What is the ACCA PER and How to Complete It?, ACCA PER Explained

ACCA PER Explained: If students are planning to become a qualified ACCA member, it is important to understand the ACCA PER. The full form of PER is Practical Experience Requirement. Along with passing their ACCA exams, students must complete the ACCA PER to become a full member. This is a necessary part of their journey. 

ACCA PER means gaining real work experience in accounting or finance. It is like learning in a real office, not just from books. Students must work in a job related to finance or accounting and prove that they have learned the skills needed for the role. This experience helps students understand how accounting works in real life.

What is ACCA PER?

ACCA PER Explained is all about gaining work experience while students are studying or after they pass their exams. ACCA wants students to learn not just from books but also from real jobs. This helps students become well-rounded finance or accounting professionals. Students can complete this experience before, during, or after their ACCA exams. 

It doesn't have to be done all at once, or even in the same job. To complete their ACCA PER, students must:

• Work in a job related to finance or accounting.
• Complete 36 months (3 years) of experience in total.
• Achieve 9 performance objectives.

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Why Is the ACCA PER Important?

Having the ACCA PER Explained means more than just ticking a box. It shows employers that students are ready to handle real work. ACCA wants to make sure that students are not only book-smart but also job-ready.

When they complete their PER, it means they have grown as a professional. Students have learned how to deal with clients, work with teams, make decisions, and handle business tasks.

ACCA PER Requirements

To complete the students’ PER, there are a few things students need to do. Let’s have the ACCA per requirements explained clearly:

1. 36 Months of Practical Work

Students need to work for at least 36 months (3 years) in a role related to accounting or finance. But students don’t worry, this time does not have to be in one job. It can be across different jobs or roles. Even part-time jobs, internships, or volunteering can count, as long as the work is related to accounting or finance.

2. Nine Performance Objectives

This is the most important part of the PER. These are nine goals that show what students have learned during their work. Students can choose the four technical ones based on their role. That means their work and below goals mentioned below should match.

Students need to achieve:

• Five Essentials (like ethics, teamwork, communication, etc.)
• Four Technical Objectives (related to finance, audit, tax, etc.)

3. A Practical Experience Supervisor

This is someone at the students’ workplace who guides them. They help them understand what to do and make sure they are doing the right tasks. They also check and sign off students’ practical experience records, saying that they have completed their goals.

What Kind of Work Counts for PER?

Below, ACCA PER Explained in terms of what jobs are useful. Not every role counts, but many can. Students, make sure that their tasks are related to finance or accounting. Even if only some parts of their job are relevant, that time can still count. Students can complete their PER in:

• Private companies
• Government departments
• Non-profits or NGOs
• Banks or insurance firms
• Part-time jobs
• Internships and volunteering
• Jobs done before registering for ACCA (if relevant)

What If Students Are Not in a Relevant Role?

If the student’s current job is not fully related to finance or accounting, they may not be able to count it towards the 36 months. But in some cases, if they are doing tasks like managing relationships, working on strategy, or leading teams, they may still complete some performance objectives. It’s important to still keep a practical experience record in MyExperience, even if the job is not fully relevant. This shows their journey and can help them later.

How to Record Practical Experience?

One important tool that ACCA gives students is the MyExperience portal. This is where students track their journey. Below, we’ve explained this part of the ACCA PER explained step by step:

Step 1: Log in to MyExperience

Students will use their ACCA student account and open the MyExperience tool.

Step 2: Add Your Job Details

Mention where they work, their job title, and what kind of work they do.

Step 3: Set Your Performance Objectives

Choose which of the nine goals matches their role. These will be students' targets.

Step 4: Invite the Supervisor

Student’s supervisor must be registered in MyExperience. Only then can they review their progress and sign off on their goals.

Step 5: Update Practical Experience Record

Each time students complete a task or achieve something, update their practical experience record. It’s better to do this regularly rather than wait till the end.

Finding the Right Supervisor

Having the ACCA PER Explained is not complete without talking about supervisors. They will check students' work, give feedback, and sign off on their experience. If their company doesn’t have a suitable person, students can ask someone outside the company if they have seen their work and are qualified. Student’s supervisor should be:

• Someone students works with (like a manager or senior)
• A qualified accountant (like ACCA, CA, CPA, or another IFAC member)
• Willing to guide and support the student

Tips to Complete PER Smoothly

Now that students have the ACCA PER Explained, here are some tips to help them finish it without stress:

Start Early: Students don’t wait until they finish exams to begin PER.

Record Often: Students should keep their practical experience records up to date.

Talk to the Supervisor: Students should stay in touch and take their advice seriously.

Choose the Right Objectives: Match students’ objectives with their real work.

Use ACCA Resources: ACCA offers guides, videos, and a job board to help them find roles.

What Happens After Students Complete PER?

Once they finish 36 months, achieve all nine objectives, and get everything signed off, students can apply to become an ACCA member. They will also need to complete the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM) if they haven’t already. Only then can students proudly say they are a full ACCA member.

The ACCA PER Explained is all about showing that students are not only good in exams but also in real work. Students must complete 36 months of work, finish nine performance objectives, and record everything properly.

Following the ACCA PER requirements will help them grow as a professional. It also helps them gain respect and trust in the accounting field.

The practical experience record is their proof of progress. Keep it updated and make sure the supervisor signs your objectives. This will help them complete their PER smoothly.

In short, the ACCA PER Explained is student’s key to success. It helps them move from a student to a trusted finance professional. Make the most of their journey and become a proud ACCA member.