Finance team members Kevin Joyce and Christian Stokes are celebrating after successfully completing their CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) qualifications, following three and a half years of study.
Kevin Joyce joined Oakland in 2017 as a Sales Ledger Controller, already holding a Level 4 AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualification. He quickly progressed to Assistant Financial Controller after demonstrating remarkable growth, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, before taking on the role of Financial Controller – Distribution in 2019 to support the implementation of new systems and account procedures.
Kevin said: “My CIMA qualification course was fully funded by Oakland International, which I wouldn’t have been able to do myself, so I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and the trust put in me to succeed. We have a wonderful team in finance, and I have had a wealth of support from them to get me through it.
“Being CIMA qualified is a massive deal, equivalent to a master’s degree, accelerating me to another level on my career path. Having lost both of my parents in quick succession in 2021 and knowing my mum had always wished for me to do this, it means so much. I would encourage others to make the most of every opportunity available to them.”
Christian Stokes began his Oakland International journey as an apprentice studying business administration in 2016, completed his final AAT Level 4 qualification in 2021, and served as Senior Accounts Assistant. His attention to detail and proactive approach made a significant impact on the company’s operations before he took on his current role of Management Accountant.
Christian commented: “I began my CIMA qualification journey in 2021, supported by Oakland International throughout, passing my final exam in April 2025. I wouldn’t have been able to undertake my CIMA on my own, so I am very thankful and grateful for the opportunity.
“It’s a massive deal for me to have attained CIMA qualification, which has now accelerated my career path.”
Added Kevin: “As time passed after completing my Level 4 AAT qualification, I started to feel like I would never start CIMA, but when Christian went straight from AAT to CIMA, I took the chance to join him on the journey, and the rest, as they say, is history.”
Apprenticeships and trainee programmes are a key part of Oakland International’s employee training offer, providing a learning platform for all to develop new skills, gain valuable experience, and advance into a range of key roles within the company.
Oakland International Group Chief Financial Officer Jeremy Hoare commented: “The dedication and perseverance shown by Kevin and Christian exemplify the positive outcomes of apprenticeships and training programmes, which help to inspire others.
“Oakland International is proud to support and celebrate the achievements of all trainees, and we remain dedicated to providing enhanced opportunities for development, learning, and career progression for all team members.
“Our congratulations once again to Kevin Joyce and Christian Stokes for their outstanding achievements and for setting a high standard for work ethic and dedication at Oakland International.”