Qualify for experience

The practical experience requirement (PER) is a systematic framework that represents a ‘bridge’ between affiliate status and ACCA membership.

By completing PER, trainees display the ability to meet the professional exigencies expected as an ACCA member. It depicts a pragmatic approach of knowledge and techniques acquired throughout studies, and the ability to perform to rigorous standards with a strong ethical background. The aim of this post is to encourage trainees to cross the ‘bridge’ that leads to membership status, which results in an avenue of tremendous opportunities and benefits of being recognised as a highly-regarded finance professional.

Throughout my ACCA studies, I realised the importance of acquiring experience simultaneously. My textbooks were brought into real life working situations, contributing towards a better understanding of underlying principles. As an anecdote, I was flying as cabin crew while tackling ACCA Qualification Paper F8, Audit and Assurance Service. In those instances, I did not have any auditing exposure, thus a new exam strategy had to be devised. The flexibility of my work enabled me to join a local audit firm as a part-time trainee auditor. The ability to apply newly-acquired knowledge resulted in an increase in productivity as well as an effective approach to exam preparation.

The close relationship and mutual support derived by managing to gain relevant simultaneous working experience and study cannot be undermined. It is indeed a challenging, yet privileged route in moving at a greater pace towards ACCA membership. Such an approach also offers opportunities to develop interpersonal skills; organisation and communication are critical attributes for a finance professional.

My concern for trainees who cannot fill in their PER due to inaccessibility to relevant practical experience and because of lack of exposure, is that employers are less willing to recruit. To break the circle, one of strategies that I have adopted is on-job training schemes offered by local employers. Such schemes offer on-field experience to support trainees in consolidating their confidence with pillars of new skills and aptitudes; essential criteria to occupy further full-time positions. Part-time assignments and voluntary work can also be seen as an investment which are also conducive in meeting the aspirations of future employers.

It can be observed that not all of performance objectives from PER can be met while occupying full-time positions in an organisation. Opportunities such as job rotations, secondments, workshops, project works, and shadowing are avenues which offer new exposure and challenges for trainees, all of which need thorough consideration.

Building a ‘Professional Profile’ is a continuous exercise, and the earlier the ‘investment, the sooner the return!