A HEREFORD Cathedral School student has proved his maths prowess after completing industry-standard accounting certification.

Year nine pupil Oliver Beales is the youngest person in the world to finish online accounting platform Xero's course.

The certification took three weeks of hard work and focus to complete. “I had to time-manage and balance my homework around the course,” said 13-year-old Oliver, whose parents run an accounting business.

“Every night I would borrow time to work on completing the course.

In recognition of his achievement, Oliver was invited to accounting conference Xerocon London this month.

“The Xerocon experience was amazing," he said.

“I was asked to go up on stage in front of 4000 people as part of a keynote seminar, and networked with business professionals in a green room like a TV star.

“I was shocked but very proud of myself. My family, friends and teachers have all been incredibly supportive and are happy for me.”

Oliver is yet to advise anyone financially, but that has not stopped him from being sensible with his own finances. “I am more considerate and careful with my money since the course. I recently celebrated my birthday and I have saved most of the money that was kindly given to me. I want to save for my future. I take a lot of my inspiration and motivation from Richard Branson, he is my idol. He has made himself from nothing with captivating ideas.”