Luckie Theva

I hold a degree in Accounting from the University of Portsmouth and qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant after training in the audit and assurance department of a boutique accountancy practice. During this time, I conducted audits for a diverse range of entities, including insurance companies, solicitor practices, pension schemes, and charities, including a school.

Driven by a strong passion for education, I transitioned into teaching professional qualifications. In 2007, I joined Kaplan, where I lectured in financial accounting, financial reporting, corporate reporting, business mathematics, and case studies for the ACCA and CIMA professional exams. This role proved to be deeply fulfilling, as I supported students in progressing through key stages of their careers. Additionally, I taught at Kaplan Business School and mentored students completing the Oxford Brookes/ACCA BA (Hons) degree in Applied Accounting. My work also extended internationally, delivering training for Big Four students in Moscow, Russia.

As part of my commitment to developing the next generation of educators, I contributed to Kaplan’s Tutor Academy, mentoring new tutors and conducting classroom observations of experienced lecturers. In 2011, alongside my teaching responsibilities, I pursued a Master’s in Teaching at the Institute of Education (now part of UCL), the world’s leading institution for education. That same year, I was honoured to be nominated for the PQ Tutor of the Year award.

In 2018, while still at Kaplan, I joined the University of Surrey as an associate within the Surrey Business School. After 14 years at Kaplan, I transitioned permanently to Surrey Business School as a Senior Teaching Fellow. In this role, I lecture in financial accounting, financial reporting, and professional development across both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. My teaching approach emphasises the real-world application of accounting standards and professional expectations, drawing on my industry experience to enhance student learning.

I have also completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Management Education, achieving a Distinction. Currently, I am pursuing a Professional Doctorate in Education (EdD) at UCL’s Institute of Education, where my research focuses on game-based learning in accounting education as a means to enhance student engagement.

Beyond my professional commitments, I enjoy spending time with my family, particularly crafting and exploring with my two young children. I am also passionate about yoga and hiking.