work in rural areas due to a lack of facilities, further debilitating the imbalance. It made me realize that we could only reap the benefits of our efforts if there were a proportionate distribution of resources. Realizing how effective mobilization of resources can aid in eradicating social ills, I developed an interest in management. This equipped me with technical knowledge and provided room for opinion building.

Pursuing this path, I joined the leading undergraduate institution in the country. The zeal with which I made this decision led me to graduate summa cum laude. While studying, I taught communication skills to undergraduate business students from rural areas. Meeting these students compelled me to get involved even though I lacked formal teaching training. Through empathy and friendly get-togethers, I was able to help these students conveniently traverse in English. With this experience, I understood that my time and energy had been well spent and that as an agent of change, one does not necessarily need to be exceptional; instead, one requires creativity, patience, and emotional intelligence.

After graduation, I followed through with my goal of facilitating change by joining the banking sector as an accounting and finance trainee. By working in Brazil’s most vital financial sector, I was exposed to diversified experiences, from being as simple as issuing customer chequebooks to designing accounting and credit proposals to the tune of USD 1.2 billion. Furthermore, while working on individual projects, I developed an in-depth understanding of international accounting rules that regulated trade transactions; the learning opportunities were immense.

Two and a half years of experience in the finance sector brought me to work for the country’s central bank. The anxiety that accompanied moving away from home for the first time was overwhelmed by my professional and personal growth. Nine months of extensive training and on-the-job assignments exposed me to interminable learning opportunities. However, my real gain has been in the form of self-improvement and growth that accompanied my first experience living independently. Leaving the protective living that I enjoyed with my family is challenging, but it has developed and strengthened my capabilities of taking and owning my decisions. Above all, knowing that my family is not always around to guide me has instilled in me a greater sense of responsibility.

During the two a half years of experience in accounting and finance, I observed the financial exclusion experienced by some important yet financially constrained sectors of the economy. This exposure motivated me to join the Development Finance Department upon my appointment to the country’s central bank. Moreover, most of the firms operating in any country of the world are either small or medium enterprises. Thus, providing an enabling environment to such enterprises is significant for economic growth and employment generation.

In Brazil also, 90 percent of the enterprises are small and medium-sized, and lack of access to formal sources of finance is a significant impediment to these enterprises’ growth. Therefore, a huge room for improvement is available concerning the development of policy framework and market infrastructure for the financial inclusion of this sector. As a part of the central bank, I have been allowed to intervene in a system that is not effectively performing its role of financial intermediation. Innovation in financial products, development of accounting and risk mitigation strategies are requirements to alleviate this segment’s financial exclusion.

By broadening my exposure and enhancing my knowledge, I aim to equip myself better to address the shortcomings of one of the critical segments of the economy.

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Accounting and Management Personal Statement: Effective Guide

Table of Contents

Accounting and management involve recording, and summarizing financial transactions to provide helpful information for business decisions. Organizations employ account and management personnel now and then to carry out these responsibilities. When applying to organizations for such roles, you need to present an  accounting and management personal statement. 

A personal statement briefly summarizes an individual’s skills, qualifications, and experiences. It is meant to help the recruiter learn about the job applicant and the unique qualities he/she can contribute to the job. This guide will teach you how to write a brilliant personal statement for an accounting and management job.

What Is A Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a document used to introduce yourself and your skills to a prospective employer . This document is a vital part of the job application process. It is the employer’s first impression of you, so it has to be a good one. This will get them to read through your job application.

Recruiters use the personal statement to see if a job applicant is a perfect fit in skills, experience, and attitude.

The most traditional personal statement starts with an introduction. This is where you introduce yourself, your education, skills, and qualifications. A personal statement also typically includes experiences, goals, and personal qualities.

