Striking the perfect balance between education and career is an important combination in a fast paced world where the two go hand in hand more often than not. In today’s world securing a job is just as important as having a professional qualification and many are on the look out to find that perfect match [...]

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Pursue two dreams simultaneously

At ACCA education and work goes hand in hand
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Striking the perfect balance between education and career is an important combination in a fast paced world where the two go hand in hand more often than not. In today’s world securing a job is just as important as having a professional qualification and many are on the look out to find that perfect match to pursue two dreams in one count.

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is the perfect stop for those looking for this special combination.

The largest and fastest growing global professional accountancy body, ACCA offers a qualification which opens doors to unlimited opportunities offering a world class qualification in flexible hours.

Achala, having secured a position at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka reluctantly had to forego his selection at the University of Colombo as an undergraduate of Department of Management and Finance when he could not meet the 80% attendance to sit for university examination. At cross roads wanting to pursue both an academic qualification as well as his career at CBSL, Achala stumbled upon ACCA through word of mouth of a friend. “It was ideal,” Achala said. “I gave up my degree and choose to continue my career at CBSL. I had the question of how to fulfil my bygone opportunity by a better qualification and what area it should be. As I was engaged in Internal Auditing at CBSL and with my personal passion towards finance and accountancy, I decided to pursue a career in accountancy and finance.”

When choosing a professional qualification relating to accountancy there are many qualifications available in Sri Lanka. So why pick ACCA? “I gathered information from my friends, colleges and even from internet and newspapers. One of my friends who was an ACCA student at that time suggested the qualification.” Having obtained information it was easy to see that the ACCA syllabus consists of diversified subject areas which cover not only accountancy and finance but other related areas as well. He also found the submission of training records/ practical experience more flexible than any other. “I realized the value of obtaining the globally accepted qualification and without much hesitation chose ACCA.”

The tuition provider he chose was the Mercury Institute of Management, which is the only platinum accredited ACCA tuition provider in Sri Lanka. “Lecturers are very knowledgeable, helpful and accessible.”

Explaining the benefits of ACCA, Achala said: “Benefits are endless. The exposure you get through up-to-date and diversified ACCA syllabus is vast. ACCA really improved the quality of my work and enabled me the access to a world of professionals.”

And this plays a pivotal role as his aim is to climb high at the CBSL. “I will give my best to reach the zenith within next 10 years. And this global recognition will no doubt help me by moulding me in to a person with an overall knowledge to serve the institute to the best of my abilities.”
The inclusion of professional code of ethics and conduct in the syllabus and encouraging members to strictly adhere to it has made the ACCA members be ethical professionals.

Having balanced studies with his work, what support did you receive while studying, we ask. In addition to the support rendered by the lecturers, the study material itself was comprehensive and understandable and covers areas which include practical scenarios. The materials and articles available in ACCA website provided an additional assistance as well. “The library facility available at ACCA office in Sri Lanka provides access to refer a wide range of materials.”

“This is an ideal platform for those who would want to balance their work with studies. I highly recommend the qualification for anyone who is interested in pursuing an academic qualification which is a must when considering a successful future,” he said.

Today as an ACCA member Achala plays pivotal role in his organization, by enhancing the value he delivers in the workplace by promoting the global standards of the profession and the ethical conduct that are key ingredients required in the current context.

ACCA is the global body for professional accountants and has supported students for over 100 years with 147,000 members and 424,000 students in over 170 countries. Taking a similar trend as an MBA, the examinations cover all aspects of business management from the purely technical – such as bookkeeping and cost accounting – to the more theoretical aspects such as motivational theory and theories of risk. The difference however is that at ACCA an emphasis on practical know-how is key.

Offering flexibility to students, the qualification is not aimed at any one particular business sector and covers all areas of business management. It has the relevance to fit into the moulds of other fields of work, not limiting the qualification recipient to practise accountancy only.

Among the courses offered at ACCA are the Foundations in Accountancy, The BSC (Hons) in Applied Accountancy offered by the Oxford Brookes University (UK), The Oxford Brookes BSc (Hons) Degree in Applied Accounting, Certificate in International Financial Reporting, Diploma in International Financial Reporting and Certificate in International Auditing.




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