Guide to ACCA
There are many accounting qualifications to consider - some just give you a grasp of the basics while others are more advanced and take in management issues as well as the more technical accountancy training. Different qualifications have different entry requirements, exemptions, study methods, fees and timeframes.
Below is a brief outline of the ACCA, one of the five major accountancy qualifications, including a web address where you can obtain more detailed information and submit questions.
ACCA
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has more than 250,000 members and students in 160 countries with its headquarters in London. ACCA offers three qualifications:
- Professional qualification (members are Chartered Certified Accountants)
- Technical level qualification
- Diploma for managers who are not accountants but need operational and strategic finance skills
The Certified Diploma has four examination papers:
- Interpretation of Financial Statements
- Management Accounting
- Financial Management
- Business Analysis
Successful completion of the exams leads to an application to transfer to Diploma Holder Status, which then enables the use of the letter CDipAF after your name.
ACCA Accounting Technician (CAT) is a vocational qualification based on national standards of competence, which will allow you to support the work of professional accountants. It is a good introduction into accountancy. No formal academic qualifications are necessary. There are nine examinations for this qualification split into three levels.
The ACCA professional scheme enables you to become a Chartered Certified Accountant using the letters ACCA after your name and allows you to work in any aspect of finance or management across all industries from commerce to banking and finance, public practice and public services.
Completing the ACCA Professional qualification will equip you with an in-depth knowledge of accounting techniques and principles and management skills. The professional scheme is examined in three stages: Foundation, Certificate and Professional. Each stage has two modules made up of fourteen papers in total.
For up-to-date information, visit www.acca.co.uk.
