Is ACCA qualification more or less valuabl than MBA program?

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Hi everyone,

I want to start an MBA program next year, I already have TOEFL score and will take GMAT exam in December. But few days ago my professor of accounting told me that ACCA is a better qualification. So now I am thinking about if it is worth to try for ACCA, I know that it takes many years to complete. Please tell me which program to choose if I want to work in financial field and also is it possible to do both of them at the same time?

Thank you,
Zara

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by interviewbay22 » Mon Sep 08, 2014 10:51 pm
Hello zara

Pursuing MBA or the certifications from ACCA really depends on what type of career you want. ACCA qualification will involve clearing 14 professional examinations and 3 years of supervised accountancy experience, so this will indeed take many years to complete. On the other hand you can complete a full time MBA program with a concentration in finance in 1 to 2 years (depending upon the business school).

While ACCA certification will make you an expert in finance and accounting, an MBA will offer you a more holistic educational experience. The way MBA curriculums are structured today - case studies, group assignments, reports along with the coursework will provide you with the necessary preparation to handle real life business situations. In addition, you learn valuable lessons from the experiences of your peers. An MBA not only provides you with business knowledge but also the networking opportunities that will go a long way in shaping your career.

In simple words, an ACCA certification might get you few accounting jobs but an MBA from a top school can help you achieve much more. It is an investment for life. It will be easier to advise you if tell me more specifically about the kind of job you are looking for in finance post MBA. Wharton School of Business, London Business School and University of Chicago- Booth School of Business are some of the best schools for an MBA in finance. You can check out this article for more schools https://www.interviewbay.com/blog/top-mb ... in-finance

All the best
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by interviewbay22 » Mon Sep 08, 2014 11:03 pm
Hello zara

Pursuing MBA or the certifications from ACCA really depends on what type of career you want. ACCA qualification will involve clearing 14 professional examinations and 3 years of supervised accountancy experience, so this will indeed take many years to complete. On the other hand you can complete a full time MBA program with a concentration in finance in 1 to 2 years (depending upon the business school).

While ACCA certification will make you an expert in finance and accounting, an MBA will offer you a more holistic educational experience. The way MBA curriculums are structured today - case studies, group assignments, reports along with the coursework will provide you with the necessary preparation to handle real life business situations. In addition, you learn valuable lessons from the experiences of your peers. An MBA not only provides you with business knowledge but also the networking opportunities that will go a long way in shaping your career.

In simple words, an ACCA certification might get you few accounting jobs but an MBA from a top school can help you achieve much more. It is an investment for life. It will be easier to advise you if tell me more specifically about the kind of job you are looking for in finance post MBA. Wharton School of Business, London Business School and University of Chicago- Booth School of Business are some of the best schools for an MBA in finance. You can check out this article for more schools https://www.interviewbay.com/blog/top-mb ... in-finance

All the best
www.interviewbay.com
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by ads1188 » Wed Sep 10, 2014 2:32 am
The ACCA isn't worth more than an MBA. I have the ACCA qualification and am looking at doing my MBA this year. The ACCA does open doors in accounting but a MBA from a top school is worth so much more on your CV.

Pretty much agree with everything else interviewbay22 has mentioned.

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by Razraptre » Fri Jan 09, 2015 11:57 am
interviewbay22 I'm doing my AS levels now and will continue with A2 next year. I was told that ACCA also features case studies and group assignments as part of the syllabus. Also, how are the experiences of one's peers comparable to actual work experience, which is mandatory and gained during ACCA.
And while I do understand that a Masters from a world renowned university would help me a long way, for me (and the majority of my peers) it is a financial choice that we simply cannot afford, no matter the benefits.

Is it better to take a Masters from a cheaper university or do ACCA? I don't want to make the wrong choice as ACCA takes around 3 years to complete.

Thanks.

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Both have their pros and cons, but it is up to you to decide which career you want to pursue – ACCA will provide you more of a specialized skill set, whereas MBA will give you a broader skillset to handle the overall business