Kerrie Murray CA
Kerrie Murray CA has used her ICAS qualification as a strong foundation upon which to build a successful career.
I am the Chief Executive Officer of Pryme Group, an integrated engineering services company.
Why did you become a CA?
I really enjoyed maths and accountancy at school and so accountancy at university for me was a natural progression. Whilst there I learnt about the CA qualification with ICAS and so for me there was no other qualification.
Any advice for potential trainees?
The ICAS qualification will open doors that today you don’t even know exist. It’s so much more than an accountancy qualification. Just go for it.
What's the most interesting project you've been involved in?
From mergers and acquisitions, divestments, IPO’s – there are so many. If I had to choose just one, I think I would say my most recent transition from Chief Financial Officer to Chief Executive Officer. It was during the time that the UK went into lockdown and boy what an experience that was! Both interesting and I learned a tremendous amount.
What makes you proud to be a CA?
For me it’s the history. The ICAS qualification has truly lasted the test of time and I believe that’s because it’s developed with time. And that’s what the qualification allows you as an individual to do too. It allows you to develop and your career will change and I think that’s what makes me proud to be a CA.
What's the best thing about being a CA?
To me, the ICAS qualification is like a foundation on which you can build whatever you want. Your career can be whatever you want it to be. It’s a solid foundation for what will be an excellent career.
What's the best piece of advice you've received?
There is no problem that can’t be solved but that you don’t have to solve that problem on your own.
What countries has your work taken you to?
I’ve only ever lived in the UK, but I have travelled extensively to Houston and also to Hamburg in Germany. I also had the privilege of travelling to lots of other parts of the UK as well as Dubai, Canada and other parts of the US.
Have you ever had a career mentor?
Yes, and my mentor has had a huge impact on my career. I think of a mentor like a parent or guardian when you’re growing up. They allow you to make mistakes and learn from those, then make more mistakes and learn from those too. I don’t think a mentor is too different – just in a different environment.