How To Start ACCA After 12th? (A Career Guide)

After completing 12th, pursuing ACCA is one of the excellent ways of starting an international auditing, finance, and accounting career. ACCA certification is appreciated in more than 180 countries and is quite flexible, and thus it’s the most favorable choice for someone who wants to work in a multinational company or in top-tier financial institutions. Regardless of whether you have a desire to become a financial analyst, auditor, or a tax consultant, ACCA ensures your success as a professional. This  article help you to how to start ACCA after 12th by familiarizing you with the eligibility, the registration procedure, course layout, and career opportunities available after ACCA.

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Why Choose ACCA After 12th?

Pursuing ACCA after the 12th is a wise choice for students seeking an accounting and finance qualification that is globally recognized. Unlike conventional courses, ACCA is flexible as students can study alongside work experience. It is recognized in more than 180 countries, and it opens up international job prospects in leading firms, such as the Big Four (PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG). The course structure is applied and business-oriented, with the key subject topics being financial management, auditing, and taxation. Less examinations than in CA and a more organized learning process, ACCA provides a quicker path to a successful finance career.

Eligibility Criteria For ACCA After 12th

To become a student of ACCA after 12th, you must satisfy the following:

• You must have passed your 12th from a recognized board.
• You must have at least 50% marks in Accounts, English, and Mathematics.
• Any commerce, science, or arts stream student can join, but preferably the student is from a commerce background.

If you do not qualify for direct entry, you can still begin ACCA by initially registering for the Foundation in Accountancy (FIA) qualification, which is a bridging qualification to the ACCA qualification.

ACCA Course Structure And Levels

ACCA course is divided into three levels:

• Applied Knowledge Level – Deals with fundamental accounting concepts.
• Applied Skills Level – Specializes in the fields of finance, taxation, and auditing.
• Strategic Professional Level – Addresses more advanced topics and optional papers depending on your professional interest.

In addition to passing 13 ACCA exams, the students also have to finish an Ethics and Professional Skills Module and attain 3 years of work experience (which can be obtained prior to, during, or after the exams).

How to Register for ACCA?

To start your ACCA journey:

• Go to the ACCA Global Website (www.accaglobal.com).
• Create an Account and complete the application form.
• Upload Documents like your 12th-grade mark sheet and ID proof.
• Pay the Registration Fee, which differs from country to country.

After registration, you can prepare for the exams through self-study or by joining an ACCA-approved learning partner.

 Study Options for ACCA Students

You have study options in study modes based on your learning style:

• Self-Study – Best suited for those who are disciplined and can access ACCA online resources.
• Coaching Institutes – Various institutes offer coaching for ACCA with expertise by experts.
• Online Courses – Websites like Kaplan, BPP, etc., provide ACCA study schedules in an organized fashion.

The flexibility of the ACCA program allows you to study while simultaneously gaining work experience, and therefore learning and professional development are easier to manage.

How Long Does It Take to Complete ACCA?

The time taken to complete ACCA is determined by how many exams you attempt in a session. On average, it will take:

• 2-3 years, if you study full-time.
• 3-4 years, if you are employed and studying part-time.

Because ACCA only lets you sit four exams per session, you can organize your study schedule as follows.

ACCA Course Details PDF

 Career Opportunities After ACCA

After ACCA, you can pursue different career options such as:

Financial Accountant

Financial accountants generate financial reporting, bookkeeping, and compliance for firms. They ensure firms have good financial records and are in line with the law.

Duties:

• Preparation and presentation of financial reports and accounts.
• Maintenance of company budgets and forecasts.
• Compliance with IFRS.

Top Employers:

• Large corporations
• Banks and financial institutions
• Government departments

Auditor

Auditing is a most sought-after career option among ACCA pass-outs. You will be performing financial statement audits, ensuring that companies are abiding by laws and regulations, and determining the risks in a company.

Types of Auditors:

• Internal Auditor: Working for a company to evaluate internal accounting controls.
• External Auditor: Working in audit firms, auditing other companies’ financial accounts.
• Forensic Auditor: Conducts auditing of financial frauds and malpractices.

Top Employers

• Big Four audit firms (PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG)
• Government bodies
• Multinationals (MNCs)

Tax Consultant

Tax consultants deal with tax legislations, and they assist businesses and individuals in reducing tax expenses while being compliant with the tax codes.

Responsibilities:

• Tax planning and advice services.
• Preparing tax returns and compliance.
• Advising clients on tax avoidance strategies.

Where Can You Work?

• Tax consulting firms
• Taxation firms
• Corporate tax departments

Financial analysts

Financial analysts analyze investment opportunities, business and investor financial risk, and market trends. ACCA members holding this role will enjoy working in investments and financial markets.

Duties:

• Analyzing financial data and trends.
• Supporting investment decisions.
• Issuing financial models and reports.

Industries Hiring Financial Analysts:

• Investment banks
• Asset management and hedge funds firms
• Corporate finance teams

Risk Manager

Risk managers evaluate and deal with financial risks within a firm. It is an extremely crucial task in insurance companies, banks, and large business houses where financial risks must be well-managed.

Responsibilities:

• Identifying and reviewing financial risks.
• Developing risk management plans.
• Adherence to regulatory regulations.

Top Employers:

• Banks and financial institutions
• Insurance companies
• Government regulatory agencies

Investment Banker

Investment banking is a high-paying profession for ACCA professionals. Investment bankers assist firms in raising capital, making mergers and acquisitions, and providing financial strategy advice.

Duties:

• Financial analysis for investment.
• Advising firms on fundraising and capital markets.
• Soliciting mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

Main Recruiters:

• Global investment banks (Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan)
• Private equity and venture capital companies

Entrepreneurship and Consultancy

Others turn to entrepreneurship or consultancy on a freelance basis. Relying on sound accounting and financial acumen, you may provide the following services:

• Accounting and bookkeeping services on a small scale.
• Finance advisory and tax consultancy.
• Investment management and financial planning services.

Entrepreneurship provides flexibility as well as an opportunity to carve out your own brand name within the finance sector.

International Career Opportunities

One of the largest benefits of ACCA is the global recognition it has. You can practice in nations such as:

• United Kingdom – ACCA has a great reputation in the UK, and you have very good career prospects in finance, auditing, and banking.
• United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Strong demand for ACCA professionals as accountants and financial specialists.
• Canada and Australia – ACCA is recognized, but you might need an extra certification to assume some jobs.
• Singapore and Hong Kong – Stable financial markets with excellent career opportunities.

You can work overseas and even get hired in multinational companies with the ACCA qualification.

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CONCLUSION

Entering ACCA after 12th is a great step towards creating a successful finance and accounting career. Being globally recognized, having a flexible study pattern, and numerous career choices, ACCA is the ideal opportunity for the future masters of finance. By taking the proper registration procedure, opting for the optimum method of study, and adhering to your exams, you are able to secure this prestigious qualification and gain entry into careers all over the world. If you are to be employed by multinationals, banks, or indeed begin your own practice, ACCA provides these qualifications to prosper in the profession.