Tag Archives: Qualification

Accountancy, Accountancy & Accounts

ACCA announces redesign of qualification for a redefined accountancy profession

 

  • Future ACCA Qualification unveiled as employers look to accountants to take broader role in embracing AI-driven technology and driving sustainable business

 

Global accountancy body ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) has announced a redesign of its gold standard ACCA Qualification focused on a redefinition of accountancy which is expanding and reshaping the role of the profession.

 

The redesign reflects the increasing role of accountants in driving the widening value needed for business success, combining profitability with ethics, sustainability, the ability to leverage new technology and the agility to deal with economic volatility. Similar changes are being seen in the public sector.

 

Responding to and anticipating the evolving needs of employers, the changes build on the current strengths of the ACCA Qualification. They will introduce a more integrated learning and assessment experience, including AI-enhanced learning journeys, designed to equip the next generation with the professional skills and technical expertise they need to succeed in a dynamic and volatile world.

 

The announcement follows extensive consultation with members, employers and learning providers around the world, as well as representatives of Gen Z. The redesigned qualification will be introduced from mid-2027.

 

Helen Brand, chief executive of ACCA, said: “Accountancy is being redefined. Accountants are drivers of sustainable business, promoters of social value, and enablers of new technologies. They are sharpening their financial and ethical skills for a changed world of ever-shifting opportunities and challenges. They innovate with new business models and fresh thinking about what success looks like. They focus on people, planet and prosperity to create value for all.

 

“The changes we’re making will equip the next generation for this exciting new future that will bring wider and more varied opportunities.”

 

Employability is a key focus of the changes, which include the introduction of Employability Modules at each of the qualification’s three levels, providing simulated work experiences on topics such as digital tech, ethics, sustainability and business management.

 

Enhanced awards and designations recognise achievement and allow students to demonstrate their skills to employers at every stage of their ACCA journey.

Technology, sustainability and ethics, already integral to the ACCA Qualification, will be interwoven at every stage. Another innovation is a new Data Science Professional exam which students can choose as an option at the final ‘Strategic Professional’ level.

 

Abdul Goffar, director of ACCA UK, said: “The ACCA Qualification has always been the gold standard, globally recognised and highly valued by employers in the UK market. It will remain as rigorous, relevant, and future-focused as ever, with an even sharper focus on employability.

 

“The redesigned qualification comes together as a unified experience at each of its three levels with learning guidance and support, assessments, employability support, and help to develop skills.  Students will benefit from tailored learning journeys supported by AI technology and a digital mentor.”

 

ACCA has prepared a smooth transition for all students currently on, or about to start, their ACCA journey. Existing achievements will be recognised and there will be no disadvantage in terms of progression and the cost to complete the qualification.

 

ACCA students will continue to benefit from the opportunity to attain a world-leading academic qualification alongside their ACCA studies with the new BSc (Hons) Professional Accountancy collaboration with the University of London.

 

ACCA is known for its focus on inclusion and opportunity. A redesigned ‘Foundations’ route requiring no prior qualifications provides those not meeting the entry criteria for the ACCA Qualification with a way to meet it.

 

Find out more at accaglobal.com

Apprenticeships, Education, Energy

CES announces new apprenticeship programme

Leading energy efficiency company, Consumer Energy Solutions (CES), has announced it will be offering a two-year apprenticeship in NVQ Level 3 in Insulation & Building Treatments.

 

In contrast to regular apprenticeships, Swansea-based CES will be paying National Minimum Wage per age bracket to ensure fair compensation as the apprentices develop their skills and experience to accelerate their careers.

 

In addition, to improve accessibility, CES will provide an Internal Wall Insulation Apprentice Starter Kit to all apprentices, including PPE, key tools and storage items, as well as offering a £25 per night stay-away allowance.

 

The two-year course will start by covering comprehensive safety training and basic insulation techniques, before moving on to hands-on experience and soft skills development. In their second year, apprentices will aim to enhance their technical skills, work more independently and prepare for certification, if applicable. Modules will include quality control, project involvement and leadership and cost management.

 

Ben Strinati, Insulation Director at CES said: “We are thrilled to be offering this apprenticeship in NVQ Level 3 in Insulation and Building Treatments. It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people across south Wales to kickstart their career in renewable installation by learning the core skills and techniques to become a skilled professional in the insulation industry.

 

“We are honoured to be able to offer our support in providing apprentices with key equipment through the Internal Wall Insulation Apprentice Starter Kit and our overnight expense coverage, as well as paying all apprentices the National Minimum Wage. We want our learning opportunities to be as accessible as possible and leave our apprentices ready for the world of work. With our support options, we hope this opportunity will reach a wide range of young people, and we encourage anyone who is looking to kickstart their career to apply.”

 

CES has its headquarters in Swansea with permanent bases in south Wales, north Wales, west Wales and Exeter. It currently operates 42 teams of insulation installers, each of which includes carpenters, dry-liners, plasterers and multi-skilled installers, alongside eight dedicated loft insulation teams.

 

The company is committed to providing comprehensive training for all staff and arranges regular manufacturer training programmes and seminars to ensure installers are up to date with frequent regulation reviews and advancement in technology. Basic training starts with an NVQ qualification in construction and building treatments with further learning based on the energy efficiency measure and the method of installation. Additionally, all operatives receive annual training in the latest health and safety regulation, promoting a safe installation for themselves and customers.

Accountancy & Accounts, FInance, Finance and Banking, Finance News, Sustainability

New diploma from ACCA sets the global standard sustainability in finance

  • The qualification has been developed in response to the demand for skills and training in sustainable finance.
  • ACCA has worked with global regulators on their requirements for sustainability auditors, and the new professional diploma has been designed to meet their needs.

 

In response to growing demand from businesses and professional accountants, ACCA has launched a pioneering Professional Diploma in Sustainability, designed for finance professionals at all levels who are looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainability and accreditation to prove it.

Businesses often lack the essential skills to support the move to more sustainable business models and urgently need the skills to consider non-financial as well as financial business drivers, according to research by ACCA.

The professional diploma brings together high-quality learning support and assessment, aligning with the increasing demand from employers, as well as individuals, wishing to pursue the widening career opportunities related to sustainability, and emerging regulatory requirements around the world.

ACCA has been working closely with regulators globally on their requirements for sustainability auditors and this new professional diploma has been designed to meet their needs. Once completed, the professional diploma provides a comprehensive accreditation in the core areas of sustainability.

This leading-edge qualification builds on the increasing number of sustainability learning opportunities ACCA has added to its portfolio in recent years, as well as the addition of more sustainability content into the ACCA Qualification.

The Professional Diploma in Sustainability consists of a comprehensive, integrated learning programme, in-depth knowledge, a revision kit, and a three-hour exam. Offering over 60 hours of learning and practice across four certificates and one exam, learners will gain in-depth knowledge of sustainability frameworks and ethics, sustainability strategy and management, sustainability reporting and sustainability assurance.

Helen Brand, chief executive of ACCA, said: “The expertise of accounting and finance professionals in driving sustainable approaches to business is absolutely essential if we are to make the progress the planet so desperately needs.

“With their central role working in and for countless businesses and organisations across the world, professional accountants are well placed to play a key role in shaping the future we need. This new qualification is designed to help meet that increasing need and recognises that success is not now just about profits, but about sustainability and social value too.”

Lloyd Powell, head of ACCA Cymru/ Wales noted: “Sustainable organisations that create long-term value for society will be the bedrock of our future economy – and professional accountants will be at the heart of these organisations. This specialist diploma will support them as they drive positive business change and support the Welsh economy.”

 

Visit ACCA’s website for more information.