The Association of Chartered Accountants

Since 1996, the term "chartered certified accountant" has been used to define a British qualified accountant and is awarded to qualified applicants by the Association of Chartered Accountants. This elite group of accountants, granted Royal Charter by the Queen, specializes in business accounting, management accounting, financial accounting and even forensic accounting, among others. While many choose to take the private business route, others prefer the organized confines of a government agency.

Not surprisingly, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, or ACCA, is the world's fastest growing accountancy groups. Currently, there are more than 140,000 members, more than 400,000 affiliates and the association is present in at least 150 countries. The group is headquartered out of London, England and dates back to the early 1900s. It initially began as the London Association of Accountants and its goal was to provide transparency in the financial industry. It was not until 1930, however, that the group was finally given the green light to audit companies. After several merges and reformations, in 1974, the Royal Charter was extended and in 1995, the name that is now known was bestowed onto the association and the elite members were allowed to use the designated Chartered Certified Accountant.

The standards are the highest found in any country in the world and current qualifications include fourteen professional examinations, thirty six months of supervised accountancy experience and upon completion of Part 2 of the Professional Scheme, a degree in Applied Accounting is then required from students. The minimum guidelines are quite definitive and unyielding. While there are the occasional exemptions from at least part of the fourteen examinations, students are required to prove their knowledge in financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, company law, financial management, corporate reporting, audit and assurance and financial reporting prior to any exemptions being extended.

A new syllabus, passed in December 2007 and put into effect right away, updated the qualifications as a result of the accountancy field and its advances. It is not uncommon, and in fact, is even expected, every several years and in accordance with the changes and updates in a global financial market. At one time, examinations were held on an annual basis; now, however, they are held bi-annually and in several countries. It is likely this could change as well as demand dictates from an ever expanding field.

Besides the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, legal acknowledgment of the ACCA is left to each country. Members are afforded the option, in those countries that choose not to acknowledge the association, to apply for advanced standing when applicable. And too, there are those countries that don't require this application and simply choose to extend the courtesy.

Finally, the ACCA offers its members certain access to those committees that acknowledge the body. The Financial Services Institute of Australasia recently signed a partnership agreement, as has the Institute of Internal Auditors, the Chartered Institute of Taxation and those professional bodies in Canada, the United States and several other European countries.

David D Sprake

Modern Job Search Strategies

In a modern job search, there is so much more employment opportunity than there was just a few years ago. Thanks to job boards and social networking, there is so much more opportunity to find, research and apply for what seems like many more jobs.

But, does this variety actually offer more opportunity, or just result in more confusion? Most surveys currently suggest that with job boards only being the source of 12% of fulfilled jobs that actually these new job search systems simply result in more job search frustration.

 

Job Search basics

What has to be remembered is that although the opportunities seem greater in number, the basic truth is that the number of jobs is solely dependent on the need of employers from both the public/government and private sector for talent, and supplementing their workforce. Hence the basics of a modern job search come back to the question: how do employers fulfill their vacancies?

Modern employers

As has always been the case, many vacancies are fulfilled internally through promotion. This should be seen by all as a good thing, as employers want to encourage the internal spirit of their work place as a good place to work. The amount of internal promotion and development varies between employer to employer, but anywhere between a third and 90% of vacancies can be fulfilled internally. On average, one third of vacancies are fulfilled internally, and are nominally closed to external hires.

The old primary source of new hires was advertising, either via direct newspaper adverts or through recruitment agencies. While still accounting for one third of fulfilled vacancies, the biggest change in this sector has been from local newspapers to online jobs boards. From launching in 2000, job boards now account for 12% of fulfilled vacancies, which is just over half of the market share which used to be fulfilled by local newspapers. While many may think that the market share is higher, the truth is that most of the good and active local job boards are actually owned by the local newspapers, who now offer a blended media package across a range of formats, which hence supplements their income over greatly degradation it.

Modern job search

But the advertising method of gain new hires and employees is on the wane, thanks to the internet. The fastest expanding sector in recruitment is hiring known people. Traditionally made up of employers hiring people from their supplier’s customers or competitors, the lower cost and known knowledge of the hiring company by the new employee also means quicker integration and hence operational efficiency. This method is now supplemented by two new tactics, with firstly employers paying employees to recommend new hires, and secondly employers using social media search methods to find the exact people with the required skills to fulfill their vacancies. It is postulated by the employment industry that with so much growth at business networking groups such as Linked In, where members can upload their CV/resume for free, that CV/resume databases in the future will not be required or commercial.

