Setting her sights on one day working in the big smoke of London, Mummal Chagani has a brilliant career mapped out. For the accounting student the financial hub of Europe is the place to be.

"It's such a beautiful city - at least in pictures. I've never been there!" she says.

The Sydney Year 12 student is sitting the HSC this year. But in an unusual twist she has already completed one of her HSC subjects, and has a head start on the first year of university studies.

"My dream is to first achieve a good score and a place at university. When I graduate I'd like to work as an accountant, become a chartered accountant and a manager. Then, I'd like to work in London."

In opting to do accounting in Year 11, Mummal signed up to a course delivered through TAFE. The HSC paper for the subject can be taken at the end of Year 11.

"It's one of the reasons I chose it. You get [part of] the HSC over with in Year 11, leaving only five exams in Year 12," she says.

Students concentrate on theory in Year 11 and move on to applied practice in Year 12.

"You get to understand how businesses work," Mummal says. "Like a real accountant, you apply theory practically in software like MYOB (Mind Your Own Business)."

The course will also give her up to five bonus points on the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, helping Mummal in her quest to secure a university place.

In another coup, Mummal has gained a cadetship with PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of the biggest accounting firms in the world.

If she gains a place at university, Mummal will work full-time and study part-time for two years and then study full-time for two years without working. After graduation, Mummal then becomes a graduate employee of the firm.

"Not only are you studying theory at university, you get the practical experience of working. I'll know exactly what accounting is like."

But first things first, Mummal says. For now, she's focusing on her exams. A good result in the HSC is the next step towards that corner office in London.