5 ways an ACCA qualification can lead to global opportunities

Imagine the ACCA certificate as a career passport. It is the key to accessing some of the best jobs in accountancy and finance around the globe. With this qualification, you get a leg up in the world. It expands your horizons. It prepares you to be practical and innovative. Most importantly, you get the chance to gain international work experience which can be a real game-changer for your career.

What makes an ACCA professional so sought after across the world? There are quite a few reasons. When you study the course, you receive an in-depth education on how to become an internationally recognised accountant. You learn the technical skills that most leading companies are looking for. You pick up soft skills that teach you how to engage with people from all walks of life. You can communicate your thoughts and ideas concisely, and your academic background will give you the confidence to rise to the many challenges that come your way.

This makes you every employer’s dream hire, whether in India or abroad. And when you have the potential to work anywhere in the world, why limit yourself to just one location?

5 ways you receive amazing global opportunities

#1 It is truly an ‘international’ course 

The popularity of this course has spread across the globe. Today the ACCA course is widely recognised in over 180 countries, including the UK, Australia, Germany, Dubai and Singapore. These are countries where many Indians choose to migrate. As the standard of living is high and career opportunities are immense. The firms in these countries often hire ACCA-qualified candidates to fill their accountancy-related job openings.

Is it any wonder then that over 7,000 organisations around the world hire from the ACCA alumni? They recognise the high working standards of each certified individual. They know they are getting good value. If you choose to work in another country, your academic status will make you highly employable. It is a great opportunity to pave a better path for your career.

#2 The Big 4 firms are likely to hire certified candidates

The big 4 firms are Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), Ernst & Young (E&Y)and Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG). These are the largest accounting organisations with offices located all over the world. They generate revenue between 35 and 25 billion dollars every year. Most accountants aspire to work for the big 4. As a fresher, it is a great way to kickstart your career. However, the competition is fierce. Potential employers at these firms receive hundreds of resumes regularly. So what can make your application stand out from a sea of other hopefuls? Your qualification can help you get your foot in the door. Your course training is in sync with the requirements of the firms. You will be able to cope with the high paced environment and demands of the job.

As mentioned before, the four big accounting companies have offices in several countries, including India. You can apply for a position in any of the big 4 firms in India first and then, later on, try for a transfer overseas within the same organisation. Or if you plan to migrate right away, you can directly apply to any of the firms’ offices in the country of your choice. Either way, you have the credentials to be seen as a worthy hire.

#3 Major MNCs in India can serve as a stepping stone 

As more and more multinational companies continue to invest in India, more and more job positions are on offer. It doesn’t matter what the company is selling — cars, big tech, appliances or even banking services, they all need globally-recognised professionals for the accounting department. Once you are employed in an MNC, you are part of a global group. You get an inside look at the organisation’s business etiquette, policies and overall work culture. You get a keen understanding of how major global corporations work.

This makes you a professional who is qualified to work across MNCs in India as well as overseas. You can choose to transfer to any of your current company’s offices in other parts of the world. Or you could use your experience in a global corporation to apply for fresh job opportunities abroad. Either way, your resume will prove you are familiar with global set-ups, making you a potential employee who is quick to adapt to a new work environment.

#4 Flexible options that globally make you a good hire

The ACCA course can have a significant impact on your career. The expansive range of topics covered in the syllabus allows you to pick and choose your job profile. You could become an accounting consultant. Or you could work as a treasury advisor, even a finance specialist. Maybe, a forensic accountant if that line of work interests you. Perhaps, a tax specialist or finance analyst may sound appealing to you? Ever considered working in fund management? The list goes on. If your end game is to be a Chief Financial Officer or to start your own accounting company, the course offers many different routes to get you there.

The ACCA course structure covers most of the profiles within the realm of finance and accounting. If you are unsure about your career path, but you know you want a future in accountancy, this is the course for you. So how does this help with global opportunities? It opens up more possibilities for you. Depending on the job openings and your current experience, you could potentially switch lanes, and locations, in your career. It adds another feather to your cap — adaptability.

#5 You get direct access to the ACCA careers board 

If you happen to visit the official ACCA website today, click on the careers section. Here, they showcase thousands of job vacancies across the world. There are openings for jobs in countries like the UK, Netherlands, Germany, Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai and even India. As an ACCA member, you enjoy the privilege of knowing about job openings in hiring companies before the other job hunters do. Some recruiters put up job posts directly on the website, while others can reach out to you if you have registered as a member. There’s more. You get access to regular job alerts, can apply for internships and even keep an eye on which company is recruiting at all times, all around the world. All of these incredible advantages are at your fingertips once you are a certified member.

In conclusion 

Working abroad has its fair share of advantages. It changes your perspective while exposing you to new ideas and insights. You get to sharpen your skill set, learn about industry-specific developments and even challenge yourself. It is also a very lucrative opportunity. Different geographic additions in your resume can also lead to higher salaries and job designations. Once you are certified, you can carve a niche for yourself in the finance industry. So if it’s your dream to be a global professional, the ACCA certification can open up a whole new world for you.

Intrigued? Find out about the ACCA eligibility criteria here

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