PER

Practical Experience Requirement (PER)

A key part of the ACCA Qualification is getting relevant practical experience in the workplace. Our exams will give you the theory behind your knowledge of accountancy, but you also need to have the practical experience to support it. This experience, alongside your exams and ethical awareness, will mean you are fully prepared for a challenging career as a professional accountant.

The ACCA Qualification closely links practical experience to your studies. This means you can apply the knowledge you gain from the exams to your workplace. This also will show future employers that you have the right mix of knowledge and skills.

You should think about the practical experience you need to gain for the ACCA Qualification when looking for a job and choosing your employer. You need to do three years’ relevant work experience and achieve 13 of the performance objectives listed below. You will need to do all nine listed as ‘Essentials’ and four of those listed as ‘Options’.

Performance objectives are part of the requirements you must meet for your practical experience. They set out a clear guide for the activities you should do and what you should achieve in the workplace. They outlined the standards and expected result of your work. They also show the attitudes you are expected to have as a trainee accountant. 

ESSENTIALS (all nine to be done)

Professionalism, ethics and governance

(1) Demonstrate the application of professional ethics, values and judgment

(2) Contribute to the effective governance of an organization

(3) Raise awareness of non-financial risk

Personal Effectiveness

(4) Manage self

(5) Communicate effectively

(6) Use information and communication technology

Business Management

(7) Management ongoing activities in your area of responsibility

(8) Improve departmental performance

(9) Manage and assignment 

OPTIONS (four to be done)

Financial accounting and reporting

(10) Prepare financial statements for external purposes

(11) Interpret financial transactions and financial statements

Performance measurement and management accounting

(12) Prepare financial information for management

(13) Contribute to budget planning and production

(14) Monitor and control budgets

Finance and financial management

(15) Evaluate potential business/investment opportunities and the required finance options

(16) Manage cash using active cash management and treasury systems

Audit and Assurance

(17) Prepare for and collect evidence for audit

(18) Evaluate and report on audit

Taxation

(19) Evaluate and compute taxes payable

(20) Assist with tax planning