chartered accountant

timetogetfit

how tough is it to become one? how tough is the career once you become one?

Eoin

timetogetfit wrote: »

how tough is it to become one? how tough is the career once you become one?

Some friends of mine qualified in the last few years. The exams are not easy, and require a lot of studying for most people. The big companies (KPMG etc) normally give a lot of study time though. The pay isn't great until you qualify either, but after that it's a big increase. From what my friends have said (same as law) - getting the exams is harder than the actual day to day stuff.

eoin_s

eoin_s wrote: »

Some friends of mine qualified in the last few years. The exams are not easy, and require a lot of studying for most people. The big companies (KPMG etc) normally give a lot of study time though. The pay isn't great until you qualify either, but after that it's a big increase. From what my friends have said (same as law) - getting the exams is harder than the actual day to day stuff.

I would second all this. I did ACA with a small practise, not so much study leave but a great training nonetheless. Big 4 give so much study leave beacuse of the overtime they will put you through in their busy periods. (Nov-Jan, I believe).

Its tough, but anything worth having is tough,and the options are endless once you get the initials after your name.

MIN2511

I have three friends studying for it atm and two friends with their letters from ACCA, both working in big companies and earning good money.

That said, it's difficult. The pass mark is 50 anything below that and you have to repeat it again, it's very stressful combining work and classes some colleges run weekend classes.. the exams are in Dec and Jun, most companies give you study leave, would pay for it and for every exam passed would give you a token(cash)

mikeruurds

I recommend the ACCA or ACA route to anyone who is willing to work hard and has some interest in finance and business.

It's a very rewarding career and opens doors into many different sectors and functions. I am not your typical bean counter, but the ACCA is getting me up the ladder.

You'll also never be without work if you are competent. It can be tough dependent on where you work as you may have to work long hours under stressful conditions, but that's how you learn and improve your skillset. The better you become at what you do, the easier the job becomes.

To answer your question, it'll take you 4-5 years studying part-time while getting experience on the job. You need at least 3 years of relevant experience during which you need to be exposed to specific tasks/situations.

Well worth it IMO.

legoman

I agree with all the above comments. I know lots of friends who have done it. They complain about the exams but the qualification lasts a lifetime and all in all its well worth it.

Eoin

ND 1978 wrote: »

I would second all this. I did ACA with a small practise, not so much study leave but a great training nonetheless. Big 4 give so much study leave beacuse of the overtime they will put you through in their busy periods. (Nov-Jan, I believe).

Actually, that reminds me - the study leave is closer to time in lieu, rather than "free" time off - my mate worked massive hours during the busy period, so he racked up a lot of time off. I didn't realise it was just a 50% pass rate though. Is it graded on a curve? Seem to remember that being mentioned before.

I think the reference is to a 50% pass mark rather than rate?

The pass rate was significantly higher than 50% when I did ACA, at each stage (Prof 2, Prof 3, FAE)

Eoin

ND 1978 wrote: »

I think the reference is to a 50% pass mark rather than rate?

The pass rate was significantly higher than 50% when I did ACA, at each stage (Prof 2, Prof 3, FAE)

Sorry, that's what I meant.