Bringing Career Aspirations to Life!!

Ever wondered what's in a profession that attracts its pursuers?? What are the factors which contribute to one's decision of opting for a particular career? It can be one's own interest in a specific field, issues concerning job security, the progression channel and development of one's self, the status and reputation of a particular line of work or even the potential income. Though the list is not exhaustive, these factors are sure to be considered before choosing a particular career.

Similarly, when one steps into the accountancy profession, he/she will surely take into account all the relevant factors and information prior to deciding to go for it. We see around us that accounting professionals are in demand everywhere and are enjoying lavish benefits offered by their career choices, which tempts us to be like one of them. Though this field presents exciting opportunities and promising returns, it is certainly obvious that it is going to be demanding. YOU GET WHAT YOU DESERVE! Simple as that! Therefore, before entering into the profession, one must ponder over his/her capabilities and their potential for success in such line of work. However, it is not as easy as it seems because one will only have a vague idea about his/her career prospects prior to actually going through that. But, it may also be true that somewhere in the mind a flash of a bulb indicates that this is the right career for me.

This happened with me when I decided to pursue accountancy as a career. But after that, I was again caught in a fix as regards the choice of qualification to go for as there were several available. After careful research, I chose the ACCA qualification, owing to its international recognition, excellent global reputation and flexibility regarding entry, exams and the practical experience requirement. I am certain that my career prospects with ACCA are very bright. Since the qualification is globally recognized, I will be in demand wherever I go and once I qualify the prestigious letters 'ACCA' after my name will surely testify my quality as a professional.

Even within the accountancy profession, there is a variety of professional services accountants can provide. This can range from the conventional bookkeeping services to providing assurance services. Then there are risk advisory services, corporate finance work, forensic accounting/auditing and even, social and environmental audits. The field is becoming vast in scope day by day. Due to such factors, accountants are needed everywhere. There is also a prior decision to make as regards working in industry, public sector or public practice. It is up to your choice in which sector you feel like working, and ACCA will accept it, as far as it is relevant. It is this flexibility, which is one of the several attractions of this qualification.

I envisage that my career prospects with ACCA are exceptionally sound. There are numerous areas I can imagine myself working in, all of them being accepted by ACCA. I would want to test myself in every area of work possible, and then decide which specialized field is best for me. Some areas such as risk advisory services, corporate finance work and forensic auditing appeal me, though others will also be of my interest.

Apart from this, I have always been fascinated to establish an airline company of my own, then perhaps, extending its scope to other diverse business operations, as I don't want to be limited in my reach. An entrepreneur is a risk taker, and I like facing challenges. My ACCA qualification will really be helpful in fulfilling such of my career aspirations.

With the ACCA qualification, you are assured that there is an endless abundance of choices and that you will always be in demand wherever you go. Being associated with ACCA is an achievement within itself, and as a virtue, you will be recognised throughout the globe and your professional services appreciated. However, to enjoy its benefits, one should be determined to succeed and hard work is a prerequisite for success. One should work with conviction; perseverance and diligence in order to fulfill career aims, and leave the rest for their ACCA qualification to do it for them.

Comments

[Sheraz]

Hi Saba! As far as ACCA is concerned, it doesn't matter where you do it from, whether you study for it from some tuition provider or you do distance learning, your objective should be to pass the exams, and of course fulfil your practical experience requirements. You can continue your part 2, or I guess the Fundamental Level (Skills stage) from Pakistan.
Well, as for the study method, I personally prefer to enrol with a tuition provider instead of distance learning because you get face to face interaction with the tutor who can easily respond to your queries as soon as you ask them. However, distance learning has also got its pros. The choice is yours, it depends on how you grasp things ultimately.
ACCA is a qualification which is internationally recognized so whether you do it from UK or you do it from Pakistan, there is no difference in status. In case you complete your ACCA from Pakistan, you would be treated the same way as if you had done your ACCA from the UK.
Hope that answers your queries. Post some more of your queries if you so desire and I would be obliged to help.
Thanks and best of luck for your future with ACCA.

[saba]

Hi sheraz i am living in UK and I am studying ACCA here, I have completed my part 1 but now I plan to go back to Pakistan. Can you please guide me if its better to do distance learning, or to get admission in some institute. I have been also wondering if it freally matters where you do your ACCA from, or is it the grades that count?

[Sheraz]

Dear Halted! You seem a bit disheartened or rather angry at something by the tone of your recent comment! I don't know why is it like that but I would want to satisfy you by acknowledging that the ACCA qualification promises a sound career in the end!! I agree with you that attributes you mentioned such as hard work, communication skills etc. are necessary to secure a prosperous career but the support of a finance qualification such as the ACCA qualification, will really prove helpful in flourishing such skills. To become qualified itself arouses a feeling of the realisation of one's potential. The ACCA designation proves a lot to one's prospective employer as they would be looking to recruit someone of such caliber who is most suitable to a particular post. And what better than a world-wide recognized qualification to testify your potential?
You gave a good example of a battlefield. But I would add to it that it is up to the individual to decide what kind of weapon he prefers in outperforming his/her opponent. The qualification will prove both as a shield as well as a sword. It is a matter of how you use it. No matter how sharp a sword you possess, but without a shield you are defenseless.
I hope you understand my point and I agree to yours too! I welcome all your comments and thanks for helping me with your views.
Regards.

[Halted]

Too much overoptimistic words and super-enthusiastic. I would consider the issue from the opposite side - does ACCA guarantee one a cheerful career? No it doesn't. Does ACCA designation proves anything to ones prospective employer? No. I have seen Professional level students having no clue what so ever about lecture's topics. And I know many people who are not quailified within a "world-wide-recognized" association. So what's the point? I would give it the following way - if you happen to be in finance (probably not the choice I would think of now) you cannot afford not having to have some qualification (since you have to compete with those who have one). BUT there are other things necessary to succeed - hard work, common sense, and communication skills to name a few. Consider ACCA (CIMA, CA or others) just as a shield in the battlefield - hardly you can survive without one but niether you win if you do not have sword or spear.