Is the ACA suited to all sectors or is it just practice?
January 13th, 2022
Vardey Recruitment recently met up with Rowena Hawkes – Business Development Manager with the ICAEW to discuss the ACA Qualification. I’m delighted to share the below blog written by Rowena to help eradicate some of the myths surrounding the qualification. Often employers recommend either ACCA or CIMA and the ACA is often thought only suitable for practice? OR IS IT?!!
Is the ACA suited to all sectors or is it just practice?
When it comes to deciding which finance and accounting qualification to offer within your organisation, there are many factors to consider, particularly around balancing the needs of your staff and the business overall.
The highly regarded ACA qualification from ICAEW has been designed to suit management accountants and those in commercial finance roles, as well as those in regulatory and compliance positions. The ACA syllabus ensures that it is one of the leading professional qualifications globally, encompassing commercial and technical accounting and develops the essential analytical, business partnering and problem-solving skills required to be a well-rounded finance professional.
If you’ve ever wondered if the ACA is right for your business then read on, as we bust some of the myths around ACA training.
1) Myth: I trained in Practice and my business doesn’t have the breath of work to support an ACA trainee
Buster: ICAEW training is the qualification of choice for organisations of all sizes, across all sectors. Work experience can be in one or more areas of finance and does not need to include any audit.
2) Myth: The trainees in our business are in the management accounting team, so I’m not sure they need the ACA qualification?
Buster: The ACA qualification has a well-rounded syllabus that equips management accountants with skills in analytics, forecasting, performance management and so much more. They will also be able to consider internal controls and regulatory accounting requirements, to really add value to your business.
3) Myth: Training is only available in blocks, requiring lots of time out of the office
Buster: Training is flexible and can be adapted to both the student’s and organisation’s needs. Tuition is available in the classroom, online or a blend of the two.
4) Myth: It’s expensive to offer training for the ACA qualification in my organisation
Buster: ACA training is highly competitive when compared to other qualifications, delivers value for money and can be government funded through the Level 7 Accountancy Professional apprenticeship programme. Whether you are a levy or non-levy paying organisation, there are funding options available to you.
5) Myth: ACA students must be graduates
Buster: There are five main routes to the ACA qualification, students can be school leavers, career changers, apprentices or graduates. Graduates do not need to have a relevant degree to study the ACA. There is also a fast-track route for those progressing from AAT, meaning they can qualify in as little as two years.
6) Myth: We can’t train because there is no qualified ACA in our business
Buster: Qualified accountants with other professional bodies and Chartered Tax Advisors can support ACA students throughout their training.
Together with flexible work experience, modular style learning and exams, and a globally-connected membership body, why would you choose any other qualification?!
To find out more about offering ICAEW training within your organisation or if you are a student looking to start your accountancy contact rowena.hawkes@icaew.com / 07901 006898 or Clare at Vardey Recruitment clare@vardeyrecruitment.com 07816 873747
We would be delighted to help!
Thank you Rowena and Clare