ACA to ACCA Conversion?

DublinIre93

I've recently finished ACA exams with the CAI and hoping to travel abroad for a year to get further experience, however my current understanding is that ACCA is more recognised internationally (not something my training firm told me before I signed up).

I've heard of people switching to ACCA before finishing their ACA qualification, but is there a conversion course available to qualify under ACCA from ACA? If there is my hope would obviously be to use up all exemptions available under my ACA exams.

Any help / guidance appreciated!

heretothere

I'm not ACCA but my understanding is that ACA will give you exemptions for all the 'F' exams but you will still have to the 'P' exams and I'm pretty sure there are 5 of those and they aren't that easy!

ACA should be 100% anywhere though. I know I've heard as well that ACCA is more global but I'd say you'd be grand. Might just have to do one or two small exams in the country you go to is all.

ari101

I'm ACCA and I believe heretothere is correct.

You would need to sit the 5 P-level exams (3 core and 2 options). The rule used to be that you could only sit 4 papers in any exam sitting. There are now 4 sittings a year. Assuming the rule still applies, I'd say someone would be under a good bit of pressure to try do them over 2 sittings in a 6 month period, even being already qualified, unless you have a super memory and are willing to put in lots of time - they are not open book. It will also cost you...

That said, I've known ACAs who went to Australia without issue.

You won't be likely to get a tax role anywhere without passing a local exam, and ACCA accountants will know no more about local GAAP in foreign countries than you do, but IFRS is used in over 100 countries world wide...

Try CAI's own guidance on travelling and reciprocity arrangements, you might find things are better than you think
https://www.charteredaccountants.ie/Members/Overseas-Members/Members-Working-Abroad

jonnybravo

I went to NZ and didn't have an issue with ACA. Know loads of others that have gone to the UK, Australia, Canada etc and not have an issue. If you've passed all you ACA exams I don't think adding ACCA would benefit you greatly.

MartyMcFly84

Just to note on on this - there is now 4 P level ACCA exams reduced from 5.

P1 and P3 have been merged into a 4.5 hour case study exam call Strategic Business Leader.

tommyombomb

Not sure where you are going but in Canada they hardly know what ACCA is.