How to Become a Chartered Accountant

Earning respect as an accountant is no easy task. It takes years of hard work to build a reputation that will follow an accountant throughout his or her career. Accountants who want to compete on the world stage need to earn special credentials that will be acknowledged in Russia or Rhode Island. This is where the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants comes in. Here’s how to become a chartered accountant.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Complete the 14 exams that make up the ACCA program. For most accountants, this may take up to four years. Accountants with specific degree experience may be eligible for exemption from nine of the 14 exams. Prior to completing the exams, accountants must complete Management Accounting and Financial Accounting papers administered by ACCA. All candidates must be 21 years of age.

2. Work for a minimum of three years. If possible, contact a chartered accountancy practice. Find out if the organization is looking for potential candidates. The three years of experience may also be gained outside of a chartered accountancy practice.

3. Finish ACCA’s Professional Ethics module. Certification as a chartered accountant means that a global organization has acknowledged the accountant’s mastery of a skill set that will allow her to perform accounting tasks in any part of the world. Ethics will play a major role in how an accountant conducts himself in multinational organizations.

4. Register at accaglobal.com. This site has comprehensive information that any potential chartered candidate will need. Read all of the information outlined on the site and decide whether this certification will compliment the your career path as an accountant.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants