PricewaterhouseCoopers has announced the launch of an ACCA full-time study programme. ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is one of the largest and fastest growing global professional accountancy bodies - its reputation and influence are respected worldwide by employers, governments and the profession itself.
Kevin Valenzia, Territory Senior Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Malta told The Times Business yesterday: "We are very excited about the launch of this programme. It brings together all our experience in the profession and the training skills of PwC Academy, and allows us to share this with students and graduates. Our people's background of studies is far less important than the confidence they have to express their opinions - we are willing to support and train students in accounting from any background of studies."
The ACCA full-time study programme will be conducted by PwC Academy, the firm's training arm, together with BPP Professional Education Malta - an ACCA Gold Approved Learning Partner. BPP Professional Education Malta is an international centre of BPP Holding plc, a leading tuition provider in accounting and finance for over 30 years. BPP Malta will be providing the tuition courses within this programme.
Noel Zerafa, BPP Professional Malta CEO, said: "We are very proud to have been appointed as the tuition provider to PricewaterhouseCoopers students who will be studying to become ACCA and MIA qualified professional accountants. We believe that the launch of this programme by PwC Academy is an important milestone in innovative learning and development and BPP will do its utmost to support it."
PwC Academy's ACCA full-time study programme will be the platform through which students can acquire both technical skills and "softer" skills to be prepared for their career in accountancy. The programme is unique on the market since it aims to accelerate the learning curve of students and offers an alternative route into the profession.
Over five sittings, students will attempt 14 ACCA papers which will lead them to their ACCA qualification. During this period they will also have the opportunity to job shadow in all the lines of services of the firm - audit, advisory and tax. The programme includes an offer of full-time employment with PricewaterhouseCoopers once the training period with PwC Academy has been completed.
In the UK and in most other European countries, many graduates who join audit firms do so after obtaining a first degree in a subject not related to accountancy. Locally the programme is open to sixth form school leavers, AAT Diploma and University graduates who are motivated to take up ACCA studies after obtaining a first degree in a subject not related to accountancy. PricewaterhouseCoopers will support its students financially by offering a monthly study grant that may vary according to the age, experience and qualifications of the student. ACCA tuition fees will also be met by the firm.
PricewaterhouseCoopers will very shortly be commencing its recruitment process for the first full-time ACCA programme which is planned to kick off in August. Details of the programme can be found on the firm's official website: www.pwc.com/mt and at BPP Malta's premises in Swatar.
PwC Academy has launched its open curriculum for 2010, which can be viewed on www.pwcacademy.com.mt.
"As a firm with the highest regard for quality and integrity, PricewaterhouseCoopers is always on the lookout for talent and has for many years engaged students who are interested in following professional examinations offered by ACCA," a statement by PwC said.