Key details to include in the personal statement

When writing an accounting and management personal statement , there are several important details that you should include:

• Your background and experience in accounting, including any relevant education or training you have received.
• Your specific interests and goals within the field of accounting and management. And what motivates you to pursue a career in the field.
• The skills and qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the job. This may include your ability to analyze financial data, problem-solve, and work well in a team.
• Your past achievements and accomplishments, such as awards, internships, or other relevant experience.
• Your long-term goals and plans for your career in accounting, and how you hope to contribute to the field.
• Any additional pertinent information. This may include your interests, hobbies, or experiences.

Writing an Accounting and Management Personal Statement

You cannot just approach your summary like any random essay. The process of writing an accounting and management personal statement typically involves the following steps:

• Research the job you are applying for, and make sure you understand the requirements and qualifications. This will help you tailor your statement to the specific opportunity you seek.
• Think about your background, experiences, and goals and how they relate to the accounting field. Consider what makes you unique and what sets you apart from other applicants.
• Write a personal statement draft, focusing on the key points you want to highlight. Be concise and clear, and avoid unnecessary details.
• Edit your statement until you are satisfied with it. Make sure it accurately reflects your skills, qualifications, and experiences. And that it is tailored to the specific program or job you are applying for.
• Proofread your statement carefully to ensure it is error-free and ready to submit.
• Finally, submit your statement and other application documents, and follow up with the program or employer as needed.

Examples of Accounting and Management Personal Statements

A highly motivated individual with aspirations of becoming a successful accountant and manager. I have the determination and drive to achieve my goals and the ability to work hard and persevere through any challenge. I am confident in my skills and believe that with perseverance and dedication, anything is possible. My past experiences have taught me valuable lessons that will allow me to be an asset to any organization or team I join.

I have always been interested in how businesses operate and the factors that affect their success. That is why I decided to pursue a degree in accounting and management. My coursework has given me a strong foundation in financial accounting, managerial accounting, and business law. I have what it takes to be a great accountant and manager.

In addition to my academic qualifications, I have experience working in the private sector and with not-for-profit organizations. This breadth of experience has helped me develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. I am eager to put these skills into practice by joining an organization where I can make a meaningful contribution.

I am a senior accounting and management major at [university name] and am passionate about using my skills to help businesses grow. Throughout my coursework, I have developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which will be invaluable in helping me become an effective manager.

In addition, I have also gained experience working in teams, which has taught me how to collaborate effectively with others. After graduation, I plan to use my skills and knowledge to work for a top accounting firm or business organization.

I have always been interested in numbers and how they dictate financial outcomes. This interest led me to pursue accounting as my undergraduate major, and I am now a licensed CPA. My experience with clients, individually and in groups, has given me an intimate knowledge of accounting standards and principles. I can utilize this knowledge when advising individuals on their finances. In addition to my passion for numbers, I enjoy working with people; this combination makes being an accountant a perfect fit.

I am an accountant with over six years of experience in the field. My skills include bookkeeping, preparing financial statements, and providing tax advice. In my previous roles, I worked with clients from various industries. So I have a strong understanding of what it takes to be successful in accounting. I am looking for an opportunity to continue developing my skills and contribute value to the team.

I am [Your name], a recent graduate of [Your institution]. My concentration was in accounting, which has always been of great interest to me. My experience as an intern at [Organization] allowed me to learn about various aspects of accounting, from financial statement analysis to auditing. This hands-on experience solidified my desire to pursue a career in this field.

I have always excelled academically and possess the necessary skill set and drive required for a successful career in accounting. I am detail-oriented and thrive under pressure; both qualities are essential in this field. Additionally, strong communication skills are critical as accountants must liaise with clients and management effectively.

I would be an excellent addition to any accounting team and am eager to take on new challenges while continuing to grow professionally.

A well-written accounting and management personal statement is valuable in your application process. You don’t just want to ramble through the whole thing without making sense. 

Your personal statement is designed to give you an edge over other applicants , so create it in a way that shows that uniqueness. Follow the tips in this guide, or use Hey INK to generate the perfect personal statement. Then sit back and wait for that interview call! 

