Understanding ACCA Certificate and Its Benefits
Every organization, whether public or private, deals with financial operations almost all the time. For instance, healthcare systems cope with financial services a little less often than how much they deal with healthcare. It is the same with educational institutions that have complex business operations that they regularly deal with. Operations on finances not only with the students and instructors but also outside academic services. These operations range from being simple to complicated, making accountants in-demand. That’s why accountancy-related degrees are being sought. With that, how do aspiring accountants be at par in the field in all those industries? Fortunately, there is an ACCA certificate that can back you up on your career.
What is An ACCA Certificate?
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, known as ACCA, is a global community of professional accountants based in the United Kingdom. According to ACCA Global, after being founded by eight accountants as the London Association of Accountants in 1904, the community is continuously thriving on creating opportunities for the global accountancy profession. They value inclusion, innovation, and integrity. They have set standards that primarily focus on being critical and strategic. Since they recognize that the job is vital to various industries, they promote knowledge, values, and accounting and finance skills.
The global community offers certificates for its members across 179 countries in the world. This certificate is highly recognized in all industries globally. To be a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and get the document as a proof, you have to take their exams. However, processes are slightly different if you apply on entry-level or if you already have an accountancy-related degree. Both would be under the qualifications that they have set. On the entry-level, a student would have to take up to 13 exams with an Ethics and Professional module.
In contrast, those who have prior knowledge and experience could apply to exemptions on some of those exams on their journey to becoming an ACCA member. Those 13 exams are branched from three types of reviews: applied knowledge, applied skills, and strategic professional examination. There are additional examinations you may take but are optional.
Who are Eligible to Acquire An ACCA Degree or Certificate?
Generally, listed below are qualifications of those eligible to acquire an ACCA degree or ACCA certificate:
- Those who have the academic requirements from countries that the ACCA considers sufficient for registration.
- Since ACCA is UK based, those who have obtained five secondary school qualifications (two A-Levels and three GCSEs or equivalent) – including English and maths in UK qualifications are eligible.
- Those who have work experience of 3 years or more.Individuals that have acquired relevant degrees or have taken graduate studies on the subject matter the ACCA focuses on. They can even apply for exemptions on some exams that need to be made.
Luckily, as the ACCA thrives on creating opportunities and making it accessible for as many as possible, those who find themselves not eligible based on the list above can still start their journey on being an ACCA member through ACCA’s Foundation-level qualifications. Upon completing and passing the foundation level, you would obtain an ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business. After that, you may continue to achieve the qualification to be an Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
Upon completing the exams, some of the ACCA certificates are the following:
Under ACCA Qualifications
- Certificate of Achievement
- Diploma in Accounting and Business (ACCA)
- Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business
- Strategic Professional Certificate.
Foundation Level or Foundations in Accountancy
- Diploma in Financial and Management Accounting
- Diploma in Accounting and Business
- ACCA Certificate in Audit/Taxation/Financial Management
Top 5 Benefits of Obtaining An ACCA Degree
ACCA has been a respected organization across the world since 1904. However, if you’re still having second thoughts on pursuing an ACCA degree given how rigorous the application process could be, here are the top five benefits of obtaining it:
1. You will enjoy enhanced qualifications.
Aside from having all the certificates, the ACCA offers to back you up in your career, ACCA qualification can also be combined with getting a degree. Since ACCA has a partnership with Oxford Brookes University, you can attain a BSc (Hons) degree in Applied Accounting on your journey while obtaining an ACCA degree.
The case is similar if you are studying for your professional qualification in ACCA. The difference is that, instead of a BS degree, you would obtain a Master’s in Professional Accountancy from the University of London. Again, at the same time, a double reward from a single journey.
2. It is a significant boost to your credentials.
Given the reputation of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants on producing competitive and skilled professional accountants, it would be a big booster on an accountant’s credentials to have an ACCA degree or certificate backing you up. It would put you on a significant advantage in the field of your career across all industries. You would not need to worry anymore about the competition in your area. Through obtaining an ACCA degree, you would surely stand out.
3. It will make you globally-ready.
You can choose your dream country to practice your career while being recognized. Having an ACCA certificate would prepare you for varieties of industries not only in your home country but globally.
4. Become an ACCA member.
The ACCA declared their purpose as: “We’re a force for public good. We lead the global accountancy profession by creating opportunity.”. Who would not want to be a part of it given the opportunity? Besides having access to significant opportunities, you would have a chance to be a part of a well-known organization in the accountancy sector.
5. Gain a high status.
After obtaining an ACCA degree or certificate and all the benefits already stated above, you would gain the professional status as an accountant. No matter what industry you establish your career, ACCA members are respected by most employers across all businesses globally. Because of the assured professionalism, integrity, and skills of those who have obtained an ACCA certificate, their professional status is significantly recognized, and they are always in demand.
Accountancy is involved in numerous industries. It is why the value of being a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants is undeniably significant. No matter which point you decide to start: foundation level, entry-level, or if you already have prior knowledge of the field, you would surely have an incredible journey on your career once you acquire the ACCA certificate.