Can You Apply For Jobs If You Are Partly Qualified For ACCA? What Jobs & Salaries Can You Get?

Starting your journey with ACCA is a great decision, but one of the key concerns many students have is whether they can begin their career while still in the process of completing the qualification or whether they will find good employment if they decide to not apply for ACCA membership. The good news is, yes, you can apply for jobs even if you’re partly qualified in ACCA!

This blog explores what it means to be partly qualified, the job roles available, and the potential salaries you can earn.

What Does It Mean to Be Partly Qualified for ACCA?

Before jumping into the stipulations of being partly qualified, let’s take a look at what the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification comprises of:

1. 13 exams divided into 3 levels:
   • Applied Knowledge (3 papers)
   • Applied Skills (6 papers)
   • Strategic Professional (4 papers)
2. 20 hours of Ethics and Professional Skills module
3. 36 months of relevant work experience

The completion of the above specified factors makes you eligible for ACCA membership. Technically, any student who has started their ACCA qualifications and has only achieved 1 or 2 of the aforementioned 3 qualifying factors is considered ‘partly qualified’. But, according to research, the term partly qualified ACCA, can have different meanings depending on the employer.

• Generally, it means a student who has cleared the first 2 levels of exams except the strategic professional level.
• A student who has decided to pursue another qualification after completing the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills levels.
• Or a student looking for work while in the process of clearing the strategic professional level.

These students can safely take on the designation of partly qualified ACCA as the exams they have taken so far symbolize their competence in key areas such as financial accounting, taxation, and performance management. It showcases to the employer that the applicant has enough foundational knowledge to enter the workforce.

Using ACCA’s Honor Degrees

An added benefit of completing certain ACCA exam levels is that you are awarded honorary degrees, such as a BSc in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University after passing the Applied Skills level, you can use to find employment with. These can be a valuable addition to your CV while you’re still working toward full ACCA membership.

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Can You Get Jobs If You Are Partly Qualified for ACCA?

Absolutely! Being partly qualified opens up several doors in the accounting and finance world. Employers often seek partly qualified ACCA candidates because they have foundational knowledge, real-world skills, and the aptitude to work in the industry. You can apply for various entry-level to mid-tier positions depending on the level you’ve completed.

Also Read – Is ACCA Considered a Degree? Let’s Fact Check

Job Roles Available for Partly Qualified ACCA Students

Partly qualified ACCA professionals can apply for a range of jobs, including:

• Accounts Assistant: Supporting senior accountants with basic financial tasks such as bookkeeping, preparing invoices, and financial reporting.
• Financial Analyst: Assisting in financial planning and analysis, data analysis, and producing reports for business decision-making.
• Auditor (Junior/Assistant): Assisting in internal or external audits by reviewing financial documents for accuracy and compliance.
• Tax Assistant: Preparing and filing tax returns, advising on tax-related queries, and staying updated with tax laws.
• Finance Officer: Monitoring financial data, preparing reports, and assisting with budgeting and financial forecasting.
• Management Accountant Trainee: Assisting in preparing financial statements, conducting cost analysis, and reporting on financial performance.

Also Read – ACCA Membership Made Simple: Steps To Get Started Now!

Top 7 Companies That Frequently Hire Partly Qualified ACCA Candidates

Many reputable companies are open to hiring partly qualified ACCA students. Some of these include:

1. KPMG
2. Deloitte
3. EY (Ernst & Young)
4. PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
5. Grant Thornton
6. HSBC
7. JP Morgan

These companies are known for their robust training and career progression paths, making them ideal places for ACCA students to start their careers.

Also Read – 10 Trending ACCA Job Profiles In India

Let’s Compare: Partly Qualified vs Fully Qualified ACCA

Understanding the difference between being partly qualified and fully qualified for ACCA can help you set clear career expectations. Here’s how the two compare:

For E.g. – As a partly qualified ACCA, you might join as an Accounts Assistant at KPMG earning ₹4 LPA, but once you’re fully qualified, you can move up to roles like Financial Controller with a ₹15 LPA package.

Also Read – Accounting Jobs Available in the UK After an ACCA Qualification

Career Progression and Salaries For ACCA Partly Qualified Students

Salaries for partly qualified ACCA candidates can vary depending on factors such as location, industry, and experience. For example:

• Accounts Assistants can expect salaries starting at INR 3-4 lakhs per annum in India, while in the UK, this might be around £22,000-£25,000.
• Financial Analysts can start at INR 5-6 lakhs per annum in India, or £28,000-£35,000 in the UK.
• Junior Auditors and Tax Assistants may see salaries ranging from INR 4-5 lakhs in India, or £25,000-£30,000 in the UK.

