Prioritising the needs of both professionals and employers, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is setting benchmarks in the finance sector, by placing employability at the heart of its mission through its Approved Employer Programme.

ACCA Business Development Manager Members and Employers Ruchera Jayawardena Peries emphasised, “Our mission is to develop highly skilled, globally recognised finance professionals, equipped with the skills the employers demand. This not only enhances individual careers but also elevates standards across the entire finance profession.”

Elaborating on the ACCA Approved Employer Programme, Peries stated, “This programme acknowledges the employers that are committed to professional growth and development, where we offer them global recognition and access to valuable resources that enhance their training standards, making them attractive to top finance talent seeking supportive environments to complete their ACCA qualifications. They also enjoy a streamlined Practical Experience Requirement (PER) process, allowing students to bypass the sign-off procedure, which simplifies the path to qualification. Additionally, the approved employers gain exclusive access to the ACCA resources, including regular updates, training materials and best practices, helping them stay at the forefront of industry developments.

Peries explained that to become an ACCA Approved Employer, organisations must commit to staff development, maintain structured training and adhere to the ACCA’s ethical standards. The programme offers two recognition categories: Trainee Development (Gold and Platinum levels) for supporting the ACCA students and affiliates and Professional Development for providing ongoing development to the ACCA members.

Peries clarified that the application process is straightforward. 

“Employers can apply online, submit supporting documents and we assess their training programmes against the ACCA’s standards. Once approved, the status is valid for three years.” 

Successful applicants receive an official certificate, are listed in the ACCA’s directory of Approved Employers and can proudly use the ACCA Approved Employer logo in recruitment and marketing materials.

One notable advantage is that the ACCA does not charge a fee for the application process. This ensures that the employers of all sizes can participate in the programme without financial barriers.

For the ACCA students and members, the benefits are substantial. 

Peries highlighted, “The students working for Approved Employers benefit from streamlined processes for completing their Practical Experience Requirements (PER) and receive structured, high-quality training that boosts their career prospects.”

With over 7,800 ACCA Approved Employers across 111 countries, the programme has received widespread acclaim. 

“It’s a win-win for both employers and employees, fostering a sustainable talent pool for the finance industry,” noted Peries.

For the companies interested in becoming ACCA Approved Employers, a comprehensive application guide is available. It includes eligibility criteria, application steps, required documentation and an overview of the approval process.  Employers can access the guide on the ACCA website. 

Peries summed up saying, “The ACCA Approved Employer Programme is a critical bridge between employers and our talented finance professionals, ensuring a bright future for the industry.”

The initiative continues to enhance professional development while helping companies secure the talent they need to succeed.