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Accounting Personal Statement Examples

Personal statement examples for accounting are available for students to use as inspiration. Read below both examples.

Accounting Personal Statement

I am inspired and motivated by my family and by my own general aptitude for mathematical subjects to pursue a degree in accounting and to pursue a career in the field. During my summer vacations, I worked in the accounting department of my father’s company and observed the accountants at work and learned a lot from them. Upon graduation, my immediate plans are to return to my father’s business, assist him with his business, and gain experience that can be applied to my own company in the future. As China’s business environment continues to develop and expand at an unprecedented rate, I am eager to contribute to this new era of commerce. The versatility and variety of accounting appeal to me. Modern enterprises can benefit from the expertise of a well-qualified accountant in many ways, and a degree in business studies from a British university would be the best way to begin my career in this field, given the reputation of British universities and the business studies courses they offer. It is very important to my parents for me to take advantage of this opportunity to study in the UK and to expand my academic knowledge and skills.

Modern corporations, charities, governments, and individuals are eagerly seeking accountants from good universities with good degrees. The role of accountants in business planning and decision-making is becoming increasingly important, so they need good interpersonal skills in addition to academic aptitude. Complexity and analytical abilities are required for the job. In the same way that businesses rely on their lawyers, I understand that as an accountant I carry enormous responsibility. In addition to keeping up with tax and legal developments, the accountant must always be accurate and able to work under pressure. Being a member of a well-respected profession would be a great source of human satisfaction, both materially and personally. Prospects seem very promising to me.

Reading journals and following economics stories in the media has developed my interest in the business world and accountancy. Regularly updating one’s information is essential given that the situation is constantly changing. My communication skills and approachable temperament extend beyond the classroom. Both in everyday life and in my academic studies, I enjoy being part of a team. Being a team leader during my college’s summer campus taught me a lot about working with others and getting along with them. Being able to serve the needs of the elderly has always been rewarding for me as a volunteer in care homes in China. I love adventures, also I am open-minded and always ready to try new things and consider new ideas.

I have a number of languages, Chinese, fluent English and some Japanese and Korean. I believe that such skills are an immense asset in today’s increasingly international and globalised economic environment. I also have highly trained IT skills, which I know are now central to the accountancy profession. I am hard-working, reliable and mature in my attitude, and very much committed to my chosen career path. I have a number of friends with whom I would hope eventually to set up a joint venture company, after working for some time in my father’s firm. I am academically able, enthusiastic, energetic and ambitious, and very much look forward to a successful career. I can offer my total commitment to my chosen course and I hope you will consider my application.

Accounting Personal Statement Example

Besides serving as the cornerstones of any successful business management , finance and accounting are also two of the most important building blocks of our contemporary society, and they become even more important during economic crises, like the one we are currently experiencing. Hence, I cannot see how anyone cannot become fascinated by learning more about the processes that govern capital flows and shape our world. I have grown steadily fascinated by these processes and developed an aptitude for and interest in mathematics throughout my school years, so I am confident I will be a motivated and ambitious undergraduate student in these subjects.

I have always enjoyed subjects which focus on numbers and mathematics. In addition to my studies, I also undertook maths challenges that aimed to make mathematics accessible and fun. It is this attitude to the subject that has inspired me to continue progressing to higher-level study in related subjects. My positive attitude to study also extends to other subjects, however, and I have gained valuable skills and experience from branching out into other fields. Studying Biology and Chemistry not only made good use of my mathematical skills but also encourage a logical, patient approach to problem-solving, while studying German inspired an interest in learning about other cultures and languages that will assist me in the increasingly international field of global finance.

Gaining experience within existing businesses offered an opportunity to begin to see how the principles of finance were applied in a real-world context. Through working as a customer adviser at Next, I have gained experience in working to daily targets, handling money and realising the importance of setting and adjusting financial expectations based on a variety of variables. Through occupying a customer service role I also gained the opportunity to hone communication and teamwork skills, allowing me to maintain excellent relationships with customers and colleagues. During my work experience with Edutech, I also utilised and developed these same skills, while undertaking repairs of school computers and increasing my knowledge of Information Technology and computer systems, so central to the contemporary field of finance.

