Starting ACCA from Scratch. After 12th
Starting ACCA from Scratch: Your Comprehensive Guide to a Successful Journey
Embarking to become an ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) professional is exciting and challenging. For those starting from scratch, especially students fresh out of 12th grade with a science background, the road ahead can seem daunting. This blog addresses common questions and provides guidance on the best approach to begin your ACCA preparation.
ACCA books : Choosing Between Kaplan and BPP
One of the first decisions you will face is selecting study materials. Kaplan and BPP are the two leading providers of ACCA study resources. Here is a brief comparison to help you decide:
Kaplan
- Strengths: Kaplan is particularly favoured for foundational knowledge level papers like F1 (Business and Technology), F2 (Management Accounting), and F3 (Financial Accounting). Their materials are concise and easy to understand, making them ideal for beginners.
- User Feedback: Many students appreciate Kaplan's clear explanations and user-friendly format, simplifying complex topics.
BPP
- Strengths: BPP is often recommended for the skill level and professional level exams, such as TX (Taxation) and AA (Audit and Assurance). Their comprehensive texts cover the syllabus in greater depth, which can benefit subjects requiring extensive understanding.
- User Feedback: BPP's detailed approach is praised for thoroughly grounding the subjects, though some students find the material dense.
Ultimately, the choice between Kaplan and BPP depends on your learning style. For foundational papers, Kaplan might be more accessible, while BPP's depth can be advantageous as you advance.
Buy your ACCA BPP and KAPLAN books at India pricing
ACCA coaching: Open Tuition vs BPP ECR
Is OpenTuition a Good Resource?
Yes, OpenTuition is an excellent resource for ACCA students. It offers free lectures, notes, and practice questions for all ACCA papers. Many students have successfully passed their exams using OpenTuition alongside their textbooks. Here is why it's beneficial:
- Free Resources: Access to high-quality lectures and notes at no cost.
- Community Support: Forums where you can interact with other ACCA students, ask questions, and share study tips.
- Practice Questions: Extensive question banks to test your understanding and readiness for exams.
BPP ECR for Knowledge level
BPP ECR is beneficial, particularly for those beginning with the ACCA knowledge level papers (F1-BT, F2-MA, and F3-FA):
Key Features of BPP ECR for Knowledge Level
- Comprehensive Coverage
BPP ECR provides thorough coverage of the ACCA knowledge level syllabus, ensuring that all fundamental concepts are clearly explained. This is especially helpful for beginners who are new to accounting and finance.
- Exam Focused
BPP ECR is designed with a strong emphasis on what is required for the exams. The materials align closely with the ACCA syllabus and exam structure, helping students understand exactly what examiners are looking for.
- Practice Questions
The resource includes numerous practice questions that reflect the style and difficulty of actual ACCA exams. This helps students get familiar with the types of questions they will face and enhances their problem-solving skills.
- Interactive Learning
Interactive tools such as quizzes and online assessments are part of the BPP ECR package. These tools make learning more engaging and help students assess their understanding of the material regularly.
- Expert Guidance
Developed by experienced tutors and subject matter experts, BPP ECR includes valuable insights and tips. This expert guidance helps beginners navigate the complexities of the ACCA syllabus more effectively.
Student Feedback
Positive Aspects
- Clarity and Structure: Students often praise BPP ECR for its clear explanations and well-organized content, which make complex topics more accessible.
- Exam Technique: The focus on exam techniques and practice questions is frequently highlighted as a majoradvantage, helping students feel more prepared for the actual exams.
Areas for Improvement
- Depth of Content: Some students feel that while BPP ECR is comprehensive, it can sometimes be too detailed for the knowledge level, which might be overwhelming for beginners.
- Pace: The recommended study pace might be intense for those who are completely new to accounting concepts, so some students prefer to supplement with other resources like OpenTuition.
Starting ACCA with a Science Background: Is It Doable?
Absolutely. Many students with a science background successfully transition to accounting and finance. While you might need extra effort to grasp basic accounting concepts, it is entirely achievable. Here is how to make the transition smoother:
Initial Focus
- Basic Accounting Knowledge: Spend extra time mastering the fundamentals of accounting. Use resources like Kaplan's introductory texts or OpenTuition's basic lectures.
- Mathematical Skills: Your science and math background will be an asset, particularly for papers like F2 (MA) involving statistical and quantitative analysis.
Study Tips
- Consistent Practice: Regular practice of numerical problems and theory questions will build your confidence.
- Seek Help: Do not hesitate to ask for help from tutors or online communities when you encounter complex topics.
Final Thoughts
Starting ACCA from scratch, especially after 12th grade, is challenging but rewarding. You can successfully navigate the exams with the right resources and a disciplined study approach. Whether you choose Kaplan or BPP, utilize OpenTuition, or leverage your science background, consistent effort and a positive mindset are essential.
Remember, many have walked this path before you and emerged victorious. Good luck on your ACCA journey!
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FAQs
There are several ways to prepare for the ACCA exams, including studying the exam syllabus and practicing past exam questions. You can also attend review courses or hire a tutor to help you prepare. It's also a good idea to create a study schedule and stick to it, and to take breaks and pace yourself during your studies.
If you fail an ACCA exam, you will need to re-register and pay the exam fees again. You may also want to consider reviewing the exam syllabus and studying more before attempting the exam again. It's also a good idea to talk to your tutor or mentor for guidance and to get feedback on where you may have gone wrong.
There is no limit to the number of times you can attempt the ACCA exams, but you will need to pay the exam fees each time you register. It's a good idea to carefully review the exam syllabus and consider seeking additional help if you are struggling to pass the exams after multiple attempts.
ACCA Exams are held four times a year for skill level and strategic level exams. These are held every quarter
March, June, September and December
The CA (Chartered Accountant) qualification is offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The ACCA qualification is offered by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
The CA qualification has been in existence for over 150 years, and is a globally recognised qualification. The ACCA qualification has been in existence for over 100 years, and is also a globally recognised qualification.
The CA qualification is available in India only, while the ACCA qualification is available in over 180 countries.
The ACCA subjects are assessed on a 100-point scale. The pass mark is 50 points. A score of 60 or more is required to achieve the grades of distinction, credit, and merit.
Yes. Passing all exams with a high percentage is an excellent accomplishment and demonstrates that you have a high level of understanding of the material. Employers will see this as evidence of your competence and be likely to consider you for a position if you are looking for work in the accounting field.
The hardest ACCA paper is the F5 performance management paper. This is because it requires a detailed knowledge of financial accounting and management accounting in order to pass.
Other papers that are difficult include the F7 financial reporting paper and the P2 advanced auditing and assurance paper. However, all of the ACCA papers are challenging, so it is important to thoroughly prepare for each one before sitting the exam.
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