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We are back with part 2 of ACCA Myths! Considering ACCA? 🤔 We’re busting 5 major misconceptions: -> The truth about exemptions. -> Do you really pay for all levels upfront? -> Why ALP status matters. -> Can freshers earn 8-10 LPA? -> The real ACCA cost. 🎥 Watch Full Video Here: https://lnkd.in/dt6Sy-as Drop the biggest ACCA myth you've heard in the comments! 👇 Do Watch Part 1 #ACCA #ThinkAhead #ACCAGlobal #ACCAIndia #DiscoverACCA #Finance #Global #Career #CareerPlanning #Education #Study #Timeline #GlobalQualification #SynthesisLearing #RaiseTheBar #FutureProfessionals #accamyths #accamythsbusted

Can we talk about CA trainee stipends and how much they have to incur as a common expense each month? I have made a working attached below. The journey to becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) requires dedication, hard work, and... surprisingly, a significant amount of financial juggling. As a CA trainee in Pakistan, many of us face a harsh reality: the current stipend of Rs. 19,300, along with a travel allowance of around Rs. 3,000, simply doesn't cover the essential monthly expenses. Note: This post contains the financial challenges faced by the average CA trainee. It's important to remember that it still doesn't include the additional burden on trainees from other cities who have to factor in hostel rent, breakfast and dinner cost and potentially higher living costs. Let's break down some of these common costs: Professional Dress Code: Maintaining a professional appearance is essential, but work attire can be expensive. Transportation: Daily commuting adds up, especially in larger cities. Lunch Expenses: Eating out during work hours is a regular occurrence. Basic Living Expenses: Rent (even if shared), utilities, and daily necessities take a significant chunk of the stipend. Miscellaneous Costs: Unexpected expenses and additional needs arise throughout the month. We want to be clear: we aren't demanding anything, we are not comparing our stipend with any minimum wage. However, we respectfully request our esteemed firm partners and ICAP to consider the following: The significant increase in the cost of living has made the current stipend inadequate. The essential expenses listed above are crucial for any trainee to function effectively. A modest stipend increase would go a long way in alleviating the financial pressure on CA trainees. This would allow us to focus on our studies and contribute meaningfully to our firms without the constant worry about making ends meet. We kindly urge ICAP and CA firms to open a dialogue about this critical issue. A fair stipend revision that reflects the current economic climate is essential to ensure the well-being and success of future CAs in Pakistan. #SupportCATrainees #FairStipends #BuildingTheFutureofAccounting Please share this post to raise awareness and encourage a discussion!

ACCA students hate me when I say this out loud, don't expect crazy salaries like Rs 10, 15, 20 lacs for your first job! You may have to start with salaries as low as 3 or 4 lacs, depending on what number of papers you're done with and if any prior experience. Now why do we get paid less? The answer is simple, we need to get experience before we start to demand. ACCA is a skill based profession (not knowledge) therefore you get better only with experience. And because you get better, you can demand more. Your ACCA qualification tells the employer that you have in depth knowledge, and you have gone through the grind therefore commitment can be expected.They know you can put in the efforts and won't quit. Please don't compare yourself with other qualifications like a CA getting 8 or 10 lacs as a start, cos they already have done a 3 years articleship which is as good as full time work experience. Therefore if you have 3 years experience, yes absolutely feel free to demand 10 lacs and more, if not, then please get some experience first. The initial few years are still part of investments, therefore the returns are not necessarily great (there are a few exceptions). However with a few years in the Industry, you'll be able to make a lot more than an average accounting and finance professional. Remember the power of compounding works here too! Realistic expectations would be an ACCA with zero experience to start with 6 to 6.5 lacs and then with experience it keeps going up gradually. With 5 to 7 years of work experience, you can expect it to go upto 20 odd lacs. How do I know all this, well with personal experience as well as at FPA Edutech we place students therefore know what the industry is offering. Hope this helps with your job search and expectations setting. I did make a very short video about the same, link in comments. If you find this useful, please hit a repost and do follow me Zaheer A Sayed ACCA for such insights. All the best! p.s. These ranges are generally speaking therefore if you are getting more or less than what I mentioned then happy to hear it in comments! Also note, Q1 generally hiring slows down as no one wants to leave without bonus therefore sit tight and keep hunting! #acca #accaindia #accajobs #accasalary #accastudents

