A member of the SMP Accounting and Tax Department has been named Top Student in the Isle of Man after successfully completing her ACCA exams at the first attempt.

Lauren Cooper not only achieved the highest marks of anyone in the Isle of Man sitting the final exams, but also scored the 33rd highest marks in the world.

Lauren said: ‘To be awarded Top Student in the Isle of Man and placed 33rd in the worldwide ACCA rankings is a real honour, and I think reflects the work I put into the qualification as well as the huge support my colleagues in SMP Accounting and Tax have given me throughout.’

She started working towards the industry-leading ACCA qualification shortly after joining the SMP Group in 2011 and sat her final exams in December.

Lauren added: ‘Having recently qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant, I am looking forward to taking on more responsibilities within SMP Accounting and Tax and helping our firm to continue to provide the exceptional service we offer clients.’

The ACCA accountancy qualifications, which can take up to 10 years to complete, involve passing a series of exams on a wide range of subjects, demonstrating three years’ experience in a relevant role and successfully completing a module on professional ethics. It requires candidates to complete extensive studying and demonstrate comprehensive practical experience.

Group Managing Director Mark Denton said: ‘I am absolutely delighted for Lauren. Being named Top Student in the Isle of Man and finishing so high in the worldwide rankings is a deserved recognition of the dedicated hard work she has shown throughout her studies, as well as a ringing endorsement of what a valued and capable member of SMP Accounting and Tax she is.

‘Lauren is an asset to our Group and, as these results clearly show, a great asset to all our clients.’

SMP Accounting and Tax is one of the Isle of Man’s largest providers of accounting, taxation and VAT services. Employing more than 30 people, it provides a broad range of professional services to private clients and entrepreneurs, trust and corporate services providers and local authorities.

Photograph: Lauren Cooper and Mark Denton