Until recently I was studying for my ACCA Qualification while working in a non-financial role. The opportunity arose at the beginning of March to move to the Finance Department with my current employer. I grasped the opportunity immediately, packed up my things and moved to Finance that day. I thought I’d better make a quick exit from my old department before somebody came up with a reason for me to stay.
So here I am now working in a Finance Department. What a joy to be working with people that have a love for numbers, and be no longer be regarded as odd for my desire to become an accountant. Within a few days of arriving word got round that I had passed my tax exam and my advice was sought. What a feeling of achievement that already I could be useful. Even now almost two months later I get a thrill from the words that fly across the office, ‘accruals, provisions, asset registers’. I expect the novelty will wear off eventually but for now I’m going to enjoy it.
I have now turned my attention to gaining my practical experience requirements. My first concern was whether I would be able to gain the depth of experience that is required while working for an organisation whose main function is not accountancy. My worries were quickly pushed aside as I began to understand the depth and breadth of accountancy work that takes place, which I expect is the case in many Finance departments in medium sized companies. In fact it has already become evident that working in a smaller organisation will enable me to take on a great deal of responsibility from an earlier stage.
Moving on from my initial concerns I went into the ACCA website to download the advice and guidelines on gaining my PER. There is lots of guidance and examples of relevant activities for each of the 13 performance objective that must be achieved. In fact I managed to crash my computer when trying to download all the information (my fault not the ACCA website). While the amount of information initially seemed daunting, I’m fairly confident that by taking each objective separately, I can integrate the requirements into my work related goals. I’m even considering attending a course on achieving PER which fellow bloggers have recommended. I expect it’s best to be clear from the start what I should be doing.
Im registered with ACCA and have a Commerce Degree. I am currently working as a receptionnist(6 years now)and as there are no trainee accountant jobs available I am wondering is it worthwile paying for the exams myself because I still wont have the practical experience? I only have to sit 8 of the exams. Can someone advise me if it will be easier to find a job after you have the exams over with? Sharon
Posted by: sharon | 08 June 2009 at 21:34
Working in a non-financial sector when studying your ACCA exams can be daunting. You don't get the necessary support and neither do you get to apply your learning skills to your job. For two years, i worked in a financial sector (Asset Management & Unit Trusts)and i absolutely loved the thrill of the financial world, managing the markets and predicting future turnouts. Recently, i started working in a non-financial sector, which i know is taking me back in terms of my PER. However, instead of getting demotivated, i've learnt to find the financial side of this company and apply what i've learnt to it. I find that i understand the running of this organisation better than most people. Whilst they see what's on the surface, i get an indepth feel on how everything is financially managed. I've also taken time to chat to the accountant and finance person to broaden my understanding and i have a great appreciation of it. So, if you're caught up in a non-financial job, try to see the brighter side of it and understand it's financial or accounting operations. That way, it doesn't feel like wasting time but broadening your horizons until such a time that you can be in the right sector.Good Luck
Posted by: rejoyce | 12 April 2009 at 06:09
how do i read to pass my exams - cos anytime i come home from work I am so tired that i can't even read my books?
Posted by: elizabeth anyara | 03 March 2009 at 14:49
Taking for my ACCA have been a real challenge, I currently work in the a non-financial role exposed to So I haven't achieved any of the stages on the PER.
Are the professional stages much harder? Compared to F5 & F7
Posted by: Toyin | 16 January 2009 at 14:41
I am happy that you now work in a relevant role. I was once working in a non-relevant role but now i am in the reconciliation department of a financial service firm. I have started to bank my experience and i have also chosen a mentor but i am having problems with completing the online TDM.
Are you having similar problems too?
Posted by: Michael | 14 August 2008 at 13:21
Like you im a distant learner, i chose this method because ive become a Dad, work 5 days a week, and until recently was active in a pipe band. Well something had to give and i decided to give up the Pipe Band. Still ive now passed 6 exams and im hoping to pass another 2 very soon fingers crossed. Best of luck Andy
Posted by: andrew | 27 May 2008 at 22:55