What are employers expecting from ACCA job applicants?

We are all aware of the uncertain economic conditions throughout the world and how difficult it is nowadays to get appointed in the organisation of our choice. A responsible ‘white collar’ job is everyone’s dream especially after passing the qualifying exams of ACCA or CIMA. People often choose a finance and accountancy career as they believe that it will give them interesting and satisfying responsibilities and often presents a short-cut route to senior management positions. Keeping in mind the emerging demand of ACCA members and other professional accountants, people often get a picture in their minds that after completion of the ACCA qualifying exams they will go directly to the higher positions. Indeed, some candidates are hired on a ‘fast-route’ basis, but this is not the case for the majority of applicants. What’s the reason behind this?

The probable reason is that most ACCA job applicants are not aware of their employer’s expectations. Studies leading to professional qualification like that of ACCA, CIMA etc. lack considerably on the ‘softer skills’ although they are well versed on the technical aspects. It has been seen that evidence of personal skills and personality traits cannot be seen in many
ACCA job applicants even though they hold professional qualifications which are renowned throughout the world. Analysis of the current economic situation throughout the world shows us that the first objective of most organisation is one of cost cutting. Employing managers will be looking for applicants who are competent and versatile in every aspect required and who promise good value for money for investment in them. ACCA and CIMA professional applicants who demonstrate good communication skills along with strong business etiquette, team spirit, negotiation skills and social graces are people who are most successful in obtaining professional positions and reaching high positions.
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For this reason, it is important that ACCA and CIMA applicants have a knowledge and skill base that extends beyond their professional examinations. Knowledge grooms personality and leads to confidence - important requirements in modern organisations. An important need therefore, is to extend study beyond normal course books and to embrace business newspapers, business magazines and well written business books. This will help sharpen your business perception and softer http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifskills. It is personality that counts high when it comes to the promotion of one individual from a group of people with similar technical skills who all compete for the position.

Organisations are very aware that employees play an important part in maintaining relationships with their customers and developing a successful business. For this reason, soft skills have a great impact on clients, often greater than the technical skills. We cannot say that technical skills are not important but we all know that the balance of soft and technical skills is vital in today’s professional environment. It is unlikely that an ACCA or CIMA professional will advance far without a strong demonstration of skills in both.