Balancing Work And Study: How to Study ACCA While Working
ACCA is a globally recognised certificate specialised for those wanting to pursue a career in finance and accounting. But are you finding it challenging to balance work and study? The good news here is you do not have to sacrifice one to be successful in another. You can do all these without giving up on your full-time job.
This blog discusses the key aspects of balancing work and study. By the time you reach the end, you can understand the challenges along with the advantages of studying while working. With that in mind, let's get started!
How to Study ACCA While Working?
ACCA provides the skills and practical knowledge required to work as an accountant in various roles, including taxation, auditing, consulting and financial management. However, balancing a heavy workload with studying for exams can present a heavy workload for those who are already working full-time. So, how can you effectively manage your professional responsibility? There are different ways to minimise your workload, although your leisure time might suffer. You can choose the ACCA professional-level online course, which can offer you the key benefit of saving time and sticking to the route by cutting out the need for a daily commute. This, in turn, provides you with great opportunities to just focus on your studies.ACCA Flexible Study Options
The ACCA course is designed with several flexible study options to meet their individual needs. These options typically range from online, self-study, classroom learning and blended learning. Let's take a look in detail at each.Online Learning
An ACCA student has the option to be part of online learning. Engaging in ACCA-accredited learning platforms gives you the flexibility to study remotely and at your own speed as long as you have an internet connection.Self-Study
Self-study is ideal if you prefer studying on your own. Make use of the ACCA study materials and tools on the internet. This allows you to progress through the qualification, all while balancing the current job and study and managing both aspects effectively.Classroom Learning
Along with online learning and self-study, attending classes at an ACCA-approved institution is another learning pathway. This means you have the opportunity to engage with fellow learners and benefit from the expertise of the seasoned instructor in the classroom setting.Blended Learning
Last but not least, blended learning involves a mix of traditional learning and online learning. Enrolling in this type of program means you attend classes at an institution accredited by the ACCA while also utilising online resources and receiving assistance remotely.What Challenges Do Students Face While Studying ACCA While Working?
Many of you might have a question: Can I do ACCA with the job? A big challenge that most students around the world feel here is to strike a balance between their work and studying ACCA. Besides this obvious challenge, some of the other obstacles include.Consistency
Juggling full-time work or other commitments could lead to issues in study focus. So, consistency is important as it involves constant, dedicated effort over a long period of time. However, it might be challenging to remain consistent if you already have extra responsibilities outside of your jobs and academics.Distress
Aside from maintaining consistency, getting enrolled in the ACCA and working simultaneously comes with academic stress due to its challenging nature. Your personal life and free time may take a hit. That said, subjects such as financial reporting and auditing are daunting and overwhelming. As a result, it becomes difficult to understand the complex concepts.Burnout
Another challenge of studying ACCA while working is that you might feel burnt out. The burnout could arise from the overwhelming workload, continuous studying and frequent examinations. These can lead to an overall reduction in productivity and motivation, which can affect your overall end result.Financial Cost
The ACCA qualification comes with a big price tag attached to it due to its costly fees and study materials. You might feel overwhelmed by the cost associated with the registration and study resources. This puts extra pressure on the pursuit of going through their academic coursework.Is Studying ACCA While Working A Good Idea?
The experience of pursuing ACCA while working differs from one individual to another, influenced by the life experience and unique learning experience. If you are someone who has a problem with managing time and handling studies under work pressure, then this again is not going to be an easy task. As you continue to explore aspects of how to study ACCA while working, you also must be aware that as the demand for workload increases, you might need to give up on much of your leisure time. An individual who feels assured in abilities to manage time effectively can enjoy benefits. Therefore, studying ACCA while working is a good idea for improving your career prospects.Advantages of Pursuing ACCA While Working
So far, we have only covered the challenges you can face with studying while working and flexible study options. There are also different benefits to why you might want to pursue ACCA while working. We have narrowed down the key advantages in detail to make your life easier.Enhancement of Skills
One of the key benefits is your expertise in accounting, which continues to grow through your ACCA qualification. You can highlight your organisational skills and your strong work ethic with your work experience. The ability to manage tasks under pressure demonstrates your long-term commitment to potential employers.Practical Experience
Along with skill enhancement, ACCA gives much value to the work experience. This means combining work and study; you fulfil the crucial requirements. As a result, you can obtain the ACCA qualification more quickly. The demand for experienced and qualified ACCA professionals remains consistently high. That's why the likelihood of being selected for the desired jobs further improves.s.Job Perspective
ACCA qualification can give you an advantage over the other job applicants applying for the same position. You can demonstrate to potential employers your ability to perfectly balance your time and dedication by constantly improving your practical knowledge. This, in turn, increases your chance of getting hired by top companies.Aids in Career Path
Last but not least, most individuals find studying ACCA while working beneficial as it leads to quick career progression. The program is designed to provide you with practical knowledge and skills that match your desired job in accounting, auditing and finance. This makes you valuable in the eyes of potential employers, resulting in quick promotion, higher salaries and increased job opportunities.How Does your Practical Experience Help you with an ACCA Qualification?
The practical experience that is relevant to your field of study is crucial if you want success after completion of your ACCA class. This hands-on experience plays a vital role in helping you understand complex concepts and study materials with ease. Most of the time, hands-on experience provides you with the opportunity to receive an ACCA membership. In order to qualify for the ACCA membership, you need to complete each ACCA exam, the ethics and professional skill module and Practical experience. Here are some of the key requirements that you need to meet.- A minimum of three years of practical experience in accounting or financing is required
- Must secure three predefined performance objectives to the satisfaction of the practical experience supervisor.
