ACCA (DBS - Direct Route) vs. Degree Course

Exo

I'm considering on pursuing a career in accountancy, potentially - and need some justification. I am sitting my Leaving Cert this year (aged 19).

The ACCA is very unique in and of itself. I found that DBS (as some others) have an ACCA verified centre which bypasses a lot of the stuff traditional universities/colleges partake in (implementing seemingly pointless business related modules). I am planning on sitting the full F1-9 exams and then the professional exams thereafter.

The route through DBS will cost me, but it seems to have more potential. After completing the F1-3 exams, I am eligible to work in an accountancy firm while continuing with evening studies. I could potentially be in employment by this coming year, whereas university/college would take about 3-4 years with no experience out of it.

By the time of graduation, I could be a (near) fully chartered certified accountant with money and experience in the bank! An ACCA qualification is the equivalent to a Level 9 masters degree.. added bonus.

An accountant I've chatted with, said that they regret doing accountancy through university/college and would have been much better off going straight for the ACCA which is inevitably what the employers are looking for.

Is it a wise choice to undertake the ACCA at DBS, in the hopes of finding employment and continuing with studies to achieve the full qualification?!

Packet Of Gravy

If you want to get straight down to acounting without the businessy stuff at the side then go for it in DBS. Although it may be more expensive in the short term, you'll save money by not being in uni for those years and you'll actually be earning money.

Sure go for it!

Immy

What kind of points are you expecting/ hoping to get.

The full ACCA road although looks like it could be shorter is much more difficult so could take longer.

why the rush to go into full time employment. Your choices for a trainee position will be limited without a degree. None of the bigger firms would consider you.

What I usually advice students is that older students go the direct route but younger ones go the degree.

Exo

Packet Of Gravy wrote: »

If you want to get straight down to acounting without the businessy stuff at the side then go for it in DBS. Although it may be more expensive in the short term, you'll save money by not being in uni for those years and you'll actually be earning money.

Sure go for it!

Absolutely, thank you for your input.

Immy wrote: »

What kind of points are you expecting/ hoping to get.

The full ACCA road although looks like it could be shorter is much more difficult so could take longer.

why the rush to go into full time employment. Your choices for a trainee position will be limited without a degree. None of the bigger firms would consider you.

What I usually advice students is that older students go the direct route but younger ones go the degree.

I'm not entirely sure about points - repeating student, so this year has given me deeper insight; took up accounting for the first time! Course wise, I should be in the range of DCU Accounting & Finance (if not UCD Commerce - which probably contains useless modules). DCU offers the highest amount of exemptions, from all foundation exams (in three years). It's not really an issue of points, but actual course structure and usefulness.

F1-3 exams (which I would sit in December), would make me eligible to work in a SME to start out - the beginning of an accountancy career. I would be in employment for 2-3 years while progressing with the ACCA. That's the catch, I will most likely be a full member of the ACCA, or within a year of others graduating from university/college with a few exemptions from the fundamental exams.

I feel as if I've wasted enough time, and would like to progress in life. It is difficult, then again nothing is really easy; I've researched ACCA papers and requirements - would be in for a lot of work!

Immy

I went the direct route and although I was ahead of my peers they did catch up and we're all on the same level now.

I worked in small practice, I'd say with the 3 exams it will be hard enough even to get into small practice. I had 8 exams when I went looking for a job and it was also a different economy.

Working full time and studying is difficult and you would miss out on the whole college experience.

I still think the best way to qualify is do a 3 year degree in a university and train in a big practice. Doesn't mean it's the only way or the best way for YOU, and at the end of the day you need to do what suits you the best.

When I started college in my naïve 18 year old self didn't even know I was taking the direct route. I did 2 years full time and sat 8 exams, 4 in June and another 4 the next June (that's the way it was structured when I did it). When I started in September there was 31 in the class, 19 of us ended up sitting exams, 3 of us passed all 4. In second year there was 6 of us as some took repeats in December, 2 of us passed all 4 in second year. Some people from the class left after first year and went to do a degree in various colleges and then after their degrees then took the exams again and passed. I think all in all of the people I know about 8 of the class are now accountants.

Exo

Immy wrote: »

I went the direct route and although I was ahead of my peers they did catch up and we're all on the same level now.

I worked in small practice, I'd say with the 3 exams it will be hard enough even to get into small practice. I had 8 exams when I went looking for a job and it was also a different economy.

Working full time and studying is difficult and you would miss out on the whole college experience.

I still think the best way to qualify is do a 3 year degree in a university and train in a big practice. Doesn't mean it's the only way or the best way for YOU, and at the end of the day you need to do what suits you the best.

When I started college in my naïve 18 year old self didn't even know I was taking the direct route. I did 2 years full time and sat 8 exams, 4 in June and another 4 the next June (that's the way it was structured when I did it). When I started in September there was 31 in the class, 19 of us ended up sitting exams, 3 of us passed all 4. In second year there was 6 of us as some took repeats in December, 2 of us passed all 4 in second year. Some people from the class left after first year and went to do a degree in various colleges and then after their degrees then took the exams again and passed. I think all in all of the people I know about 8 of the class are now accountants.

Interesting perspective, thank you for that. Missing out on the college experience and putting in more work than average for the ACCA direct route has its disadvantages. The numbers are worrying, I guess that I need to make the right decision before it's too late - I've already spent a year repeating my Leaving Cert!

Immy

Exo wrote: »

Interesting perspective, thank you for that. Missing out on the college experience and putting in more work than average for the ACCA direct route has its disadvantages. The numbers are worrying, I guess that I need to make the right decision before it's too late - I've already spent a year repeating my Leaving Cert!

Sure wait and see how exams go and the results/ offers come out. DBS will be direct entry.