A degree higher

Recently, I discussed my career path with a recruitment consultant, and the job opportunities in the financial sector (which is becoming an important pillar of the Mauritian economy) were being explored.

Sustaining growth in the sector demands the availability of high-calibre professionals. I was pleased to hear that the ACCA Qualification was highly regarded among recruiters, and I realised that the CVs of the applicants which secured final interviews were also those that were enriched with distinct skills.

Acting upon the advice of my well wisher, I decided to work towards a degree which will provide a personal edge. The BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting awarded by Oxford Brookes University in partnership with ACCA provides an ideal prospect, since it offers flexibility towards my work schedule and also new challenges which I am eager to meet!

The ACCA website provides tremendous guidelines towards the degree programme. Within a few clicks, the information gathered online ensures that each step that I have to undertake towards compiling my two reports (the Research and Analysis Report and the Key Skills Statement) are well-structured in meeting the specific criteria of the marker.

The previous formal meetings with my mentor did require a lot of preparation in terms of ensuring the right topic was chosen, and that the method I was about to use to collect primary data was carried out against a background of efficient communications. My next meeting will require the use of specific IT software to ensure an effective presentation, which aims to induce further discussion of the topic under analysis.

The preliminary stages include information gathering, and as such, information overload was the danger that needed to be tackled in order to ensure a concise structure within the word limits. In addition to that, the referencing process is to be under the prescribed standard to ensure success. The design of the questionnaire was aimed to encourage efficient response from the participants which were selected under a representative sample. This proved to be crucial in analysing the data and making appropriate conclusions.

Professional conduct and ethical interaction towards the diverse participants of my research report cannot be undermined. My growing confidence is proving to be supportive towards producing an enhanced report. Meeting the requirements of the degree demands further skills which are to be developed and reinforced from the student, levelling one’s self to a degree higher!

Comments

[Mohammad Huzaifa]

Dear Amber,

Thank you for your post.

Be familiar with all the requirements of the project and choose a topic which you shall be at ease in meeting them.

I used questionnaires since they proved to be efficient in identifying the shortcomings and encourage participation in suggesting means to operate more efficiently, thus for the betterment of all stakeholders.

A beautiful dream always starts with a nightmare, persevere!

Mohammad Huzaifa

[Amber Peer Mohammad]

Oh dear, your experience with BSc Oxford Brookes seems very interesting, but it has become a nightmare for me. Can you guide me through choosing a topic and then collecting data? I'll be really grateful to you.

[Mohammad Huzaifa]

Dear Prakshay,

Thank you for your post. With all the clauses of humbleness, there a lot of uncovered stories about trainees who have strived against the tide.

I would answer your question through the following questions:

How far is international exposure important to you? Is it better to exercise abroad before returning to Mauritius?

Presently, starting salary varies significantly between industries but if you make the right choice, you can aspire uncapped benefits in the near future; in other words, it does not matter how much you are starting with but rather how much you will be eligible in the long term.

If the employer is offering unmatched experience with a professionally conducive environment, do starting salary really matters or is it simply an investment in building your professional character?

Everyone of us has a different answer; I hope I have been of support to your queries.

Mohammad Huzaifa

[prakshay gungah]

I really admire the determination and hard work of Mohammad Huzaifa and wish him all the best.

I am presently studying at FTC in the UK. Despite I have indefinite leave to remain in the UK, I am planning to come back to Mru, my home country, to train as an accountant, but I don't know if anyone could tell me what's the starting salary in Mru Rupees?

Thank You
Prakshay

(Originally from Port Louis, Mru)

[Mohammad Huzaifa]

Hi Zaynah

I do hope the support from our web editor has been helpful in your decision making. By reading your post, I found myself in your current situation some years back before registering as an ACCA student.

I had to choose from a variety of courses and taking into consideration my commitments, ACCA proves an excellent choice. I am now enjoying the benefits of an ACCA member.

Try to position yourself in your organisation ten years ahead; which hierarchical position your want to achieve?
Now to be there, you will require the right blend of experience. How about the qualification you need to acquire? Will it be flexible (for instance with ACCA courses, it opens doors to consultancy, auditing, taxation to mention a few), or be globally recognised, giving you exposure to global job opportunities?

I have written two blog posts on ACCA Mauritius, which explore the support and opportunites that ACCA offers to prospective finance professionals. I hope they can support you in your decision.

I wish you all best!

Thank you,
Mohammad Huzaifa

[Mohammad Huzaifa]

Dear Massawe

Thank you for your post. Sponsorship depends upon the policy of your employer. For instance in Mauritius, most accounting firms do support ACCA students in terms of lecture and exams fees. I would advise you to discuss your career path with your employer and seek goal congruence; they will be keen to support you as ACCA courses are aimed to offer excellent career development.

