Chartered Professional Accountant: How to become a successful chartered professional accountant with one of the largest professional accounting association in the world.
Become a Chartered Professional Accountant with an internationally recognized qualification that opens many careers opportunities
Why is it worth becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant?
Becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant is a rewarding and stimulating career choice. Chartered Professional Accountants are highly qualified professionals who provide financial advice and services to a wide variety of clients.
A Chartered Professional Accountant is a professional who has passed the rigorous examinations and practical training required by his country’s Institute of Certified Accountants. The Chartered Professional Accountant profession combines advanced training with the professional experience of a mentor to train accountants better and become able to analyse and evaluate business problems and offer advanced solutions.
A Chartered Professional Accountant provide a range of services to individuals, businesses and organizations including auditing, taxation, financial reporting, business consulting and business consulting.
The main benefits of being a Chartered Professional Accountant
An internationally recognized accounting qualification that opens career opportunities. For example, The Association Of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is internationally recognized, meaning that ACCA graduates can find work in other countries if they meet the necessary visas and other requirements. Therefore, if you become a Chartered Professional Accountant, you will have an advantage when working internationally.
Competitive salary and attractive benefits that reflect your skills and experience. At the same time, those with entrepreneurial skills or multiple sources of income earned more than the reported median wage. The best part about being a CPA is that your salary will only go up with the experience you gain.
As a Chartered Professional Accountant you will be in great demand by employers across all sectors and industries because of the skills and knowledge to handle complex financial matters and add value to their organizations. A Chartered Professional Accountant can advance the career in a variety of positions and levels within an organization or as independent practitioners. You can also work internationally as many accounting degrees are internationally recognized.
At the same time, you will meet a diverse and challenging work environment that allows exposure to a variety of industries and projects. It is a rewarding role that will allow you to grow professionally and help you enter the corporate world from a broader perspective. In today’s world, accountants play a key role in helping businesses grow and thrive. As management consultants, they are responsible for taking the company to the next level, increasing profit margins, market share and dividends.
The accountant profession will offer you a journey of continuous learning and development that expands one’s knowledge and skills. In addition, a high level of ethics and professional standards will earn your respect and trust from your clients and colleagues.
If you want to become a Chartered Professional Accountant, you must complete a rigorous training program that combines academic study with practical experience. You must also pass a series of exams to test your technical knowledge and professional skills. The exact requirements may vary depending on which country or region you wish to practice in, but generally you will need a bachelor’s degree in accountancy and at least three years of relevant work experience under the supervision of a qualified mentor.
Becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant is not easy, but it is worth it if you have a passion for finance and business. You will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on your customers and contribute to the public interest. In addition, you will also enjoy a rewarding career that offers growth, variety, and satisfaction.
How to become a Chartered Professional Accountant?
The Chartered Professional Accountant is the main qualification for a professional organization. A person can become a Chartered Professional Accountant after passing 13 professional exams and three years of supervised, relevant accounting experience. The ACCA professional exams can be taken four times a calendar year, in March, June and September. CBEs (computer-based exams on-demand) are available for the first four exams (BT MA. FA. LW), and the Session (PM. TX) for the rest (FR. AM. FM).
The exams can only be taken at ACCA approved exam centres. Oxford Brookes University offers a Bachelor in Science (Honours) degree in Applied Accounting. After passing the Fundamentals level exams and the Ethics and Professional Skills module and submitting a Research and Analysis plan, you can earn this degree.
The syllabus contains 13 exams and an Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM), which will be available in September 2018. There are exceptions. In April 2019, the EPSM was updated to include a Data Analytics unit.
The qualification is broken into three modules, plus an Ethics and Professional Skills module and a Professional Experience requirement.
Applied Knowledge Level
You will need to pass 3 mandatory exams in order to establish if you are qualified for the Applied Knowledge level as follows:
- Accountant in Business (AB)
- Management Accounting (MA)
- Financial Accounting (FA)
Applied Skills Level
There are 6 mandatory exams as part of the Applied Skills Level as follows:
- Corporate and Business Law (LW)
- Performance Management (PM)
- Taxation (TX)
- Financial Reporting (FR)
- Audit and Assurance (AA)
- Financial Management (FM)
Strategic Professional Level
Four examinations are required to attain the Strategic Professional level (2 essential and mandatory and 2 at your choice from the four options available) as follows:
Essential:
- Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
- Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
Options:
- Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
- Advanced Performance Management (APM)
- Advanced Taxation (ATX)
- Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
The ACCA professional qualification is equivalent to a UK-taught master’s degree according to the UK NARIC/Department for Education.
About The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
In 1904, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants was established, and now it is one of the largest professional accounting associations offering the Chartered Certified Accountant certification.
