After months of anxious waiting, I was told that I would be going to Prague for my Professional Attachments (PA). I confess I knew nothing of the Czech Republic at that time except that it had been under communist rule. The most common definitions I found of Prague were "The Golden City", "The City of a Hundred Towers" and the "Paris of the East". During my 8-week stay, I found these definitions inadequate to describe one of the world's most beautiful cities.

Perhaps I should start at the beginning. All 2nd year Accountancy students have to do a professional attachment as part of their curriculum. I applied for the Shell vacation placement scheme and was fortunate enough to be given an opportunity to work overseas. The company generously provided for all my financial and health needs. I was given a living allowance, medical benefits, accomodation, insurance and a return ticket.

I arrived at Ruzyne Airport on 10th of May and made my way to my hostel about 50km away. Unfortunately, I arrived on a Sunday and there were no shops around my hostel open for business. This meant that I could not purchase any pass to use for public transport.

I had a rather interesting time trying to communicate my problem to the hostel staff, none of whom could speak English. My problem was further compounded by the fact that my guide book only had a map of Prague 1 and I was staying in Prague 4. In the end, I spent the afternoon walking around till I found a metro station and was able to purchase a ticket for all forms of public transport. As you may have gathered, I wasnot exactly having the time of my life, but when I reached WenceslasSquare, my spirits were truly lifted by the beauty of Prague. I spent the rest of the day just wandering around and admiring the ancient cathedrals and the beautiful Gothic architecture of the Old Town.

On the first day of work, I was met by my supervisor, Mr. Jiri Eminger, who is the Accounting Services Manager for Shell Czech Republic A.S. I was assigned to woek closely with his Recording to Reporting (RTR) headm Mr. Stanislav No_ina. Over the next few weeks most of my projects concerned the company's fixed assets.

I was introduced to the SUN Accounting system and was assigned to do some asset reconciliation. This gave me a good insight into how the transaction processing system worked in a large company. During my stay, I completed a review and an update of the fixed asset control procedures, month end closing procedures and helped create the English version of an accounting help desk.

Most of my projects invloved interviews with the staff at Shell Czech Republic a.s. I was very surprised that most of the managers made a special effort to see me in spite of their busy timetables. I would also have been really lost of Mr. Ivor Gilar, the Purchase to Pay (P