Thank you and do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further advice.

Mohammad Huzaifa

[Web editor - ACCA]

Hi Zaynah

While ACCA would prefer you to remain as an ACCA student, we understand that you must choose whichever qualification you believe to be best for you, your current employment and your future career development. You may wish to discuss your options with your employer.

Together you may wish to compare the syllabus for ACCA http://www.accaglobal.com/students/study_exams/qualifications/acca_choose/acca/ and ICSA, ACCA's commitment to the ethical development of our students and members, and the wide range of accounting and finance experience that ACCA recognise towards gaining membership. Also, have you thought about the opportunity to gain a BSc in Applied Accounting with Oxford Brookes University as you progress through ACCA?

Have a look around the ACCA website and the website of other accounting bodies and see if there are other reasons that may influence your decision: http://www.accaglobal.com/join/why_acca/

[Web editor - ACCA]

Hi Firoz

There are two methods for applying to register as a new ACCA student:
1) apply online at http://www.accaglobal.com/join/register/online and follow the instructions for submitting your supporting documents and payment
2) complete and return an application form that can be obtained from ACCA Connect or your local office or joint scheme partner.

The standard closing dates for registration in respect of June and December exams are 31 December and 15 August respectively (but this may be earlier if you are registering through a joint scheme partner).

Applications are normally processed within six to eight weeks of receipt in the Glasgow office.

Details of minimum entry requirements for ACCA can be found online at http://www.accaglobal.com/join/acca/entry

Once your registration is complete and any exemptions have been awarded, you may wish to check our online tuition provider database for a suitable tuition provider in your area: http://www.accaglobal.com/students/study_exams/tuition/search_tuition

If you wish to specifically check for tuition providers who offer full-time ACCA courses, the advanced search will help you narrow your search and provide you with the contact details of any tuition providers who meet your search criteria. You can then contact the tuition providers themselves for further details.

In relation to your query about funding, students are responsible for their own payments. While ACCA is not in a position to offer advice on grants or funding, you may be interested in the Simpson Scholarship. The Simpson Scholarship exists to reward talented ACCA students who have already proven themselves to be of sufficient merit and distinction in ACCA examinations. Each year, the Simpson Scholarship will fund the ACCA examination and registration fees of five students for a period of five years or until they become members - whichever happens first. For further information see http://www.accaglobal.com/scholarship/

[Firoz Satwilkar]

Hi, my name is Firoz Satwilkar. I want to enquire about the ACCA course that can be studied at university as a full-time course. I have the entry levels which are required they are; A level double business (CD) and ICT (D). I also have the GCSEs.

However, I read on the website I would need to register with ACCA but I am finding it ever so confusing in how to register because I am currently taking a gap year and want to go for further education at university in September 2009, so I need to start applying. However, when I go on to the website I have to make payments which confuses me because would I have to make the payments or would I be able to get grants for university to help me with registration fee and tuition fee at the university?

I really want to go on to studying this course and become a chartered accountant but in the last month every one I have asked for help does not know of how to go about getting in the course as a full-time student. Could you please get back me as soon as possible and guide me in what to do. It would be much appreciated.

Many thanks,
Firoz

[Zaynah]

Hi,

I'm working in an offshore company as a payroll officer. I've started my ACCA Level 1 this year but I wonder whether this would really help me in what I'm actually doing at work or should have pursue an ICSA course.

Could you please advise?

[DEOGRASIAS P. MASSAWE]

Hi, I am a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance graduate from May 2008, from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. I am seeking advice as to whether it is possible for me to have sponsorship to pursue my ACCA as I am very eager to learn and practise accounting and auditing.

[Mohammad Huzaifa]

Dear Laraib

Thank you for your post. I have been admitted to ACCA membership; I am pleased to tell you that there is a lot of opportunities being offered to me and more interestingly, on a global scale!

While being an ACCA student, I had to devise study methods to suit my professional commitments as a crew and also meeting other personal responsibilites. I would advise you to meet a mentor who can assist you in devising your 'own study method' taking into account your personal commitments.

I am reacheable on [email protected] for any further query.

Thank you, Mohammad Huzaifa

[LARAIB]

Hi, I am married and have a son who is one. I have recently taken my economics and accounts A level exams. I am an A grade student and I want your advice as to whether ACCA is suitable for me, as i cannot give much time to studies, and will it help me to get a good job in the future?

[Mohammad Huzaifa]

Dear Anon

Thank you. A preliminary step is to listen and read the English language as often as possible. My blog entitled 'Are you fluent?' is supportive of such proposal.

As a future accountant, a good command of the English language is essential. Conveying unambiguous information to concerned stakeholders is an important attribute as a professional accountant.

[Anon]

Where did you learn such good English? Thank you.