I have been deeply involved in supporting both my academic and local communities, believing it is essential to help guide younger students at my school and in my neighbourhood. I have found serving as a role model for them as they overcome challenges to be immensely rewarding. I served as Senior Prefect and School Council Member, roles giving me a window into how funding decisions directly impact students – reinforcing the centrality of finance and accounting. I also volunteered with Oriel Youth Wing, establishing and running a youth club, an experience that taught me much about organization and time management while mentoring members through difficulties. Similarly, I mentored and supervised children of various ages through BEIS fun club and the Knowing Me Knowing You mentor scheme.

As a committed and ambitious student with an aptitude for mathematics, I believe I possess the intellectual ability and drive needed for undergraduate and potentially graduate studies in accounting and finance. More importantly, as someone with a well-developed social conscience, I will bring to my studies an awareness of the profound impact these subjects have on all our lives, creating extra motivation to understand and influence these fields after graduation.

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• How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

Published on February 12, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 3, 2023.

A personal statement is a short essay of around 500–1,000 words, in which you tell a compelling story about who you are, what drives you, and why you’re applying.

To write a successful personal statement for a graduate school application , don’t just summarize your experience; instead, craft a focused narrative in your own voice. Aim to demonstrate three things:

• Your personality: what are your interests, values, and motivations?
• Your talents: what can you bring to the program?
• Your goals: what do you hope the program will do for you?

This article guides you through some winning strategies to build a strong, well-structured personal statement for a master’s or PhD application. You can download the full examples below.

Urban Planning Psychology History

Table of contents

Getting started with your personal statement, the introduction: start with an attention-grabbing opening, the main body: craft your narrative, the conclusion: look ahead, revising, editing, and proofreading your personal statement, frequently asked questions, other interesting articles.

Before you start writing, the first step is to understand exactly what’s expected of you. If the application gives you a question or prompt for your personal statement, the most important thing is to respond to it directly.

For example, you might be asked to focus on the development of your personal identity; challenges you have faced in your life; or your career motivations. This will shape your focus and emphasis—but you still need to find your own unique approach to answering it.

There’s no universal template for a personal statement; it’s your chance to be creative and let your own voice shine through. But there are strategies you can use to build a compelling, well-structured story.

The first paragraph of your personal statement should set the tone and lead smoothly into the story you want to tell.

Strategy 1: Open with a concrete scene

An effective way to catch the reader’s attention is to set up a scene that illustrates something about your character and interests. If you’re stuck, try thinking about:

• A personal experience that changed your perspective
• A story from your family’s history
• A memorable teacher or learning experience
• An unusual or unexpected encounter

To write an effective scene, try to go beyond straightforward description; start with an intriguing sentence that pulls the reader in, and give concrete details to create a convincing atmosphere.

Strategy 2: Open with your motivations

To emphasize your enthusiasm and commitment, you can start by explaining your interest in the subject you want to study or the career path you want to follow.

Just stating that it interests you isn’t enough: first, you need to figure out why you’re interested in this field:

• Is it a longstanding passion or a recent discovery?
• Does it come naturally or have you had to work hard at it?
• How does it fit into the rest of your life?
• What do you think it contributes to society?

Tips for the introduction

• Don’t start on a cliche: avoid phrases like “Ever since I was a child…” or “For as long as I can remember…”
• Do save the introduction for last. If you’re struggling to come up with a strong opening, leave it aside, and note down any interesting ideas that occur to you as you write the rest of the personal statement.

Once you’ve set up the main themes of your personal statement, you’ll delve into more detail about your experiences and motivations.

To structure the body of your personal statement, there are various strategies you can use.

Strategy 1: Describe your development over time

One of the simplest strategies is to give a chronological overview of key experiences that have led you to apply for graduate school.

