A Blackburn-based accountancy firm is celebrating after one of its employees gained a chartered qualification.

Waqas Ur-Rehman, from accountancy and business advisory group Pierce, has become a chartered accountant after four years of balancing his studies with his full-time job.

He says he will now look to develop in his role, as well as spending more time with his wife and nine-month-old son.

Mr Ur-Rehman said: “I’m delighted to have gained this qualification. I’ve been studying for this over the past four years as I had a gap to get married, so I’m really happy to have finally achieved it.

“I’ve had lots of support from my colleagues here, they have been really flexible with me so I could fit in time to study. Our Managing Director Jimmy King gave me advice about the best way to revise too which really helped.

“My advice to anyone looking to become a chartered accountant would be to not have a break in their studies like I did. Gaining the qualification is really hard work, but completely worth it.” ”

Jane Smith, associate director at Pierce, said: “We’re extremely proud of Waqas as he has worked tirelessly to become a Chartered Accountant.

"Combining a full-time job with his studies and raising a young family is very tough but he managed to do it with a smile on his face.

“He is a credit to the company, and I know he will do a fantastic job ongoing”

Pierce, which celebrated its 90th birthday last year, has 65 employees who cover all areas of accounting and business advisory services.

For more information call 01254 688100 or email enquiries@pierce.co.uk.