How hard is the ACA?
Starting any professional qualification is a daunting experience for anyone; the ACA (Association of Chartered Accountants - the ICAEW’s professional qualification in accounting, finance and business) is no exception to this.
A quick google of the ACA brings up a mixture of different horror stories about how hard the ACA’s exams are and how any chance of work-life balance during your training contract will be gone. The other end of the spectrum seems to suggest that the ACA exams are the easiest exams that some students had ever sat and that there is nothing to worry about (although we are yet to meet one of these people in person!).
Our founder, Pip, shares her experiences with us of becoming ACA qualified:
"My experience of the ACA sits right in the middle of all of what people tell you; there were good bits and bad bits, parts that I loved, and parts that I am glad I never have to do again!
Having studied engineering at university, perhaps I had more experience of sitting multiple back to back exams than others. However very few people studying the ACA will have ever had to study for exams whilst working a full time, and generally quite challenging job.
Starting any new job is tiring enough as it is but balancing this with the sheer volume of work that you are expected to cover for your exams was, by far, the aspect of the exams I found toughest. Most of the exam material is not particularly difficult; it is your ability to be able to cover a large amount of material quickly and efficiently which separates out those who will achieve an ‘easy’ pass and those who will have to work harder. This is why I quickly learned that effective revision and learning techniques and a good revision plan are vital!
Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed my training contract. I won’t lie – it’s not always been easy (and to be honest, I would question any professional qualification that was too easy). I have given up my evenings and weekends and had to say no to a number of social events in favour of last minute cramming for exams. I have also spent way to much time trying to explain to friends and family that being an accountant does not equate to being a human calculator (yes, I can work out how to split the bill but I will be using Splitwise like everyone else).
Despite the hard work, I have had opportunities to work with some incredible people, travel across the world and learn a lot about myself (and a bit about accounting too!) and what I am capable of when I push myself.
I went into the world of finance and accountancy expecting to become very good at numbers whilst working with similar minded people. Instead I have been pushed to think differently, to solve complex problems, to explain technical information to clients and colleagues and to think on my feet. Every day has been different. Some days have been long. Others have entailed flying business class across the Atlantic (like I said, there are ups and there are downs).
I would strongly encourage anyone that likes to solve problems, meet and work with new people and constantly be challenged to develop themselves to consider the world of accounting. The ACA has given me the opportunity to experience all of this and much more.
Where the exams hard? Yes.
Was it worth it? Absolutely."
Find out more about the ACA on the ICAEW's website