• What first sparked your interest in the field?
• Which classes, assignments, classmates, internships, or other activities helped you develop your knowledge and skills?
• Where do you want to go next? How does this program fit into your future plans?

Don’t try to include absolutely everything you’ve done—pick out highlights that are relevant to your application. Aim to craft a compelling narrative that shows how you’ve changed and actively developed yourself.

My interest in psychology was first sparked early in my high school career. Though somewhat scientifically inclined, I found that what interested me most was not the equations we learned about in physics and chemistry, but the motivations and perceptions of my fellow students, and the subtle social dynamics that I observed inside and outside the classroom. I wanted to learn how our identities, beliefs, and behaviours are shaped through our interactions with others, so I decided to major in Social Psychology. My undergraduate studies deepened my understanding of, and fascination with, the interplay between an individual mind and its social context.During my studies, I acquired a solid foundation of knowledge about concepts like social influence and group dynamics, but I also took classes on various topics not strictly related to my major. I was particularly interested in how other fields intersect with psychology—the classes I took on media studies, biology, and literature all enhanced my understanding of psychological concepts by providing different lenses through which to look at the issues involved.

Strategy 2: Own your challenges and obstacles

If your path to graduate school hasn’t been easy or straightforward, you can turn this into a strength, and structure your personal statement as a story of overcoming obstacles.

• Is your social, cultural or economic background underrepresented in the field? Show how your experiences will contribute a unique perspective.
• Do you have gaps in your resume or lower-than-ideal grades? Explain the challenges you faced and how you dealt with them.

Don’t focus too heavily on negatives, but use them to highlight your positive qualities. Resilience, resourcefulness and perseverance make you a promising graduate school candidate.

Growing up working class, urban decay becomes depressingly familiar. The sight of a row of abandoned houses does not surprise me, but it continues to bother me. Since high school, I have been determined to pursue a career in urban planning. While people of my background experience the consequences of urban planning decisions first-hand, we are underrepresented in the field itself. Ironically, given my motivation, my economic background has made my studies challenging. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship for my undergraduate studies, but after graduation I took jobs in unrelated fields to help support my parents. In the three years since, I have not lost my ambition. Now I am keen to resume my studies, and I believe I can bring an invaluable perspective to the table: that of the people most impacted by the decisions of urban planners.

Strategy 3: Demonstrate your knowledge of the field

Especially if you’re applying for a PhD or another research-focused program, it’s a good idea to show your familiarity with the subject and the department. Your personal statement can focus on the area you want to specialize in and reflect on why it matters to you.

• Reflect on the topics or themes that you’ve focused on in your studies. What draws you to them?
• Discuss any academic achievements, influential teachers, or other highlights of your education.
• Talk about the questions you’d like to explore in your research and why you think they’re important.

The personal statement isn’t a research proposal , so don’t go overboard on detail—but it’s a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the field and your capacity for original thinking.

In applying for this research program, my intention is to build on the multidisciplinary approach I have taken in my studies so far, combining knowledge from disparate fields of study to better understand psychological concepts and issues. The Media Psychology program stands out to me as the perfect environment for this kind of research, given its researchers’ openness to collaboration across diverse fields. I am impressed by the department’s innovative interdisciplinary projects that focus on the shifting landscape of media and technology, and I hope that my own work can follow a similarly trailblazing approach. More specifically, I want to develop my understanding of the intersection of psychology and media studies, and explore how media psychology theories and methods might be applied to neurodivergent minds. I am interested not only in media psychology but also in psychological disorders, and how the two interact. This is something I touched on during my undergraduate studies and that I’m excited to delve into further.

Strategy 4: Discuss your professional ambitions

Especially if you’re applying for a more professionally-oriented program (such as an MBA), it’s a good idea to focus on concrete goals and how the program will help you achieve them.

• If your career is just getting started, show how your character is suited to the field, and explain how graduate school will help you develop your talents.
• If you have already worked in the profession, show what you’ve achieved so far, and explain how the program will allow you to take the next step.
• If you are planning a career change, explain what has driven this decision and how your existing experience will help you succeed.

