Recognising employers for their excellence in staff training and development

In today’s fast-paced and competitive business world, employers are increasingly recognising the importance of investing in their workforce’s professional growth and development. This not only enhances employee performance but also contributes to the overall success and growth of the organisation. The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Approved Employer Programme is a prestigious initiative that acknowledges employers who uphold high standards of staff training and development. Let’s delve into what this programme entails and the benefits it offers.
ACCA is committed to ensuring that its students, affiliates and members possess the necessary skills, ethics and competencies to add value and drive businesses forward across the globe. However, ACCA understands that the employers play a crucial role in facilitating continuous professional development and support for their employees. To recognise and reward organisations that support the ACCA Qualification, ACCA has established the ACCA Approved Employer Programme.
Benefits received  
The employers who demonstrate the highest levels of employee support have the opportunity to become Approved Employers. This distinction brings numerous advantages, ranging from aiding talent acquisition to promoting the business and involvement in ACCA research and insight initiatives. By becoming an Approved Employer, organisations gain a competitive edge in attracting and retaining top-quality graduates and finance professionals.
The impact of Approved Employer status is evident from the feedback ACCA has received from employers. An astounding 81 percent of Approved Employers state that their status helps them attract and retain talented graduates and finance employees. Furthermore, 75 percent consider their approved employer status to be of significant importance, while 72 percent acknowledge the substantial benefits it provides to their finance employees.
The Approved Employer Programme offers a comprehensive framework for supporting ACCA students and members within organisations. Regardless of their size, any organisation can apply to become an ACCA Approved Employer. The Approved Employer status sets companies apart by highlighting their commitment to providing the highest level of support and assistance to the ACCA members and students. The best part is that the programme is entirely free, making it accessible to a wide range of organisations.
Enhanced recruitment opportunities 
The benefits of being an Approved Employer are far-reaching. Firstly, organisations enjoy enhanced recruitment opportunities. All Approved Employers receive free advertising on ACCA Careers, the world’s largest specialist finance job board. Additionally, their job ads receive extra branding, resulting in increased applications from the ACCA pool of accountancy talent. This advantage facilitates the recruitment of exceptional individuals who can contribute to the organisation’s growth and success.
Quality assurance and promotion are other significant benefits of the Approved Employer status. The Approved Employers can promote their businesses by utilising the Approved Logo, being included in the directory of Approved Employers and receiving content to highlight their status internally. These promotional tools serve as competitive incentives when hiring new staff and enhance the organisation’s reputation in the industry.
By participating in the ACCA surveys and questionnaires, Approved Employers can contribute to shaping the future of the industry. Their inputs are used to develop Profession Insights, providing valuable industry trends and knowledge. Additionally, Approved Employers have the opportunity to attend the ACCA informative Webinar programme, helping them stay abreast of the latest developments in the finance field.
ACCA Approved Employers also enjoy simplified processes for demonstrating practical experience and meeting Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements. This ensures that the ACCA students, affiliates and members within the organisation receive the necessary support to qualify or maintain their membership status. The streamlined processes enable students and affiliates to progress smoothly towards membership, while the members can fulfil their CPD obligations with minimal effort.
Approved Employers receive dedicated support from the ACCA Sri Lanka office, offering assistance for any ACCA-related queries. Whether through phone or email, employers can access personalised care and guidance. Moreover, Approved Employers stay informed about all ACCA news and events through the Approved Employer newsletter, which keeps them updated and engaged with the ACCA community.
Cost savings 
Cost savings are another advantage of being an Approved Employer. Approved employers gain access to discounted prices on a range of ACCA qualifications and solutions. This includes ACCA’s highly acclaimed online learning programmes Global Business Services (GBS) suite of qualifications and online Certificate in International Public Sector Accounting Standards (CertIPSAS), where applicable. These pricing reductions allow organisations to train their staff effectively while optimising their training budgets.
The ACCA Approved Employer Programme boasts an impressive list of globally recognised employers that have achieved the Approved status. Some notable names include Accenture, AIA Group, American Express Services Europe, DBS Bank, Dell, Expedia Group, Facebook, Lenovo Group, Microsoft, Oracle, Pfizer GBS, Rolls Royce PLC, Shell, The World Bank Group and UBS Group. These esteemed organisations have demonstrated their commitment to employee development and are regarded as leaders in their respective industries.
In Sri Lanka, several organisations have earned the status of ACCA Approved Employer. These include Acuity Knowledge Partners, Bakertilly, BDO Partners, Brand Finance Lanka, Ceylon Hospitals PLC, Deloitte, DIMO, Ernst & Young, EY GDS, Hayleys Advantis, HSBC Electronics, Infomate, John Keells PLC, KPMG, MAS Holdings, Seylan Bank PLC and WNS Global. These organisations are recognised for their dedication to supporting ACCA students and members, contributing to the growth and success of the accounting and finance profession in Sri Lanka.
Acknowledges and rewards organisations 
The ACCA Approved Employer Programme is a valuable initiative that acknowledges and rewards organisations committed to staff training and development. By becoming an Approved Employer, organisations can attract and retain top talent, promote their businesses, contribute to industry research and ensure the success of their ACCA students and members. With a range of benefits and a prestigious network of Approved Employers, organisations can elevate their position in the finance industry and drive their businesses forward.
Meanwhile, while congratulating the new members, ACCA South Asia Head Nilusha Ranasinghe said ACCA champions the importance of delivering public value, encouraging the ACCA members to consider the broader impact of their professional activities on society. 
“Through our connected communities, we aim to drive meaningful change for the public good. Rest assured, ACCA will be there with you and for you, providing the support and resources you need to succeed,” she said.
ACCA Sri Lanka Member Network Panel Chairman Chaaminda Kumarasiri urged the new members to take full advantage of ACCA’s various activities and subcommittees. 
“You could not only inspire others as an advocate but also help achieve ACCA’s ambition to ‘Lead the accountancy profession for a changed world’. Your contributions are invaluable and I am confident that each of you will make a significant impact on our profession and our country,” stated Kumarasiri.
Welcoming the new members on board, ACCA Global Council President Ronnie Patton noted that they are joining much more than a business association. 
“You join a warm, worldwide community of like-minded people, numbering more than three-quarters of a million fellow finance professionals and future accountants from 181 countries. A family of many languages but a single voice. A family that unites us across continents and cultures – unites us behind a set of common values – of integrity, inclusion and innovation,” said Patton.
Echoing similar sentiments, ACCA Global Council Member Dr. Dinusha Weerawardane pointed out that the new members are now part of a global community comprising over 250,000 members and 500,000 future members; a network that champions innovation, integrity and lifelong learning.