Accounting is a popular career choice. It was once seen as a specialised discipline associated primarily with mathematical geniuses it is now more accessible, with advances in computing meaning that it is less about natural numerical skill and more about aptitude and training. Accounting is a stable career, it is now an option through South West College for students when they finish their A-Levels, or for those who wish to up skill or change their career path while studying in their local area.
South West College is an Approved Gold Learning Partner of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA). They ACCA course is being offered to anyone who wishes to become a professional accountant. To enrol you must have three GCSE passes including English and Maths and two A-level or equivalent qualifications. The South West College has a partnership with Oxford Brookes University, which means if you don’t have an undergraduate degree course you can gain a BSc (Hons) Degree in Applied Accounting while studying for your ACCA qualification. This is an excellent way to enhance your skill set.
The ACCA is the global body for professional accountants. The qualification is highly known and respected within employers. South West College offer the qualification at two levels Fundamentals and Professional. To be a qualified accountant you also must gain supervised practical experience, this enables employers to see you have experience and practical skills relevant to the role. SWC ACCA course enables students to work and study to enable the practical experience to be completed.
The course will take about 12-18 months depending on your previous experience; some students may be exempt to some exams if they are post graduate students. The course consists of Fundamental level exams F1-F9 and Professional Essentials and a Professional Ethics Module. You will be awarded Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business on your way to completing the ACCA qualification. Students are also required to complete three years relevant practical experience and achieve thirteen performance objectives. When students complete the course they can expect a wide range of options in their career opportunities, such as private practice, finance departments and tax specialists.
South West College is currently celebrating its first graduates in this area discipline. Siobhan Breen, Course Director, explains the importance of local students having the opportunity to complete their accountancy education at the college. “The ACCA gives people a chance to upskill and progress. Students can start at higher level apprenticeship after school and progress to ACCA, which will take 5-6 years including their apprenticeship, they can complete their career journey all within their local area.”
Siobhan also expressed “The pass rate for SWC is exceptionally high with a pass rate of 80% and above, the global average is currently 40-45% pass rate. We have found that people with their accounting qualifications are coming back to refresh and update their qualifications. We try to find the path that is right for them to enhance their skills and create better job security in an ever changing economy.”
For more information please visit SWC website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter or to express an interest in this course contact the course director Siobhan Breen.
Email: Siobhan.Breen@swc.ac.uk or alternatively telephone: 0845 603 1881 and ask to speak Siobhan Breen.