Over time, as you complete more ACCA exams and gain work experience, your earning potential grows substantially. Fully qualified ACCA members often command significantly higher salaries and more senior roles.

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6 Skills Employers Look For in Partly Qualified ACCA Candidates

Even as a partly qualified ACCA, employers value candidates with the right mix of technical and soft skills. Here’s what you need to stand out:

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Financial Software:
  • Tools like Tally, SAP, and QuickBooks are often used in entry-level roles. Brush up on these to streamline daily financial tasks.
• Accounting Standards Knowledge:
  • A strong understanding of IFRS and GAAP will give you an edge in financial reporting and compliance tasks.
• Financial Analysis Skills:
  • Be comfortable analyzing balance sheets and preparing cash flow statements to assist senior accountants.

Soft Skills

• Communication:
  • Clear communication helps you explain financial insights to non-financial stakeholders.
  • Example: Presenting an audit report to a client in a jargon-free, relatable way.
• Teamwork:
  • Collaborate with departments like HR, procurement, or sales to streamline operations.
• Attention to Detail:
  • Employers love candidates who can spot errors in financial statements or detect irregularities in transactions.

Also Read – ACCA PER | How To Get ACCA Practical Experience | Are 36 Months Enough? What Are The Objectives?

10 Helpful Tips for Applying to Jobs as a Partly Qualified ACCA

Looking for a job as a partly qualified ACCA? Here’s how to make your application stand out:

Tailor Your CV to Highlight ACCA Progress

• Clearly mention the levels of ACCA completed: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, or Strategic Professional.
• Add relevant achievements like honorary degrees (e.g., BSc in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University).
• Use action-oriented language:
  • “Completed financial reporting tasks for a ₹50 crore client portfolio, ensuring 100% compliance with IFRS standards.”

Mention Certifications and Key Skills

• Highlight any additional certifications like Excel for Finance or SQL for Beginners.
• Emphasize industry-specific skills:
  • “Skilled in preparing financial models for cost-saving initiatives in the manufacturing sector.”

Network on LinkedIn

• Connect with professionals in the finance industry, especially alumni from ACCA.
• Join LinkedIn groups related to accounting and ACCA.
  • Example: “ACCA Professionals India” or “Finance Careers Worldwide.”
• Share posts about your ACCA journey to attract potential employers.

Be Interview-Ready

• Prepare answers for common interview questions:
  • “How does your ACCA progress benefit our company?”
  • “Which ACCA modules have you found most applicable in real-life scenarios?”
• Research the company’s financial practices before the interview.

Also Read – Countries where ACCA holders have the signing authority

How Proschool Helps You Ace the ACCA Exams & Get a Job

At Proschool, we understand that just passing exams isn’t enough. To land a job, you need the right combination of technical knowledge, practical skills, and confidence. That’s why Proschool offers a comprehensive ACCA Prep Course with the following advantages:

• Comprehensive Study Material: Our materials combine the best aspects of ACCA’s Study Hub, BPP, and Kaplan.
• Mock Exam Kits: Practice makes perfect, and our mock exams help simulate real test environments to boost your performance.
• Doubt-Solving Sessions: If you get stuck, our live sessions and personal mentoring will help you overcome any hurdles.
• Job Placement Assistance: Proschool offers career counseling, CV workshops, and connects students with top employers, helping you land a job even before you’re fully qualified.

Conclusion

Even as a partly qualified ACCA candidate, you can start building your career right away. Many roles are available that value your current ACCA knowledge, allowing you to gain experience and earn competitively while you continue your studies. Whether you plan to complete the course, explore other qualifications, or even take a temporary break due to personal commitments, there are flexible options to keep progressing professionally.

FAQs

What is a partly qualified ACCA?

A partly qualified ACCA is someone who has completed the initial stages of the ACCA qualification, typically the Applied Knowledge and/or Applied Skills levels.

Can I get a job if I am partly qualified in ACCA?

Yes! Many employers seek partly qualified ACCA professionals for roles such as Accounts Assistant, Financial Analyst, and Junior Auditor.

Is it better to wait until I’m fully qualified to apply for jobs?

Not necessarily. You can begin your career while completing your qualification, gaining valuable experience that will benefit you once you’re fully qualified.

Can I work and study for ACCA at the same time?

Yes, many ACCA students balance work and study. Flexible study schedules and part-time jobs can help you progress without overwhelming yourself.

Which industries hire partly qualified ACCA candidates?

Partly qualified ACCA professionals are in demand across various industries including banking, finance, auditing, taxation, and consulting. Companies like KPMG, EY, and PwC are known to hire ACCA students regularly.