The question therefore comes down to what the modern job seeker can do to improve their job search, in both speed to employment and opportunity? Firstly, even if you are looking for a local job, no longer can you rely on just skimming the newspaper and job boards for b adverts to respond to. With only 12% of jobs fulfilled that way, you are reducing your chances of employment by 90%. This should be but one strategy in your job search.

Core Job Search Strategies

Modern job seekers also have to deploy three further strategies.

Firstly, you already have a target job in mind, so why not extend that and have a target employer in mind? I suggest that you initially take 10 potential employers, and research them thoroughly. From this you should gain an idea of what they do, how they do it, the way they operate and where your skills could fit in their organization. Now using social media tools such as Linked In to find the name of the potential hiring manager, approach them via an Informational Interview with a request for a meeting.

Secondly, when you know that employers are paying employees to find new hires, the power of Job Search Networking is greatly increased. Where do the employers go who recruit in your sector? Is there a local business group, such as a chamber of commerce; or a professional sector body covering your profession, such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants? A simple per-formed Elevator Pitch and the premise that you probably won't secure a job at the meeting, but a follow up coffee could easily secure an introduction, should see more opportunity come your way.

Thirdly, make sure that your Social Media Profile is on the internet in the right places and in the right order. 80% of employers now undertake initial background checks on job applicants to job adverts through a simple Goggle-based search of your name. Hence not having a social media profile is as bad as having one which includes your professional profile next to pictures from your lads stag do in Spain. Employers want socially connected people, but if you place it on the internet then its fair game in consideration and not privacy intrusion.

Ten years ago a job search was looking through newspapers, the new opportunities offered by new tools and techniques need to be applied so that they give you the best chance of employment. So don't just replace a newspaper with a job board, look at the three additional strategies - Informational Interview, Networking and Social Media profile - to get employed quicker in the job you want.

Good Luck!

Ian R McAllister

Finding a Job in Today's Challenging Economy

In today's economy, finding a job has become increasingly more difficult for many people. This is true in all sectors and includes people from all pay scales who are currently out of work and are trying to find a decent paying job.

When searching for a job, there are a number of different things that should be done. It is important to not get frustrated in the search as it is currently a very competitive market.

Because of this, you need to look at many different options during the search. There are a lot of online websites and providers that offer job seekers the tools to help them in their quest. By getting set up with an online account, you are able to post your resume, get in touch with employers, and browse all of the available jobs that are currently out there.

When you are doing the work required in finding a job, one important issue is that your resume should be up to date. It needs to reflect the current job that you are going for. If your resume does not reflect the job market for which you are in, you are less likely to get a position.

It is a wise idea to have several different resumes that highlight different areas of your career. This way, when you are seeking employment in a particular job market, you can present a resume that is customized to that particular market. With your resume it is also important that your references are up to date, relevant, and they are also willing to give a recommendation. Many times people will list references on the resume who have not agreed or will not give the best review. This is certainly a mistake that can be avoided.

Available jobs can be found in many different places. That is why it is important to look in all different areas. Look online, look in the newspaper, and be aware of local opportunities and information about potential jobs. You never know where you might find that dream job.

When going for the interview, it is wise to prepare thoroughly before the actual day. Practice going over potential questions, make sure that you are very familiar with the company itself, and make sure that you have a presentable and professional outfit to wear. It is always best to dress more professionally than the job requires. With some research and diligence and good presentation skills, finding a job of your dreams is possible. Do not get frustrated as this may take some time but as long as you are optimistic you should certainly succeed.

Jeremy Winters 

Should You Buy a Business or Get a MBA?

Profit Now or Profit Later

Those who have recently graduated from college or in the process of completing their degrees, specifically those who are majoring in business, find it hard to choose between two contrasting options: to stay in school and get a MBA - Master's of Business Administration - or go out into the real world and start a business. To make an informed decision on this matter, there are four factors that one needs to consider: money, time, estimated return on investment and the current market condition. Those people who choose to get a masters degree do so under very stressful situations. They usually work part-time while studying, earning just enough to sustain full-time classes. These students oftentimes use their own savings, borrow money from family members or friends, and sometimes go into debt issues because of unpaid student loans. After a couple of years studying in a business school, they already possess a significant degree of education that they can use as an advantage over those who did not pursue a MBA. However, they cannot deny the fact that they are also far behind when it comes the actual world of entrepreneurship.