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is one of the biggest Global Chartered Accountants’ body. The London headquarters of ACCA is located in London. The principal administrative office is in Glasgow. ACCA has over 104 offices and centers across 52 countries. There are 323 Approved Learning Partners (ALP) and more than 7,300 Approved employees worldwide that offer employee development. The ACCA is also active in India and China. ACCA India organized a national Financial Literacy Drive’, with support from the Indian Ministries of Finance and Education.
THE BASIS FOR THE ACCA QUALIFICATION WAS THE 1974 ROYAL CHARTER.
Legally, the term “Chartered Certified Accountant” is protected. Individuals who claim they are Chartered Certified Accountants must be members of ACCA. They must comply with additional regulations if they are practicing public accounting. This includes a practicing license, liability insurance, and submission of inspections.
Since 1996, ACCA had a subsidiary called The Association of Authorised Public Accountants (AAPA), which is one of the British professional bodies of accountants.
ACCA is a public-interest organization that ensures the proper regulation of its members. It promotes principles-based regulation. ACCA is committed to increasing the value of accounting in society through international research. ACCA adopts progressive stances on international matters to ensure that the accounting profession gains in prestige and influence.
Chartered Professional Accountant recognition in the The United Kingdom and Ireland
The ACCA, Chartered Certified Accountant qualification is recognized by both the United Kingdom of Ireland as well as the United Kingdom. In addition, the Charter of ACCA gives it the right to work for the public good. ACCA is a designated professional organization under the Financial Services and Markets Act.
The Association of Chartered Certifies Accountants (ACCA) is recognized as a professional body under the Insolvency Act. This body issue permits individuals to become a Chartered Professional Accountant and conduct insolvency appointments. It is also a Recognised Quality Body and Recognised Supervising Body for company auditors under Section 89 of The Companies Act.
ACCA body is a member of the Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies. These members are considered to have the same qualifications. CCAB-qualified people are often required in job advertisements. Full members of CCAB could apply for ICAEW membership, subject to certain criteria.
Only ICAEW, ICAS, Association of International Accountants (AIA), Chartered Accountants Ireland (CA Ireland), and ICAEW can authorize members to carry out audit, insolvency and investment business work in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
These countries may not be recognized legally by their government authorities. However, they might receive mutual recognition from similar overseas institutions. If full mutual recognition or legal recognition is not possible, ACCA members can be granted advanced standing to sit local accounting exams. Due to the strong reputation and authority of ACCA, a local designation might not be required.
Many universities also recognize ACCA as equivalent to at least a Bachelor’s degree in accounting. This gives you the opportunity to earn credit towards a Master’s Degree in your area or an advanced study program.
Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) has been assigned ACCA Qualification at Level 8′ of Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications. Level 8 refers to Irish postgraduate qualifications like master’s degrees or postgraduate diplomas.
Browse the rest of the website for more useful resources available about accounting certifications, recognitions and reach the main accounting bodies in the United Kingdom, Ireland or Worldwide.
The Chartered Professional Accountant in Europe
Nearly 60,000 students were in Europe and more than 16,000 people lived there at the end of 2016 (not counting the UK & Ireland).
Become a Chartered Professional Accountant in Australia and New Zealand with ACCA
ACCA members may be eligible for equivalent membership status at the Institute of Public Accountants if their exams are in Australian tax and law. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (A CA ANZ) and Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CA ANZ), announced a strategic alliance in June 2016.
The Australian office manages ACCA affiliates and members. These activities are supported by the Network Panel members in Auckland and Wellington as well as member advocates based in Christchurch. In December 2014, the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAA), merged to create ‘Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ).
The Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) was the first national accounting body in New Zealand and a strategic alliance for the ACCA.
Become a Chartered Professional Accountant in Caribbean and French Guiana
The Association of Chartered Certifies Accountants (ACCA) is an associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Caribbean while the ACCA certification can be legally recognized in French Guiana (a French-speaking country). However, this qualification is subject to the regulations and rules of the European Union.
ACCA QUALIFICATIONS IN AFRICA
Get a full Accreditation to Become a Chartered Professional Accountant in Namibia
The statutory Public Auditors’ and Auditor’s Board (PAAB) granted ACCA unconditional and full accreditation as a professional body in Namibia on 24/11/2016. The PAAB is a statutory body that was created to oversee the profession and keep a list of those who are qualified to work as public auditors or public accountants.
ACCA recognition by South African for the Chartered Professional Accountant Profession
The Association of Chartered Certifies Accountants (ACCA) qualification is recognized by South African tax authorities for statutory purposes but does not have any agreements with any South African accounting bodies. ICAS and ICAEW have agreements with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Become a Chartered Professional Accountant and ACCA Member in Zimbabwe
The Association of Chartered Certifies Accountants (ACCA) Zimbabwe is one of the constituent bodies of the Public Accountants and Auditors Board. In 1996, the PAAB was created as a statutory entity to oversee the profession and keep a record of those who are qualified to work in Zimbabwe as public auditors or public accountants. Only ACCA members in good standing and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe are eligible to register as auditors.
