6 things you should know about the ACCA qualification

16 Mar 2020

Does math give you joy rather than a bad case of anxiety?

If you’ve always loved calculating digits and want a numbers-related profession — well, a career in accounting could be in the books for you.

One step in becoming an accountant is getting an ACCA qualification, but what exactly is it, and is it right for you?

Let’s look at some facts that might help with your decision:

The ACCA qualification is known to be challenging. Source: Shutterstock

What is it?

The ACCA qualification is a professional accounting qualification that’s awarded by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, the most widely recognised international accountancy body.

It’s not a degree, but an accreditation and it allows for successful graduates “to work in any sector, and in any industry – because it’s recognised and respected all over the world”, according to the Association. It’s a specific qualification that gives you the ultimate flexibility when it comes to practising your career.

Sounds great, but keep this in mind: Students will need to pass 13 exams. Upon successful completion, you’ll become a Chartered Certified Accountant, and the world of books and numbers is your oyster.

What qualification(s) do you need to enrol?

“If you have two A Levels and three GCSEs in five separate subjects including English and maths (or equivalent qualifications), you can start your studies at the ACCA Qualification, which is ranked at Masters level and on completion you’ll become an ACCA member,” notes the Association.

Don’t have these exact qualifications? Relax, and don’t fret. The Association also notes that prospective students can start the course by enrolling in a preliminary course: Foundations in Accountancy. This is broadly equivalent to a GCSE or a degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) programme.

After completing that, students can progress onto the ACCA qualification.

How long does it take to complete?

It takes about three years to complete the ACCA qualification.

Where or how can you enroll?

Lucky for you, most probably already reading this on the internet, you’ll be happy to know easiest and fastest way to enroll in an ACCA qualification is online.

The information for those based outside of the UK and EU will be transferred and held outside of the region of your residence and may be accessed by their local office in your country of residence.

What are some of the benefits?

“ACCA was the tipping point, the eureka moment. I did all the papers without failing a single one.” Ayodeji Chris Oyeniyi FCCA details his first steps to becoming a digital entrepreneur#PowerofFutureReadyTalent https://t.co/8BWjSzTRbW pic.twitter.com/RQBP59xMqz

— ACCA UK (@ACCA_UK) March 12, 2020

Honestly, there are so many benefits to obtaining an ACCA qualification, including:

An ACCA qualification is globally recognised — you’re able to work almost anywhere in the world.
The course has very flexible study options, which means you can pursue the qualification full-time, part-time or even online.
ACCA qualification holders can go on to hold a wide range of roles and “can work their way up the ladders of traditional businesses, from junior accountants and bookkeepers, to financial analysts, financial controllers and managers and to board level as CFOs.” What better way to get to the top of your career than understanding the numbers that make your company successful.
Their Approved Learning Partners offer materials and educators that have been chosen according to global benchmarks, which are highly regarded and respected.