Business Owners and the MBA program

It can be very beneficial if you decide to get a MBA program while running an already existing business. Everything you will learn from your classes can be directly applied to the business you are managing. Buying a business and running it personally will help you develop new business skills and hone those that you already have. Having a MBA degree will surely show you how to improve your weaknesses in business management. Attending a business school is also a good opportunity for you to meet new people and make lifelong professional relationships that will give you an advantage in running an existing small business. A MBA will surely give you strong credibility within local communities. Financially, you can also benefit from a master's degree. Bankers are more than willing to approve loans to business owners who have MBAs. A good MBA program will also help you think like an executive, as the things you'll learn from classes will guide you in business issues and expansion strategies.

Becoming a Successful Business Owner

You should know that buying a business is a costly process. You need to spend a considerable amount of money if you want to buy a business or purchase a franchise. In either option, you need to get financing assistance for the purchase price, the inventory cost, marketing and advertising expenses, and the property or equipment lease payments. The money you will spend on continuing with your MBA can also be good capital for buying a business. Your money will be returned immediately in the form of sales income. Among the simplest ways to buy a business is to go for an established franchise. This move is safer because all planning has already been done by the parent company, and the business methods and processes were also tried and tested in the market. Everything you'll need is at your fingertips. The franchisor will guide you on the operations of the business, showing you the strategies to make the most out of your franchise. There is also a good chance that the people you will deal with at the franchisor level have already earned their MBAs.

Doing it the Right Way

Here is a guide on how to buy a business and get a MBA:

• Use your savings from college to buy a business. You may opt for an existing business or franchise because it is safer and profits come in faster.

• Learn from the experts in the industry, and save up as much as you can.

• Once the business is running smoothly and annual sales are remarkably growing, you can go back to school as a part-time student and pursue a MBA.

• Earn more profits!

The good news is that small business opportunities these days include offers to help business owners get MBAs. Also, a recent write-up in a popular business publication stated that becoming a MBA consultant or coach is a highly profitable business venture that aspiring entrepreneurs should definitely consider.

The questions now are... How many business owners in your community have MBAs? Did they earn them before or after they decided to buy a business?

Careers in Economical Era

If you are concerned in analyzing in the economic science subject, there is a broad form of career options accessible to you. Broadly speaking , almost people with an Economics degree is whatever modest they select, accept a Bachelor's degree, while a Master's academic degree will ever assure that you start out higher to the top of the societies food for thought chain, and make more one-year revenue.

Career alternatives in the area of economic science can include economical conferring with explore the companies or consulting company*, wherever you'd suggest the company on business concern schemes and help to set economical prove for court cases. A different goal that several economical graduates obtain is law school. In the discipline of Economic law, you'd accept the opportunity to act upon a lot of conclusions supported the economic system, and would be capable to impart to more business firm* and governance authorities. And, addressing by governance offices, there has forever the alternative by acting direct on the authorities by noncommercial organizations.

A look at the prospective one-year net income because majors in Economics demonstrates that, with a baccalaureate, for example whenever you definite to prosecute your academic degree in economic science with a concentration in Finance, the one-year pay that you may await in your first year would be approximately forty-five, thousand $, whereas an academic degree simply in marketing would earn you only twenty nine thousand $ annually. The low end of the net income for an Economy major, reported in 2004 was $22,000 for a bachelor's academic degree, although those with a Master's level brought in $41,000 beginning per annum. Earnings could approach to almost $hundred thousand annually, depending on whether you determine to seek employment with a private or government activity sphere. The federal official authorities one-year pay for economic expert* with a Master's academic degree in 2005 was $eighty-nine $. That's the average earnings, so keep in mind that you may have to put a couple of years into the job before you can expect your earnings to come across this standard. General, economic expert* is expected to make an importantly greater revenue whether they're acting upon with the government activity or with a private accompany, simply as the demand much preponderates the supplying.

Economic expert* is commonly engaged inside bigger cities, however a few do work overseas for varies accompanies, either government or nonpublic multinational procedures. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IMF, and the UN every engage economic expert* from all over the world to act upon in their facilities.

Whenever you're conceiving a career in the Economics field, there are a couple of minor essentials to keep in idea. Those concerned in Economics will generally be able to give great attention to points. These are extremely important because you'll expend a lot of time on accurate data analysis. You as well must possess forbearance and continuity, since you'll be commanded to expend a lot of hrs clearing troubles, and you'll have long hrs of independent work.