Don’t just state the position you want to achieve. You should demonstrate that you’ve put plenty of thought into your career plans and show why you’re well-suited to this profession.

One thing that fascinated me about the field during my undergraduate studies was the sheer number of different elements whose interactions constitute a person’s experience of an urban environment. Any number of factors could transform the scene I described at the beginning: What if there were no bus route? Better community outreach in the neighborhood? Worse law enforcement? More or fewer jobs available in the area? Some of these factors are out of the hands of an urban planner, but without taking them all into consideration, the planner has an incomplete picture of their task. Through further study I hope to develop my understanding of how these disparate elements combine and interact to create the urban environment. I am interested in the social, psychological and political effects our surroundings have on our lives. My studies will allow me to work on projects directly affecting the kinds of working-class urban communities I know well. I believe I can bring my own experiences, as well as my education, to bear upon the problem of improving infrastructure and quality of life in these communities.

Tips for the main body

• Don’t rehash your resume by trying to summarize everything you’ve done so far; the personal statement isn’t about listing your academic or professional experience, but about reflecting, evaluating, and relating it to broader themes.
• Do make your statements into stories: Instead of saying you’re hard-working and self-motivated, write about your internship where you took the initiative to start a new project. Instead of saying you’ve always loved reading, reflect on a novel or poem that changed your perspective.

Your conclusion should bring the focus back to the program and what you hope to get out of it, whether that’s developing practical skills, exploring intellectual questions, or both.

Emphasize the fit with your specific interests, showing why this program would be the best way to achieve your aims.

Strategy 1: What do you want to know?

If you’re applying for a more academic or research-focused program, end on a note of curiosity: what do you hope to learn, and why do you think this is the best place to learn it?

If there are specific classes or faculty members that you’re excited to learn from, this is the place to express your enthusiasm.

Strategy 2: What do you want to do?

If you’re applying for a program that focuses more on professional training, your conclusion can look to your career aspirations: what role do you want to play in society, and why is this program the best choice to help you get there?

Tips for the conclusion

• Don’t summarize what you’ve already said. You have limited space in a personal statement, so use it wisely!
• Do think bigger than yourself: try to express how your individual aspirations relate to your local community, your academic field, or society more broadly. It’s not just about what you’ll get out of graduate school, but about what you’ll be able to give back.

You’ll be expected to do a lot of writing in graduate school, so make a good first impression: leave yourself plenty of time to revise and polish the text.

Your style doesn’t have to be as formal as other kinds of academic writing, but it should be clear, direct and coherent. Make sure that each paragraph flows smoothly from the last, using topic sentences and transitions to create clear connections between each part.

Don’t be afraid to rewrite and restructure as much as necessary. Since you have a lot of freedom in the structure of a personal statement, you can experiment and move information around to see what works best.

Finally, it’s essential to carefully proofread your personal statement and fix any language errors. Before you submit your application, consider investing in professional personal statement editing . For $150, you have the peace of mind that your personal statement is grammatically correct, strong in term of your arguments, and free of awkward mistakes.

A statement of purpose is usually more formal, focusing on your academic or professional goals. It shouldn’t include anything that isn’t directly relevant to the application.

A personal statement can often be more creative. It might tell a story that isn’t directly related to the application, but that shows something about your personality, values, and motivations.

However, both types of document have the same overall goal: to demonstrate your potential as a graduate student and s how why you’re a great match for the program.

The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.

Different programs have different requirements, so always check if there’s a minimum or maximum length and stick to the guidelines. If there is no recommended word count, aim for no more than 1-2 pages.

If you’re applying to multiple graduate school programs, you should tailor your personal statement to each application.

Some applications provide a prompt or question. In this case, you might have to write a new personal statement from scratch: the most important task is to respond to what you have been asked.

If there’s no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you’re applying to this specific program.