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants is gaining popularity in Kenya
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is gaining popularity among Kenyans. The course is offered by major universities in Kenya, and many students choose to continue the course after they have completed their undergraduate studies.
ACCA rapid expansion and partnership with more than 41 universities in China
The Association of Chartered Certifies Accountants (ACCA) body entered China for the first time in the late 1980s. In recent years, it has been rapidly expanding its China base. It has partnered with 41 Chinese universities, many of which are leaders in accounting and finance. They have excellent academic reputations in many subjects. The most prominent universities are Tsinghua University, Xiamen University.
As of early 2019, ACCA had 25,000 members and 108,000 students in China. There were eleven offices in Beijing, Changsha, and Shanghai.
HKICPA members are eligible to join ACCA without additional requirements in Hong Kong
On 22 August 2006, ACCA (Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants), and ACCA established an Agreement of Recognition Arrangement (ARA). It dates back to 1 July 2005. This rule was flexible than the previous one.
The agreement was terminated on June 30, 2005. ACCA members were forced to accept the “8 unfair terms.” These terms required that ACCA members accept the following conditions: ACCA members must be able to hold a degree recognized by HKICPA and work under an HKICPA-authorized employer. They were also required to take workshops and pass HKICPA’s Final Professional Examination.
HKICPA members are eligible to join ACCA without additional requirements.
The ACCA qualification is highly accepted in Hong Kong’s job market. Most HKICPA members were trained in partnership with the Hong Kong Society of Accountants. This association was in existence for more than 20 years. Later, HKSA was renamed HKICPA.
Get ACCA exemption and become a Chartered Professional Accountant in India
Students from the UK can be exempted from the following papers in syllabus 2012.
Foundation:
- Complete exemption
Intermediate:
- Paper 5- Financial Accounting
- Paper 6 – Laws & Governance
- Paper 8-Cost Accounting and Financial Management
- Paper 10 – Cost Management Accounting
- Paper 12 Company Audits and Accounts
Final:
- Paper 14 – Advanced Financial Management
- Paper 15 – Strategic Cost Management and Business Strategy
- Paper 17 – Strategic Performance Management
- Paper 18- Corporate Financial Reporting
- Paper 20 – Financial Analysis and Business Valuation
ACCA has been legally recognized by the Macau Society of Certified Practising Accountants
Currently, The Association of Chartered Certifies Accountants (ACCA) body has been legally recognized by the Macau Society of Certified Practising Accountants (local statutory accountant body).
Statutorily recognized of ACCA for the profession of Chartered Professional Accountant in Malaysia
On 13 August 2007, the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (ACCA) and MICPA entered into an MRA. This created a pathway for members of the two organizations to join one another. The ACCA (Chartered Certified Accountant), qualification is recognized by the Malaysian Institute of Accountants. According to the 1967 Accountants Act, only members of the MIA can become accountants in Malaysia.
Enrol with Tribhuwan University to become Chartered Professional Accountant in Nepal
Tribhuwan University recognizes The Association of Chartered Certifies Accountants (ACCA) full members as equivalent to a bachelor’s degree if the courses are pursued after the intermediate level.
About the Chartered Professional Accountant dual membership in Pakistan
The Association of Chartered Certifies Accountants (ACCA) qualification confers the qualified company secretary designation in Pakistan. Partially, ICAP and ACCA are both recognized. Higher Education Commission (HEC) in Pakistan recognizes ACCA members’ qualifications equivalent to a master’s degree in Commerce (MCom). ICAP allows ACCA members to be exempt from certain requirements.
ICMAP and ACCA signed an MOU on 4/12/2014 to increase academic recognition among the accounting bodies. This MoU will enable students and members of ICMA Pakistan or ACCA to quickly attain dual qualifications and membership.
The Chartered Professional Accountant qualification requirements in Singapore
In Singapore The Association of Chartered Certifies Accountants (ACCA) holders have until 31/12/2016 and current students have till 31/12/2018 for the ICPAS PAC. This will enable them to be qualified for the Chartered Accountant of Singapore professional title.
ACCA members are eligible to attend the examination for Chartered Certified Accountants in Taiwan
The Association of Chartered Certifies Accountants (ACCA) members are eligible to obtain advanced standing in Taiwan’s accountancy examinations, in order to become a Chartered Professional Accountant.
Skyline University College an ACCA Gold Approved learning institute in the United Arab Emirates
In March 2014, ACCA and the UAE’s national accountant body Accountants and Auditors Association (AAA) signed a strategic partnership agreement. They will jointly develop a new Chartered Accountant qualification, and the UAE (United Arab Emirates Chartered Accountant) will be awarded to both ACCA and UAE graduates who are successful.
You can find great opportunities to study for the The Association of Chartered Certifies Accountants (ACCA) qualifications with Skyline University College in Dubai which is the UAE’s first ACCA Gold Approved Learning Institute.
Get your ACCA certification now and you’ll have a bright future as an accountant and financial professional.
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