How do you know if a career in Finance or Accountancy is for you? We speak to aspiring accountants every day, who aren't necessarily sure how to begin their careers or whether it's a career they want to commit to. There are many entry-level positions out there that will teach you everything you need to know and will help you complete your AAT studies or ACCA/CIMA. If this seems like the route for you, we have dedicated consultants who can let you know about our current opportunities and offer their advice. 🚀 Nadia Payne for entry-level roles in Southampton/Portsmouth - nadia@vrpartners.co.uk 🚀 Shaun Coston for entry-level roles in Dorset/Southampton - shaun@vrpartners.co.uk You also have the option to complete your AAT studies first to gain experience or study for a Finance and Accounting degree at University. Below is some guidance from AAT that may help you further! #aat #accountingandaccountants #hiring

Ready to Kickstart Your Career in Finance and Accountancy? Are you eager to launch your career in finance and accountancy or looking to enhance your existing skills? The AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualifications offer the perfect solution! 📊💼 🌟 The AAT Accounting Qualifications are designed to provide you with practical, hands-on skills that are recognised globally. Whether you're starting fresh with no prior experience or seeking to advance your current career, AAT is for everyone! 🌍 ✅ 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀: AAT qualifications are respected by employers worldwide, opening doors to exciting career opportunities in various industries. ✅ 𝗡𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗱: AAT welcomes everyone, regardless of your previous education or work experience. It's an inclusive path to success! ✅ 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: Gain real-world finance and accountancy skills that you can immediately apply in your job, making you a valuable asset to any employer. ✅ 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: AAT qualifications can significantly enhance your career prospects, paving the way for higher positions and better salaries. #arcexams #arc #education #learning #students #student #knowledge #learn #exam #assessment #fees #birmingham #grades #grading #gcse #igcse #homeschooling #homeeducated #privatecandidate #ExamDeadlines #StayOnTrack #SuccessAhead #AATexams #Accounting #Bookkeeping #Finance #CareerGrowth

𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝟭𝟵,𝟯𝟬𝟬 𝙌𝙐𝙀𝙎𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉. In the realm of professional education, the Chartered Accountancy (CA) qualification stands out for its rigorous training and high standards. However, there is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed, "The stipend of CA trainees." Some argue that stipend should not be compared with minimum wage, often justifying this stance by stating that the trainees are gaining valuable experience. While it is true that the experience is invaluable, it does not negate the fact that these trainees are contributing to the firms they work for and should be compensated fairly. Trainees are not just learners; they are professionals in the making. They are adults, often living away from home, grappling with the high inflation rates in Pakistan. They work 8 hours a day, sometimes even more, and yet, their stipend is less than the minimum wage. “But, but they’re gaining valuable experience,” they argue. Yes, trainees are. But does that experience pay their bills? Does it cover their educational expenses? Does it compensate for the fact that they are not allowed to freelance or take up additional work? Trainees are not asking for the moon. All they ask for is a fair stipend that reflects their contribution, their living and educational expenses, and the current economic conditions. A stipend that respects the fact that they are dedicating 3.5 years of their lives to rigorous training. I may not be a trainee myself, but I understand their plight. They deserve more. They deserve better. #FAIRSTIPEND #CASTIPEND #PROFESSIONALGROWTH