If the application also includes other essays, such as a statement of purpose , you might have to revise your personal statement to avoid repeating the same information.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

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Waldencast’s (WALD) Latest Admitted Improper Accounting Prompts Investigation Into Possible Securities Law Violations - Hagens Berman

SAN FRANCISCO, April 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hagens Berman urges Waldencast plc (NASDAQ: WALD) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now .

Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/wald Contact An Attorney Now: [email protected]                                                      844-916-0895

Waldencast plc (NASDAQ: WALD) Investigation:

On Mar. 22, 2024, shares in Waldencast fell 11%, after the global beauty and wellness company revealed further accounting adjustments to prior financial statements for its beleaguered Obagi Skincare business.

Waldencast acquired Obagi in July 2022 as part of a $1.2 billion three-way business combination with Obagi and Milk Makeup, billing Obagi as an industry-leading, advanced skin care line positioned in the high-growth dermo-cosmetic category. But over the past year, a series of accounting missteps at Obagi have flagged the company.

Problems with Obagi’s financial reporting were first revealed on May 2, 2023, when Waldencast announced it would not timely file its year end 2022 financial statements because of an ongoing review of accounting issues concerning Obagi’s product sales for the Vietnam market.

Then, on July 5, 2023, Waldencast announced that it would need to restate its financial statements for all of 2021 and for the first two quarters of 2022. The company explained that the misreporting stemmed from improper revenue recognition involving sales of its Obagi skincare products to its Southeast Asia distributor. Among other things, Waldencast said it “expects the revenue in connection with sales of its Obagi products for the Vietnam market during second half of fiscal year 2022 to be reduced to zero from its prior expectation of $33 million[.]”

On Jan. 16, 2024, Waldencast filed restated financial statements for 2020 and 2021. The company admitted that for 2021 it had (1) overstated revenues by about $63.6 million (or about 44%) and (2) overstated accounts receivable by about $44.6 million (or about 238%).

The Company further disclosed that as a result of the restatements, the SEC had launched an investigation and had subpoenaed the company for documents.

On Jan. 31, 2024, two weeks after the restatement, Waldencast announced that Philippe Gautier, its current chief financial officer and chief operating officer, was leaving the company, effective immediately. The company named Manuel Manfredi, an outsider, as its new CFO.

The accounting situation at Obagi became worse by Mar. 21, 2024, when Waldencast announced “adjustments” to the previously reported balance sheet and income statement data of Obagi as of- and for the period ended- Mar. 31, 2022. As to the balance sheet, Obagi’s accounts receivable were overstated by $45.6 million (or overstated by about 440%). As to the income statement, Obagi’s revenues were overstated by $13.6 million (or overstated by about 42%) and its net losses were understated by $2.8 million (or understated by about 55%).

These events have driven the price of Waldencast shares sharply lower.

“We are investigating whether Waldencast may have intentionally overstated Obagi’s revenues to appear more profitable,” said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the firm’s investigation.

If you invested in Waldencast and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm’s investigation, submit your losses now »

If you’d like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Waldencast investigation, read more »

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Waldencast should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected] .

About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs’ rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at  hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at  @ClassActionLaw . 

Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices . 

Contact: Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895

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AT&T notifies users of data breach and resets millions of passcodes

FILE - An AT&T sign is seen at a store in Pittsburgh, Monday, Jan. 30, 2023. AT&T said, Saturday, March 30, 2024, it has begun notifying millions of customers about the theft of personal data recently discovered online. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

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AT&T said it has begun notifying millions of customers about the theft of personal data recently discovered online.

The telecommunications giant said Saturday that a dataset found on the “dark web” contains information such as Social Security numbers for about 7.6 million current AT&T account holders and 65.4 million former account holders.

The company said it has already reset the passcodes of current users and will be communicating with account holders whose sensitive personal information was compromised.

It is not known if the data “originated from AT&T or one of its vendors,” the company said in a statement. The compromised data is from 2019 or earlier and does not appear to include financial information or call history, it said. In addition to passcodes and Social Security numbers, it may include email and mailing addresses, phone numbers and birth dates.