- Required to track and report the progress through an online system
Tips For Balancing ACCA and Work
Balancing the classes and other work responsibilities can be very challenging. But that doesn't mean you can't succeed in both your work and tests. The good news here is we have some tips on how to prepare yourself and how to face the exams.Create a study schedule.
Given that you are balancing work and academics, developing a structured study timetable is worthwhile. When you design this schedule, ensure that you keep the date of the ACCA exam. This helps you allocate sufficient time to review and revise each module. Further, familiarise yourself with ACCA materials and past exam papers to understand the exam format.Stay on track with your ACCA exam.
As you follow your prepared study plan, you also must be aware of your ACCA exam schedule. By doing so, you can prioritise your studies and focus on the modules that are coming up first in your exam calendar. Making use of this tip is highly recommended for the best preparation.Find a suitable study place.
Not just staying on track for your ACCA exam, but also it is important to establish a conducive study environment. The located space should be free from distraction and noise, providing a peaceful atmosphere. Some students may opt to study in the library, in their home’s dining area, or even in the comfort of their bedroomListening to music
Take advantage of listening to music while studying. This can be a personal choice, and it can differ from one person to another. Various students have different preferences regarding their learning environment. Some may opt to listen to classical music, while others may prefer silence.Maintain your composure
When juggling work and studies, the stress might build up in case it becomes overwhelming. That's why it is advisable that you manage your stress by taking a step back, relaxing, and recharging. Along with this, you can also engage in activities that bring up joy, including spending time with friends or simply getting a good night's rest. These are some of the tips that you must understand in order to prepare for the best. It is also important to keep yourself up-to-date with the ACCA syllabus.Time Management for ACCA and Work
Effective time management is the key when juggling both ACCA study and work. You could be managing an intense workload and might find it difficult to cope with. Fortunately, you can do this with determination and effort. We have prepared some of the best management guidelines to make your life easier.Define clear objective
In order to maintain focus and enthusiasm, set a precise and realistic target for each study session. This helps you track progress and stay driven to your goal. Every exam of ACCA puts you under pressure, so you need to be well-rested and prepared for daily work commitments. To do this, you need to prevent squeezing a lot of study time throughout the week.Utilise a planner or calendar
Besides defining your clear study plans, your day-to-day activities influence how much time you have to prepare for the exams. Take advantage of the planner or calendar to manage your study schedule and keep track of important deadlines.Avoid Interruption
Aside from utilising a planner or calendar, one of the important things that you might need is to create a conducive learning environment. To do this, you should reduce distraction by powering off your phone or locating a peaceful area to focus.Stay organised
One of the common issues students face while studying ACCA while working is time management. That's why, keep all your study resources neatly arranged and readily within reach to minimise the time spent searching for them.Remain Motivated
Finally, stay on track by connecting with a learning community or creating a personal incentive program to make the most of your study plan. This allows you to be more engaged and motivated so that you can.How to Stay Motivated While Studying for ACCA?
In general, the most motivating aspect while studying for ACCA is a good salary or money. Considering this financial factor could give you a boost to motivate and dedicate yourself to pursuing an ACCA while working. Aside from this obvious reason, you also improve your critical thinking skills by examining the situation from different perspectives. An ACCA qualification in your profile can help you stand out from the crowd. When you are applying for employment, the ACCA gives a head start over other people looking to get the same seat. This means you get to jump the queue. Your ACCA qualification provides you with practical knowledge and hands-on experience in accounting and finance, thereby giving you an entry into the job market even during massive layoffs and crises.Conclusion
Pursuing the ACCA qualification while working may present challenges, but it is within. You can make use of several key techniques to succeed in both aspects. With effective time management, staying dedicated and remaining motivated, you can advance your professional path even while juggling work and responsibility. This blog explores how to study ACCA while working, its challenges, and tips you can follow to strike a perfect balance between work and academics. We hope you find this helpful. If you seek further insight into other aspects of the ACCA, do check out some of our other blogs. Thank you for reading till the end! If you plan to pursue studying ACCA and working full-time, we highly recommend you register with the learning partner, Seekshay Academy. We provide you with expert guidance and high-quality education that enhances your performance. As a result, balancing studying ACCA and working full time would no longer be a challenge through our curriculum.Frequently Asked Question
Can I take ACCA while working?
Yes, you can take ACCA while working. In fact, ACCA provides you with various methods of studying, allowing you to choose what suits you the best. They offer flexibility, so you can either study full-time or balance part-time study with a full-time job. You also have the freedom to decide how many exams to take and how many attempts at once.Can I Pass ACCA Without Any Professional Experience?
Yes, you can pass ACCA without any professional experience. You have the flexibility to begin at any level as there is no minimum specific requirement. It is advisable that you start with the ACCA diploma in financial management Accounting (RQF2) in such a scenario.How tough Is It to pursue ACCA while working?
Pursuing ACCA while working is quite demanding. The exams associated with ACCA are considered to be tough and demand preparation. The comprehensive curriculum involves a wide array of subjects, such as finance, management, taxation, auditing, and business ethics.How many hours should I study for ACCA?
We suggest recommending at least 8 hours per week for ACCA. The ACCA course duration and the time needed to complete it differ from the average; you can expect to dedicate around 11 weeks to studying for each exam paper.How can I be successful on the ACCA exams while having a full-time job equally?
You can be successful on the ACCA exams while having a full-time job equally by following a few comprehensive steps. Here are the key processes to keep in mind.- Create a study schedule that allows you to complete the textbook at least 40-50 days before the exam.
- Take notes on the variety of ideas, theories and models.
- You can access the PowerPoint presentation for further assistance.
- Utilise the available materials and review them during transport if you prefer public transport.