Overview:

ACCA practising certificate is crucial for ACCA professionals offering their services in the field of auditing, consulting, accounting, etc. To avail of the ACCA practising certificate in Zimbabwe an individual needs to follow several steps, to make the process easier for you, below is a descriptive guide you may follow:

MAKE SURE YOU MEET THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

To get an ACCA practising certificate in Zimbabwe you need to meet the eligibility criteria set by the official body of ACCA. The following are certain eligibility requirements an individual needs to fulfill:

Full ACCA membership: To get an ACCA practising certificate you need to be a fully qualified ACCA member which means that you must have cleared the ACCA exams and attained the required professional experience. 

Fulfilled relevant experience: Another requirement you need to fulfill is having a minimum work experience of 3 years in relevant fields of accounting, auditing, etc. The experience could be obtained by working with an ACCA-approved employer or in a role that allows you to perform tasks like audits, advisory, accounting services, etc.

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE:

Another major thing that influences the process of getting an ACCA practising certificate is the completion of the required work experience which is essential for you to become a fully qualified ACCA professional. 

This is a post-qualified work experience that an individual needs to gain for 3 years. This work experience could be obtained by working in roles like auditor, financial accountant, taxation, advisory services, etc. However, it is essential to work with an ACCA-approved employer. Apart from that the experience should be fully tracked and documented through the My Experience system introduced by ACCA. This portal is introduced to track and record an aspirant’s work experience. 

COMPLETE THE ACCA’S ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS MODULE:

Along with work experience, ACCA also requires its members to complete the EPSM (Ethics and Professional Skills Module). It is essential because this module identifies if the individual understands the regulatory environment and sustains the ethical standards of ACCA. This skill module includes professionalism, risk management, and ethical dilemmas. It is essential for anyone wishing to avail of the ACCA practising certificate in Zimbabwe.

PROPER DOCUMENTATION:

After you have completed the above-mentioned eligibility requirements, you may begin applying for an ACCA practising certificate. To start with the application process you first need to submit your application to ACCA’s global office. Along with the application attach important documents like proof of your qualification, relevant work experience, and completion of the Ethics and Professional Skills module. While submitting work experience make sure your experience is verified by your employer or mentor (need to be a fully qualified ACCA member).

To confirm your work experience ACCA a signed reference or statement from a senior ACCA-qualified professional. 

Make sure to attach other documentation properly as well. These documents include proof of membership, evidence of professional development activities (CPD), and identification documents.

UNDERGO REVIEW PROCESS:

After the submission, your application will undergo a review process where the official reviewing body of ACCA will assess and analyze if your application meets the standards to get an ACCA practising certificate. The review process may include verifying your work experience, Making sure you completed all the criteria for the Ethical and Professional Skills module, and assessing if the work experience you submitted is relevant and ample to take over the professional responsibility expected from practising ACCA members.

BENEFITS OF OBTAINING THE ACCA PRACTISING CERTIFICATE IN ZIMBABWE:

After the review process, if your application meets all the standards of ACCA they will grant you the ACCA practising certificate. This certificate will allow you to legally perform all the ACCA practices and offer your services in Zimbabwe. After having a certificate you are authorized to offer tax and accounting services, offer advisory and consultant services to clients and firms by their financial statements, perform audits, operate your consultancy firm, etc. 

HOW TO MAINTAIN ACCA PRACTISING CERTIFICATE IN ZIMBABWE:

After availing of your ACCA practising certificate you will need to maintain it by sticking to the professional standards of ACCA, The following are some of the examples:

  • Meet the ACCA’s CPD (Continuing Professional Development) requirements to stay updated with changing trends and manage your skills and knowledge following that.
  • In Zimbabwe it is essential to comply with local regulations for example: complying with regulations of the Public Accountants and Auditors Board (PAAB). PAAB is responsible for overseeing the public practices and services of accountants in the region.
  • The ACCA practising certificate needs to be renewed, typically on an annual basis or after a few years. The renewal period depends on the ACCA body and local regulations of Zimbabwe.

PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS AND AUDITORS BOARD (PAAB):

If you are planning to perform your services in Zimbabwe, it is advised for you to register yourself in the public accountants and auditors board after availing of the ACCA practising certificate. This local regulatory body ensures tractability with the region’s legal demands for accountants and auditors.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

  • Do not compromise on regulatory compliances, make sure your practice is aligned with both ACCA global standards and local regulations. 
  • Follow the ACCA’s ethical guidelines and PAAB’s code of conduct, to showcase the highest standards of ethics and independence in your professional life. 

CONCLUSION: 

ACCA aspirants need to get an ACCA practising certificate in Zimbabwe to become fully qualified ACCA members and offer their services as accountants. By following the steps like completing the qualification, obtaining relevant work experience, completing the Ethics and Professional Ethics Module, and submitting a proper application with all the essential documents and evidence you may get the ACCA practising certificate in Zimbabwe. After obtaining this certificate you are legally permitted to offer your services to the public, opening your gate to various work opportunities in various accounting and finance sectors.