While the data surfaced on a hacking forum nearly two weeks ago, it closely resembles a similar data breach that surfaced in 2021 but which AT&T never acknowledged, said cybersecurity researcher Troy Hunt .

“If they assess this and they made the wrong call on it, and we’ve had a course of years pass without them being able to notify impacted customers,” then it’s likely the company will soon face class action lawsuits, said Hunt, founder of an Australia-based website for warning people when their personal information has been exposed.

An AT&T spokesperson didn’t immediately return a request for comment Saturday.

It is not the first crisis this year for the Dallas-based company. An outage in February temporarily knocked out cellphone service for thousands of U.S. users. AT&T at the time blamed the incident on a technical coding error, not a malicious attack.

Homology Medicines Defeats Investor Suit Over Gene Therapy Trial

By Martina Barash

Homology Medicines Inc. investors failed to show the company made misleading statements about the progress of a virus-delivered gene therapy for phenylketonuria, a federal court ruled.

“Homology had no duty to disclose data in real time,” Judge Angel Kelley said in an opinion docketed Wednesday in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The company’s disclosure of only some patient data from an early clinical trial was justified by “cutoff” dates in the study, Kelley said.

Further, most of the company’s statements about the data constituted a subjective interpretation, considered inactionable opinions, she said.

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Personal statement example accounting and finance.

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Accounting and Finance

The complexity of numbers is intriguing, and my interest in them has made me highly calculative as well as entrepreneurial. Computational thinking has highlighted the importance of financial ratios and what they may imply for businesses. Competitions such as the Student Investor Challenge have made me view the world of money from the perspective of an investor. It was the virtual buying and selling of shares which allowed me to further comprehend how markets fluctuate in response to the external environment, motivating me to pursue accounting and finance as a degree.

Through my A level studies, in mathematics, economics and business, I have learnt to consider problems logically and have been inspired to examine the practical and pragmatic applications of many numerical formulae. Microeconomic concepts such as supply and demand have demonstrated my use of statistical skills to calculate consumer trends for goods and services, using the alteration of price or quantity to compare the different stages of consumer spending in the economic cycle. This enabled me to broaden my knowledge of concepts such as market failure and how behavioral economics links with the manipulation of consumer habits. One of my favorite topics so far has been investigating profit and loss accounts using budget and ratio analysis, through which I have developed a deeper understanding of the management of the finance within businesses. Work shadowing at GlaxoSmithKline within the financial department has been invaluable to expanding my powers of comprehension. I witnessed how software programs such as JD Edwards and SAP are used. I also learnt that working independently and alongside others, collaborating with the industry professionals around me is vital to moving forward with projects and investment strategies. I realised that there was a large element of accounting in terms of trade routes and company law, which I have yet to discover further, directing me to pursue accounting.

Taking a step into the working world has posed some obstacles but also enriching opportunities. Working at Kumon as an Early Learner assistant in maths and English across the age and ability range, encouraged skills such as patience. I was given the chance to use my analytical and critical thinking skills when marking students’ higher-level work. Furthermore, working part-time for The French Linen Company has taught me how to calculate weekly figures and rent deductions using programs such as Excel, whilst developing my interpersonal skills as a sales assistant. As a result of this I received 98% on a mystery shop (the highest score in the store on the day!) which indicated advancement in my communication skills, due in part to reading and applying Dale Carnegie’s book, ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People,’ which has altered my outlook on why businesses and people are successful. It has been fascinating to see real life anecdotes of how simple things such as charisma and personability can have such an effect on how a person would perceive another, something that I found stimulating and equally intriguing.

I enjoy a healthy balance between school and non-collegiate activities such as archery and yoga. Whilst being a part of the school archery team I gained the chance to captain the team and organise outings whenever we won in the county competitions. Resultant of this, I am now much more equipped in handling high pressure situations and being organised with my school work.

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