Training Contract vs Elevation/ACCA employability

Zemmirz

Do those who train by themselves outside of a training contract in the CAI Elevation programme or ACCA have much poorer employability prospects than those who go through a training contract, i.e. are you at the bottom of the barrel if you did not do it through a training contract?

Would love to hear from people who have done it outside of the training contract or from recruiters.

I would imagine the order of preference is Big 4, Training contract, Elevation/ACCA.
Is it possible that it could be a waste of time becoming an accountant through Elevation/ACCA because you will always be overlooked?

Zemmirz

anyone?

thefa

You cannot train yourself (''those who train by temselves''). You can do the exams by yourself in ACCA and up to the FAEs in CAI Elevation but you will still require the 3/3.5 years relevant experience. This does not have to come from a training contract. It is (recorded & approved) relevant accounting experience, time apportioned if necessary.

If you are not employed where you can get relevant experience then it is obviously a boost to your employability if you have shown initiative and commitment to making a career out of accounting by beginning to study for one of the accounting bodies on your own.

I imagine there is indeed an order of preference when going for certain jobs depending on the industry, specific firm and country. I think you could benefit from further research into opportunities in the profession as your low opinion of ACCA and the CAI Elevation programme(which gives the same qualification) suggests your focus and info is limited to that of the biggest companies in practice only.

Zemmirz

thefa wrote: »

You cannot train yourself (''those who train by temselves''). You can do the exams by yourself in ACCA and up to the FAEs in CAI Elevation but you will still require the 3/3.5 years relevant experience. This does not have to come from a training contract. It is (recorded & approved) relevant accounting experience, time apportioned if necessary.

If you are not employed where you can get relevant experience then it is obviously a boost to your employability if you have shown initiative and commitment to making a career out of accounting by beginning to study for one of the accounting bodies on your own.

I imagine there is indeed an order of preference when going for certain jobs depending on the industry, specific firm and country. I think you could benefit from further research into opportunities in the profession as your low opinion of ACCA and the CAI Elevation programme(which gives the same qualification) suggests your focus and info is limited to that of the biggest companies in practice only.

Actually I am seriously considering CAI Elevation and yes my info is very limited hence my thread to get first hand experience.
I do know that you cant do it entirely by yourself and that you need the relevant experience, and it is nice to hear your opinion that it doesn't hinder employment prospects as much as I thought it might.

Zemmirz

Hopefully I can get a few more opinions from people who completed the Elevation/ACCA(outside of contract) route or recruiters who selected them or anyone who has any knowledge/informed opinion