After an academic journey at Paris School of Business, Judith Franco successfully turned her passion for numbers into an ambitious career in accounting and auditing.
A graduate of the Master CCA - Accounting, Consulting & Auditing, she quickly progressed toward obtaining the Chartered Accountancy Diploma (DEC) before co-founding her own firm, Efragex.
With a combination of accounting expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and a strong commitment to sustainability, she shares her experience, the challenges she has faced, and her advice for students looking to follow a similar path.
Judith Franco’s journey: from Paris School of Business to entrepreneurship
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your background?
My name is Judith Franco, and I am a Chartered Accountant and Statutory Auditor.
I earned a scientific baccalaureate in 2014 before joining Paris School of Business that same year.
After three years of a common-core Bachelor’s program, I developed a particular interest in disciplines related to numbers (accounting, management control, finance, etc.), which led me to pursue the Master CCA – Accounting, Consulting & Auditing.
In 2019, thanks to the equivalencies granted through my two years of the Master’s program, I obtained the DSCG (Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Management) as an independent candidate.
I then completed my three-year chartered accountancy internship at a Parisian firm, at the end of which I sat for the DEC (Diploma of Chartered Accountancy) exams in May 2024.
As part of this session, I presented a thesis on supporting SMEs in implementing a responsible purchasing policy (ISO 20400). This research allowed me to strengthen my expertise in sustainability, a pressing and increasingly crucial topic in the professional world.
Earning this diploma, combined with my desire for independence, led me to co-found my own firm with my brother-in-law, Jérémy Krief, who is also a Chartered Accountant and Statutory Auditor, in November 2024.
What motivated you to choose the Master CCA – Accounting, Advisory & Auditing at Paris School of Business?
I chose the Master CCA for several reasons.
First, its strong reputation makes it a recognized program in the field of chartered accountancy and management control. Additionally, it offers valuable DSCG equivalencies, making access to the Chartered Accountancy diploma easier.
This Master’s program also stands out due to its diverse career opportunities, opening doors to roles in both firms and corporate settings.
Lastly, the opportunity to complete this program through a work-study format was a major advantage, as it allowed me to apply the knowledge gained in class directly in a professional setting.
A decisive training for a career in chartered accountancy
What were the most impactful aspects of this program for your career?
This program provided me with not only technical skills in financial disciplines but also cross-functional knowledge in marketing, client relationship management, and other essential areas for a comprehensive understanding of the profession.
Additionally, the accounting, finance, and management control courses were closely aligned with real-world expectations and practices, making the program highly relevant to the profession’s demands.
Is there an experience that particularly shaped your professional path?
The work-study experience was a defining moment in my professional journey. It allowed me to apply theoretical concepts learned in class while immersing myself in real-world situations. This experience was crucial in bridging my academic knowledge with practical scenarios, thereby strengthening my skill set.
Efragex: A Firm Focused on Expertise and Sustainability
Can you introduce us to Efragex?
Efragex is an accounting and auditing firm that provides expertise to businesses of all sizes.
It offers a broad range of services, structured around the following areas of expertise:
- Accounting and advisory services
- Auditing and statutory audit
- Group management
- Supporting businesses in their CSR initiatives
This last area is a key focus of our mission, as sustainability is one of the 21st century’s major challenges. Notably, the CSRD (effective since 01/01/2024) is a European directive that strengthens sustainability disclosure obligations for companies exceeding certain thresholds.
Furthermore, Jérémy and I are in the process of obtaining accreditation as sustainability auditors, which will allow us to certify the first reports required by these regulations.
What are your future ambitions for Efragex?
Jérémy and I aim to continue expanding our firm, both in accounting and auditing services.
We also want to further develop our sustainability offerings by supporting more SMEs and corporate groups in implementing ethical and responsible policies.
At the same time, we plan to grow our team by recruiting talent who share our values and ambitions.
Starting a Business: Motivations and Challenges
What motivated you to start your own firm rather than continue in an existing structure?
I was driven by my desire for independence. After several years working in a firm, I felt the need to build a project that reflected my values and vision of the profession.
Additionally, the opportunity to partner with Jérémy, my brother-in-law, reinforced this decision. We had been discussing the idea of founding a firm together for a few years.
Finally, entrepreneurship was an exciting challenge for me, offering the freedom to manage and grow the firm while having the opportunity to innovate.
What challenges did you face when launching your firm, and how did you overcome them?
Starting my own accounting firm was an exciting journey but also a real challenge. The first major obstacle was managing the transition from employment to entrepreneurship. I had to completely reorganize my work habits and quickly train myself in business management.
Additionally, while having a business partner is an advantage as it allows for shared responsibilities and complementary skills, it also comes with challenges. The main one was ensuring that we were fully aligned on all aspects of the firm’s management, from strategy to vision. Fortunately, we share common values and goals, which has made decision-making much smoother.
Succeeding in Chartered Accountancy: Essential Skills and Advice
What advice would you give to Master CCA students who want to follow a similar path?
Here are my key pieces of advice:
- Take full advantage of every lesson learned in class. As mentioned earlier, the knowledge you acquire will form the theoretical foundation for all the skills you will apply in practice.
- Don’t be afraid to start your own business, even if it seems daunting or unattainable. An incredibly rewarding journey awaits you.
- Stay curious. The profession of Chartered Accountant and Statutory Auditor is constantly evolving, particularly with new regulations and technological advancements.
In your opinion, what are the essential qualities for success in this field?
In my view, perseverance is one of the most important qualities for success in this field. The studies are long (eight years of higher education), and the exams are demanding, requiring strong work ethic and determination. I highly recommend that Master CCA students take advantage of the DSCG equivalencies and see the path through to earning the Chartered Accountancy diploma.
In addition to technical knowledge, practical skills are essential, such as strong interpersonal abilities, adaptability to different situations, and a keen sense of precision and rigor.
Lastly, autonomy and initiative are crucial assets, especially for those looking to take on greater responsibilities or start their own business.