ACCA or DEGREE in ACCOUNTING

[riyashree]

which is better to pursue our studies in accounts field... :huh
pls do help me out since im in confusion...

thanks....

[yanno_yamster]

ACCA is no doubt better because this means you are considered a chartered certified accountant (in other words a PROFESSIONAL) and you are affiliated with a highly recognised body all over the world. This greatly increases your credibility. A degree does not bring you very far in the accounting career ladder as there are already so many bachelor's degree graduates out there unless you have an honours degree, masters or outstanding in other ways. Accountants are already scarce in Malaysia but most of the graduates do not fulfill the requirements of many companies.

Now you can immediately begin the ACCA course after SPM but if you want to upgrade yourself gradually, you can start with degree first then only aim for ACCA. However, I heard that passing the ACCA exam is much more difficult than getting an accounting degree. Nevertheless, no matter which path you take, experience matters most in the accounting field.

[cubrix91]

yup, i think acca level is higher than degree

[Dman90]

I faced a similar dilemma and opted to do the ACCA programme, in which I've just finished my first year. I can say that its definitely quite difficult, particularly if you have no previous accounting experience (ie. in high school).

True, a degree would only get you so far. You still need to be professionally-qualified and either ACCA or CPA would do. Though its generally said that the ACCA is tougher than a degree, they are quite different. Degrees would generally require some coursework to be done as that contributes to your assessment, while in the ACCA its all about passing exams. There IS an option for an Oxford Brookes University degree in Applied Accounting if you complete a research project as well as pass the required papers. Eventually, once you pass all ACCA papers you'd still need to complete three years of relevant working experience before you qualify for the ACCA.

[cycycy]

I heard that after completing a degree in accounting you can take a couple of examinations for you to obtain a professional qualification. Is that right?

[weixiang]

In certain IPTAs like UM and UKM, after we complete and get the accounting degree, we still have to take 5 papers and 3 years work experience to qualify as an ACCA member. Degree only allow maximum 9 papers exemption.

May i know since we can become an ACCA member without getting a degree which can be completed in a shorter period of time, why do we still want to study for a degree?

(P.S: I'm an accounting student in a local IPTA right now)

[cycycy]

In certain IPTAs like UM and UKM, after we complete and get the accounting degree, we still have to take 5 papers and 3 years work experience to qualify as an ACCA member. Degree only allow maximum 9 papers exemption.

May i know since we can become an ACCA member without getting a degree which can be completed in a shorter period of time, why do we still want to study for a degree?

(P.S: I'm an accounting student in a local IPTA right now)

In a degree course you'll cover broader areas compared to the professional course, you'll have to study business law, business, marketing, personal development all that, which is more versatile.

[Dman90]

Yea the ACCA can be quicker than a degree, it all depends on how fast you can complete all the papers. I know of people who've finished it within two years (not including the 3 years practical working experience).

Though generally, coursework isn't a major portion of the course, unlike in a degree. The onus is on passing exams, so I guess in a degree you'd obtain a more rounded education.

@<hidden>, in ACCA we do study business law, tax, business and marketing, etc. As for "Personal Development" thats not very specific. Do you mean extra-curricular activities?

[Jononoboy]

Hey. I'm new to this. But I wonder if ACCA is offered with an Accounting degree? I heard there're some Uni's who do that.

[Chelsea]

well it depends on what you mean. if you complete the 7 fundamental papers of ACCA, then you will be eligible to receive a degree in applied accounting from oxford brookes university, after you have done their a research paper and submitted to them. OR an alternative route is to take a recognized degree by acca, so that you will gain exemption from the 7 Fundamental papers, and proceed to sit for the final 5 Professional papers.

Are you a spm leaver or pre-u?

[huz010]

I've ever got the CAT-ACCA offer. As I know, after done the CAT and ACCA well, you'll get Bachelor In Accounting Applied Science. I got this offer with only 3.5 years duration. Some people need to complete in 4.5 years. But I reject it. lol

[weixiang]

Hey. I'm new to this. But I wonder if ACCA is offered with an Accounting degree? I heard there're some Uni's who do that.

UUM accounting degree does come together with ACCA too. In other words, UUM degree equivalent to full exemption of ACCA papers. Is it true?

[lhc10001]

im a stpm art stream student...now waiting for the admission into local university...personally, i would choose to pursue degree in accounting first, then only sit for ACCA because it's a much safer route or less risky..at least i've a degree in hand if i cant pass ACCA papers...

by the way, im actually in dilemma whether i should choose accounting in local university or double degree which is accounting n finance in sunway university b4 i take my ACCA...any advice ?? thanks a lot.

[emilykhong]

i am a spm leaver, btw i still in dilemma which path should i choose for accounting. acca or degree? anyway i have no acc experience in high school. any advice?? thanks in advance.

[mikeguo]

I would suggest a degree. With a degree in hand you can do a Masters such as MBA if you want to move up the corporate ladder or become a lecturer.

[wannie]

what's the difference between an ACCA and MBA? o.O

[mikeguo]

what's the difference between an ACCA and MBA? o.O

ACCA is a professional accounting qualification, not a Bachelor's degree.

MBA is a Master's degree. Usually people in management jobs of large companies studied it.

With a Bachelor's degree u can move on to study a Master's if u want. With ACCA only it is very unlikely u can move on to study a Master's.

[Lalalionz]

so, what i can conclude now is for the safer route we take degree first then only take the ACCA test while for the fastest route is just take the ACCA test and score for it. :)