ACCA late 30s/early 40s

[Yuja]

Hello, I was wondering if anybody had taken the ACCA examinations or similar as a mature student? I am 38, I work for a financial services company in a non-accounting role and they have offered to support me through this. I work in the financial forensics & crime team and I love it, but my pay and prospects would be a lot higher if I was qualified as an accountant.

I'd really like to but obviously worried as to if I'll be able to manage. The last time I did a professional qualification I was young free and single (PGCE) and that was quite demanding! Now I have 2 DC, one off to high school in September and a 9 year old. They're easy enough kids - no additional needs and quiet flexible but obviously busy with activities etc. DH is supportive and thinks we can make it work.

I feel old to be doing this, but I also have 30ish years left to work. Anyone done it and been glad?

Never too old. Ever. Who told you that? That's cobblers. Never let yourself be defined like that.

What an amazing opportunity. Go for it. I wish i had something like that on offer.

I haven't done ACCA but I'm eyeing it myself.

Great that they are offering to support you doing it, not many employers are funding these studies now

If you think you can cope, then go for it, but it is a lot of work and the exams are hard. I did mine in my 20's and I'm not sure I would put myself through it again now, as it is gruelling

Have you considered AAT?

@PickledPurplePickle

Is it really really tough studying ACCA and passing the exams?

I mean, i get it is a professional, highly valued qualification and it has to be but is it harder than say a master's degree?

Insights appreciated!

The first 2 levels are roughly equivalent to degree level, the final level masters degree level

Yes it's hard and the pass rates on the papers are pretty low

But a graduate should manage ok with graft and focus?

Yes. And a good exam strategy.

It's not just about learning the syllabus, it's learning how to do the exams. It's not like academic exams, so it would be a worthwhile investment to get at least some tuition on exam technique and practising that technique so it comes naturally under pressure.

Lots of people put themselves through ACCA without any formal tuition or developing the right exam technique - that should be taken into account when considering the overall pass rates. The pass rates for people who have had some form of tuition are much higher.

Have you considered AAT?

That would be a waste of time and money. Op has said she is considering ACCA because she needs to be a qualified accountant to progress any further with her career.

AAT doesn't achieve that objective - people with AAT are not qualified accountants, they're just technicians.

Thanks very much much for advice @folkjournals