The Way to Get the Job Satisfaction Along With Getting a Handsome Income

Today, most of the people who are aiming for getting a job in a sector which is a bit off the track are generally aiming for getting a certificate in occupational safety and health program. The reason for this is because several companies in the world are recently offering these jobs and all of them want able human resources for the job who should be loyal to the company and work over there with full integrity. This is also the major reason, for which most of the companies, which is trying to find professionals regarding such jobs want a certificate of any institute, which is specialized in giving the training in the field of health and safety training.
NEBOSH is known to be one of the most popular organizations in UK, which provides certificate in health and occupational safety to numerous people who want to excel in their career. The institution was formed in the year of 1979 and the full form of the institution is National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health. NEBOSHhas emerged to be one of the prime institutes in the United Kingdom, which is providing numerous amounts of certificates to people who have completed various courses from those institutes including the course of health and safety training, which work under the supervision of the NEBOSH.
The certificates that this organization gives is of immense value and most of the certificates are issued by the organizations, which work under the supervision of the institute.

NEBOSH actually does the job of supervision over several organizations, which holds subsequent examinations and providing certificates if a person qualifies the examination. The certificates may range from the Ordinary Level certificates to the Higher Level certificates and also to Diplomas. The certificates are issued only if a person passes the examination that is being held by the organization. The examination board of this institute, which was established just a year after NEBOSH came into existence, conducts the examination. A person who wants to go through the health and safety training can get to several organizations, which work under the supervision of the examination control board of the NEBOSH and then can attend the classes, which relate to the course that the person wants to pursue. After the preliminary classes are over, the person can apply for the examination, which is held by the organization under the supervision of the examination control board of the NEBOSH. Only after passing the examination with the adequate marks can the person get the certificate or else he has to re apply.
One should not get under the wrong impression that those people who can never do anything else in their career are going for the jobs of health and safety training. On close inspection and collecting enough information in this field you might get to find that the course which is being offered by institutes like NEBSOH is not a piece of cake at all and the institutions which are working under the examination board of NEBOSH are quite strict about the rules of qualifying the examination. Most people who are involved with the course in health and safety are generally good students and studious. One has to be quite serious in this field while pursuing the course of health and safety training.

Preston Romeo

How to Get Into Accountancy

It is a long held belief by many people that a life in accountancy is a life of greyness and dull work, suitable only for those of a somewhat unexciting disposition. However, contrary to popular opinion, studying for a degree in accountancy, (or taking the accountancy exams through one of the many accredited courses) can actually lead to a wonderful career that is both fulfilling and challenging and will give you skills and abilities, as well as discipline, that will serve you well for the rest of your life. You will develop not just a head for figures, but also a greater business awareness and more importantly, your own valuable sense of judgment and character.

A great many students and young men and women go into accountancy as a career choice because they think that by becoming a fully qualified accountant or financial practitioner they will be ensured not only a degree of job stability and job security as well as lifelong skills that will always be needed somewhere. Qualified accountants will always be in demand by the hundreds of thousands of businesses, companies, corporations and by millions of people doing their tax returns, and this means there will always be work. Others go into accountancy not for job security but for the challenge. Some people want to work with figures and mathematical formulas because they enjoy the challenge intellectually and also because they want to get to grips with how businesses, markets and economies work from the inside, how they function and how they balance the books. Indeed once you have qualified as an accountant and got experience working in practice and for companies, it is possible to move into any number of different industries.

That said, it is not easy to become an accountant and takes at least two or three years of study. There are a number of ways of becoming an accountant, and whichever way you choose will influence what kind of accountancy you end up practicing. If you study via the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) or the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAEW) you will be taking a route that is very practice based. Alternatively, if you have decided you would like to practise accountancy in the public sector then you should look to the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) for your training. Lastly, there is the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) which is the best route for those students or potential accountants who want to work in the commercial business accountancy sector. It goes without saying that all of the different routes all take years of dedication and hard work and all share a number of similar elements essential to the fundamentals of good accounting practice. Equally, all the options will open up all kinds of opportunities for a future career.

There are all kinds of different career paths open to qualified accountants. As mentioned in the last paragraph, accountants can choose to work in practice, commercially or in the public sector. Moreover, they can choose from hundreds of different areas, for example areas like budget analysis, management accounting, auditing or taxation. And within each of these there are hundreds more specialties. In taxation for example one could specialize in corporate tax, family tax, personal tax , or work as an officer of taxation for the government or the law. Whichever area you choose, you'll be sure of anything but a dull and gray career.

By Greg Dixon