The Start Point Of A Career Advancement

In June 2014, my friend and I entered PwC’s London office for interviews. Both of us were keen on positions in the Transfer Pricing – International Tax branch. With backgrounds from LSE and UCD, our qualifications were strong. The difference? I had completed ACCA. - Jane Wilson, ACCA member

While my friend started as an analyst with a salary of £28,000, I secured an associate position with a starting salary of £50,000, two levels above. It would have taken her 3-4 years to reach the same level.

ACCA: A Shortcut to Career Success

The distinction wasn’t just salary but also opportunity. By the time my classmates were preparing for Chartered Accountant exams, I had already been working for two years. I completed ACCA after A-levels, gaining a two-year career head-start.

ACCA: An Accountant’s International Qualification

ACCA is recognized in over 180 countries, including the UK and Ireland. Companies like Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, and EY actively recruit ACCA professionals in major cities such as London, Dublin, and Manchester.

Who Can Start ACCA?

Anyone with GCSEs or equivalent qualifications can begin. The program consists of three levels – Knowledge, Skills, and Professional – totaling 13 exams. Completion typically takes 2-3 years, depending on individual pace.

Exam Scheduling

Exams are held quarterly in March, June, September, and December. On-demand entry-level exams allow flexible scheduling year-round, with instant results.

ACCA Pass Requirements

A pass mark of 50% is required. While global pass rates are 40-50%, UK training providers like BPP and Kaplan report pass rates of 75-80%.

Career Opportunities and Salary

ACCA opens doors to audit, tax advisory, risk, and forensic accounting. Fresh ACCA graduates in the UK earn between £45,000 and £55,000. Senior roles like CFOs or partners earn six-figure salaries with bonuses.

ACCA Exemptions

Business or finance graduates from institutions like LSE or UCD can receive up to five exemptions. ACA or CIMA-qualified professionals need to pass only four more exams, reducing time and costs.

Affordable Qualifications

The ACCA qualification costs around £4,000-£5,000 over three years, significantly less than MBAs or international study programs. These costs are often recouped within the first year of employment.

Practical Experience Requirement (PER)

Full qualification requires 36 months of relevant work experience. Internships, family business roles, and positions at the Big Four contribute towards this.

Conclusion

ACCA accelerates career progression, opens global opportunities, and offers unmatched flexibility. For those in the UK and Ireland pursuing a finance career, ACCA is a gateway to elite firms and international work experience.