So, you came across an exciting professional degree- ACCA. You sat in front of your laptop and did some research, talked with people who are pursuing or have already passed it. Their response is positive. With its global recognition, it’s flexibility, the interesting syllabus and diverse career opportunities, this qualification just seems to fit your career objectives.
You think of pursuing it, but meanwhile, you start hearing about widespread myths and misconceptions about the ACCA qualification from different people and sources. You can’t escape it and now having second thoughts on whether you should pursue ACCA or not. We are inherently more susceptible to negative reviews than positive.
So, are these talks and fallacies that discourage you to finally land on your dream qualification and career real? Well, let’s find out.
Now that I have cleared all of my skills level exams, shortly worked in an audit-firm and contracted for internship in the capital market field, I can look back to say, ‘Yes, I made the right choice’. ACCA is in alignment with my career goals, opened the doors for endless possibilities in the broad arena of accounting, auditing, finance, and whatnot.
Based on my experience and knowledge, I have attempted to bust 5 of those myths that stop students from pursuing ACCA with actual reality to make it clear for you to decide.
MYTH #1
Since its UK-based degree, I will struggle to find Job in Nepal after ACCA.
Or, I will have to settle or move abroad after completion.
REALITY: There is a huge scope of ACCA in Nepal. Many ACCA affiliates and members are working as mid and top-level managers with an attractive profile and salary in the big reputed organizations including the public service or government sector. The world becoming increasingly global makes ACCA even more lucrative qualification to pursue and the scope for ACCAs only seem to be going up. The fact that ACCA is UK-based Chartered Accountancy only opens the opportunities in abroad without hampering the scope and opportunity here in Nepal.
MYTH #2
ACCA is expensive.
REALITY: Fees of studying ACCA in Nepal ranges anywhere between 4-6 lakhs which is cheaper than other qualification like BBA and almost equal to other Chartered Accountancy qualification. On top of that, some colleges will even provide you with a scholarship. Honestly, the tuition fee is very affordable for one of the leading financial courses around the world. It’s more like an investment than an expense. Once you are qualified as ACCA, the payback of the amount one spends on pursing it is in around 1 year and the career growth is infinite. In short, it’s a worthy investment.
Myth#3
ACCA is an extremely tough course and I cannot pass it.
Or, I need to study 14-16 hours daily to pass it.
REALITY: If you plan everything from the beginning, give few hours daily and use the resources wisely, it’s not that difficult at all. However, you cannot expect to pass by studying a night or a week before the exam. It becomes tough because people work hard in the wrong direction and are less aware of all the study resources, exam-style and examiner’s expectations. Small continuous effort and a good approach are all it takes.
Myth #4
ACCA is all about numbers. The profession is boring with no social life and friends
REALITY: This is not true. ACCA is a lot more than just numbers viz; analysis, client relationship, decision-making, implementing various strategic decisions, teamwork, presentations, going to various organizations for audit etc.
ACCA is anything but boring. The job roles are self-actualizing and since you have a lot of career options to choose from once you qualify, you can dive in the field that excites you. Furthermore, you can always have a good balance of personal and professional life. Also, with the increased network, you will never run short of friends.
Myth #5
I need management/commerce high-school degree to pursue ACCA.
Or, I am a Science or student from another stream, so, it is not for me.
REALITY: There is no specific high school degree requirement to pursue ACCA. You can be from management, science or any other stream and still pursue it.
Since the course structure starts from the foundation level, you will learn from the very basics ,therefore, no matter which stream you chose in +2, you will not face any difficulty at all.
Apart from these, some might say there are no good colleges. That’s again not true. There are some of the best ACCA colleges in Nepal with astonishing achievements like world rank 1st.
These myths are floating around on unreasonable grounds and make students reluctant to apply and land on their dream qualification. Don’t let these myths stop you from achieving your dream.
Ujjwal Ghimire