Why Taking Exemptions is Detrimental to ACCA Students and to ACCA profession Recently I had a word with one of the connections regarding my recent article on Job opportunities available to qualified ACCAs and how the article was not presenting a complete picture. And I agreed with the person on some of the points which I find valid like how the increasing trend of students seeking exemptions is a raising concern. Let me first of all be transparent that I myself have claimed exemptions at knowledge and skill level because of my prior qualification as CA final student and I also had 6 years of work experience in financial accounting and reporting so when I started ACCA I already had a strong base to start. But same is not the case for student who are just starting their college education specially for those students who skips the Knowledge and skill level without any proper foundational learning like B.com students in their first year claiming 9 paper exemptions. Here’s why taking exemptions early can be harmful to students and can tarnish the overall image of the ACCA profession. Discrepancies in Qualification Recognition Allowing students who are in their first year of college and let them skip essential foundational knowledge seems unreasonable. This approach undermines the complexity and depth of each qualification, particularly when foundational subjects are bypassed. The Double-Edged Sword of Exemptions - Professional level exams: Students entering professional levels exams without solid grounding normally struggle to meet the requirement of the exams level and feel demotivated that it feels difficult to cope up with the studies and at the same time they feel stuck as the cost involved in registration is already paid. - Mixed Signals to Employers: Employers may hesitate to hire ACCA-qualified individuals who have taken many exemptions early in their career, questioning the reliability of their qualifications. And students with poor knowledge base may not be able to meet industry standards, which can tarnish the reputation of ACCA professionals and eroding trust in their competencies. Importance of Completing Skill-Level Subjects Exemptions at the knowledge level might be acceptable for college graduates but skill level subjects such as Financial Reporting, Auditing, Taxation, Financial Management, and Performance Management, should ideally be completed without exemptions. Conclusion While exemptions offer a shortcut, they often lead to long-term disadvantages for students, the industry, and the profession. It’s crucial to approach exemptions judiciously, ensuring they do not compromise foundational knowledge and professional competence. For the credibility of the ACCA qualification and the future success of its students, building a strong foundation is essential. #ACCA #AccountingCareer #ProfessionalExams #CareerDevelopment #FinancialProfessionals #AccountingEducation #Exemptions #ProfessionalGrowth #IndustryStandards

Question… Throughout my 22 years as an entrepreneur at Accounts Navigator, I've had the privilege of working with many talented individuals. Two key insights I've gained are the in-depth knowledge provided by the AAT qualification and the significant value of practical experience in our field. When it comes to hiring, I often favor candidates with an AAT qualification over those holding traditional accounting and finance degrees. In my experience, AAT professionals typically possess a deeper understanding of day-to-day operations within an accounts practice, which translates to better performance in client work. However, I find it perplexing that after completing AAT Level 4, individuals receive only 3 exceptions towards their professional qualifications (such as ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW) while degree graduates often receive 6 or 7 exceptions and can label themselves as part-qualified, despite lacking that vital practical experience. 🤔 Can anyone help me understand the logic behind this? I truly believe that the combination of in-depth knowledge and practical experience gained through the AAT should carry more weight in assessing a candidate’s capabilities for chartered professional qualifications. Let’s spark a conversation about the value of different educational pathways in our industry! #Finance #Accounting #AAT #Hiring #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerInsights

*Struggling CA Trainees in Pakistan Need ICAP's Help!* Imagine this: You're a bright, ambitious Pakistani on the path to becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA). You've passed your exams, but the dream is turning into a struggle. Why? Because the stipend you receive from ICAP, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan, is barely enough to survive in today's economy. The reality is broken: ICAP rakes in over a billion rupees from trainee exams, yet offers a meager Rs. 19,300 stipend. The cost of living is skyrocketing, making that stipend a pittance. Many ICAP council members are partners in audit firms, raising a conflict of interest when it comes to trainee well-being. High exam fees create a barrier to entry for many talented individuals. This isn't just about money, it's about fairness. Becoming a CA requires dedication and sacrifice. ICAP shouldn't make financial hardship another hurdle. We, the CA trainee community, demand change! *A Stipend Increase:* We propose a significant raise to reflect the economic situation. Beginners with CAF qualification deserve a minimum of Rs. 30,000 per month. Trainees who've passed 3 papers of CFAP should receive Rs. 40,000. With 3 CFAP papers cleared and 1 MSA/CFAP passed, the stipend should be Rs. 50,000. Finally, for qualified CAs, the stipend should be Rs. 100,000. *Fair Exam Fees:* Excessive fees shouldn't block deserving individuals from pursuing this career path. *Transparency and Accountability:* ICAP needs to be clear about how exam fees are used. Invest those funds in supporting trainees and improving the educational experience. Together, we can create a difference. Share this post. #SupportCATrainees #FairStipends #ICAPAccountability. Let's build a future where aspiring CAs can focus on their studies, not their finances

valid!! it's very important to distinguish the two .