ACCA Course Practical Experience Requirements (PER): A Step-by-Step Guide
The Practical Experience Requirements (PER) are an essential part of the ACCA course. While exams assess the technical knowledge you have developed, PER allows you to gain the real-life experience and skills employers want across the world. With approved work experience, you will learn to apply accounting, tax, audit, and financial management concepts to real-life situations, essential skills for leading a successful career in global finance.
Additionally, PER – one of the most critical aspects of the ACCA course details – trains ACCA professionals equipped to handle the complexities of business, make sound decisions, and adhere to professional standards. By gaining 36 months of experience, meeting performance objectives, and obtaining an approved supervisor, candidates can connect academic learning with real-world experience.
ACCA Course: Determining Practical Experience Requirements (PER)
1. Understand the Core Purpose of PER
The Practical Experience Requirements (PER) objective is to assist students in developing professional skills applicable to the practice setting that complement the subject knowledge assessed in the exams. PER ensures that students gain workplace experience in finance, accounting, tax, and business operations, and are job-ready to perform complex roles.
With PER, the ACCA course guarantees that each aspiring Accountant demonstrates the ability to carry out tasks independently and responsibly. In addition, PER helps you develop good workplace habits, teamwork skills, and the ability to make responsible professional decisions. Whether you continue your career in corporate finance, government or an audit firm, the practical experience will give you the exposure to succeed globally.
2. Meet the 36-Month Practical Experience Requirement
To meet the requirements of the ACCA course details, such as the PER, you must complete 36 months of relevant, supervised work experience, which can be full-time, part-time, or an internship if related to ACCA-approved work activities. PER does not have to be completed in a single job. You can complete PER for multiple roles during your working career, as long as the work experience is in relation to finance or accounting.
Furthermore, the experience of each working month can only count if your supervisor endorses the quality of your work. This means that your experience must be structured, credible, and aligned with ACCA’s competence framework. You can gain PER before, during, and after completing the ACCA course.
3. Complete the 9 Performance Objectives (POs)
Under the ACCA course details, candidates are required to complete 9 Performance Objectives(POs) comprising 5 Essential POs and 4 Technical POs. These Performance Objectives illustrate how the candidate has applied professional skills in a real workplace setting. The Essential POs contain key elements relating to ethics, communication, professionalism and personal effectiveness that finance professionals will need to develop proficiency in.
The Technical POs will allow the candidate to choose four core areas for their career development, including financial reporting, taxation, audit and assurance, risk management, and data analytics. The candidate is required to provide evidence of real tasks performed in the workplace, along with a description of the learning gained in relation to the performance objective.
4. Work with an Approved Practical Experience Supervisor
A Practical Experience Supervisor is a vital component that validates your PER journey! They must be a qualified and experienced practitioner, and a member of ACCA or have an equivalent accounting qualification. The supervisor is responsible for supporting your learning, ensuring that your practice meets the standards of competences required by the ACCA, and signing off on the performance objectives that you claim.
In addition, you could have one or more supervisors, depending on where you work and what activities you carry out. They will assess your progress, provide feedback, and verify the authenticity of your experience. Building a strong working relationship with your sanctioned supervisor enables timely approvals and assists in your professional development through constructive mentorship.
5. Record and Update Your Experience via MyExperience
With the ACCA course, you can use the MyExperience portal to record your 36 months of practical experience and associated performance objectives. This electronic tool allows you to track and record the required evidence and to have it reviewed and approved by your supervisor. By maintaining consistent record-keeping, you will keep the process smooth and avoid the rush at the end of the program.
In addition, MyExperience enables you to reflect on your achievements and identify areas for improvement. It ensures transparency between you and your supervisor and assists ACCA in validating your competency development. Once you have completed and fulfilled all of the requirements, you will receive confirmation of your PER from ACCA, helping you one step closer to becoming an ACCA member.
Conclusion
The ACCA Practical Experience Requirements (PER) are a critical requirement for becoming a fully qualified finance professional. Through relevant roles, objective-setting, and working with an approved mentor, students gain real-world knowledge that will improve their technical and professional skills.
If you plan accordingly and track progress regularly, PER will help enhance your employability throughout your career and keep you ready for the global finance industry as you launch a successful career. Connect with the Zell Education team to learn more about ACCA course requirements.
FAQs
1. What is ACCA PER?
The ACCA PER is pertinent, practical work experience, which you will require to fulfil before becoming an ACCA member.
2. Is PER a requirement for ACCA membership?
Yes, it is one of the three core requirements needed to become an ACCA member, along with the ethics and exams.
3. Can you count relevant previous work experience?
If you have relevant prior experience, yes, you can claim it and get it verified.
