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ACCA Professional Scheme The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants ( ACCA) Professional Scheme is a highly respected global professional qualification. The course prepares you for the challenging, often demanding and rewarding career as a professional accountant. The ACCA qualification closely links practical experience to the exam syllabus, reinforcing that any capabilities you develop through the exam process will have clear application in your workplace. The qualification is designed to provide accounting knowledge, skills and professional values which will deliver finance professionals who are capable of building successful careers across all sectors. The course has a strong focus on professional values, ethics and governance. These skills are essential as the profession moves towards strengthened codes of conduct, regulation and legislation, with an increasing focus on professionalism and ethics in accounting. The ACCA Professional Scheme comprises of two stages, the Fundamental Skills Stage and Professional Stage. On successful completion of both stages together with the relevant practical work experience you will be a Chartered Certified Accountant using the designation ACCA. The course is offered on a part- time basis either over one afternoon and evening and/ or two evenings per week. Duration of course This varies according to student progress and choice, Students normally take two years to complete the fundamental skills stage and a further two to three years for the professional stage. Units to be covered You will study the following six units to complete the Fundamentals Skills Stage. . Corporate and Business Law ( F4) . Performance Management ( F5) . Taxation ( F6) . Financial Reporting ( F7) . Audit and Assurance ( F8) . Financial Management ( F9) The Professional Stage is divided into two modules, Essentials and Options. Essentials ( all papers mandatory) . Professional Accountant ( P1) . Corporate Reporting ( P2) . Business Analysis ( P3) Options ( two to be completed) . Advanced Financial Management ( P4) . Advanced Performance Management ( P5) . Advanced Taxation ( P6) . Advanced Audit and Assurance ( P7) Entry requirements Applicants should have successfully completed AAT Technician ( NVQ Level 4) or ACCA Fundamentals Knowledge Modules ( F1/ F2/ F3). Assessment methods You will be assessed on each unit of the Fundamental Skills Stage by external examination which will be scheduled by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. In addition to successfully completing the required examinations and Professional Ethics module, all students are required to complete the relevant practical experience. For the Professional Stage you will be required to complete the three papers of the Essentials module and two of the four papers of the Options module. Employment opportunities On successful completion of ACCA Professional Scheme together with the relevant practical work experience you will be a Chartered Certified Accountant using the designation ACCA. Holding the ACCA qualification provides potential employers with independent reassurance of your professional knowledge and accountancy skills. As a Chartered Certified Accountant you may take advantage of further career developments and opportunities. 37