Achieving the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification is a challenge that a considerable number of learners work towards. This qualification provides one with access to strategic career opportunities in the finance and accounting world. However, as with any education pursuit, the journey is difficult. There are a few not-so-friendly obstacles in the ACCA’s curriculum. For a lot of students, overcoming these obstacles is painfully frustrating.
So, what can you do to tackle these challenges and come out on top? This article proposes useful techniques that will aid you in overcoming the most difficult ACCA subjects.
1. Understand The Core Theories of ACCA Topics
The ACCA Course Full Form is Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and this includes various levels of study, each with its own set of complex subjects.
The ACCA qualification is segmented into levels of study, each with a set of difficult subjects to learn. From your papers in financial and management accounting to tax and audit, each of these papers will test your understanding of the subject. Without grasping the basics, mastering the advanced concepts will be difficult. One of the most prevalent mistakes students make is trying to learn complex concepts before mastering the basics.
To build a solid base, divide each subject into key areas and manageable chunks. Introductory topics should be approached first. In financial accounting, for example, balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements must be understood first before moving on to more advanced topics like consolidated financial statements and IFRS.
2. Create a Detailed Study Plan
While preparing for difficult ACCA subjects, one of the key issues is the excessive amount of content. Attempting to learn everything at once is a formula for burnout. This is precisely why identifying and putting down a detailed study plan is the need of the hour. It is recommended that a proper amount of time be given to each topic based on personal strengths and weaknesses. For instance, if financial management is easy for you but taxation is difficult, then prioritize the later.
The study plan must also allocate time for breaks and reviews. Trying to study for long hours leads to fatigue and leaves one running on empty. A well-structured timetable makes it easy to balance rest and study time without feeling overwhelmed, addressing all topics effortlessly.
3. Concentrate on Practice Questions
As with all professional ACCA exams, the focus will always be on application. You can be sure that there will be questions that will challenge your understanding, problem, and application skills on various concepts. Therefore, the first step towards effective preparation is to practice questions. There is simply no substitute for reading textbooks and solving real exam questions. You will be able to grasp the most difficult subjects and the question patterns well.
Make sure you use all the available past papers and practice exams. Solving these papers will be more beneficial if you time them. This will not only help you revise your syllabus, but also aid in improving your time management skills, which is particularly useful in the real exam scenario. Many students, over the years, have stated that solving questions has helped them the most to improve and achieve the desired result.
4. Join Study Groups
For most ACCA students, self-study is preferred. However, if you feel you are having issues understanding certain concepts, solving those concepts with the help of peers is bound to help. Many students feel that the support of their friends will help them come to a better understanding of certain issues and help them resolve their doubts. Explaining the concepts to your friends also helps you to understand those concepts better.
Hearing a different take on a challenging topic can be quite useful. In a study group, you can encounter books or methodologies that you had not explored. Collaboration can be helpful in keeping you focused, particularly on difficult topics.
5. Quality Should Be a Priority When Selecting Study Materials
Not all study materials are created equal. When preparing for ACCA exams, it is essential that you have up to date materials. Ensure that your textbooks, online courses, and video tutorials are from reputable providers. In dealing with particularly difficult topics, the last thing you need is outdated or poorly written materials that only add confusion.
Look for ACCA-approved learning providers for course materials. These tend to be in-line with the exam and syllabus. In addition to these, look for study materials that have comprehensive answer guides for complicated calculations. These resources simplify the explanation of challenging principles.
6. Stay Consistent and Avoid Procrastination
Most students encounter challenges with procrastination, which makes it difficult to start studying for the tough subjects. Syllabus coverage is extensive, and more often than not, students tend to defer studying for tough subjects. Waiting until the end to start studying only makes the situation worse. With ACCA exams particularly, consistency is crucial.
Even on days you do not feel like doing anything, try to study for at least a few minutes. This will help you stick to a study schedule and will help you avoid the stress of cramming the material just before the exam. Focus on building knowledge gradually and set small, achievable targets for each day.
7. Seek Help from Tutors or Online Forums
If there is a section of the syllabus you are completely stuck on, rest assured it is a good idea to reach out for help. Tutors, as well as online forums, are a great way to reach out to ACCA professionals to help with all your questions. Tutors provide personalized help and do a great job explaining difficult concepts in simpler terms. Online forums provide you with a wider network of students facing the same issues and allow you to post queries.
Having even a tiny explanation from a tutor or a classmate has the power to simplify a challenging topic. Always remember that it is okay to look for help.
8. Looking After Your Mental and Physical Wellbeing
Preparations for the ACCA exams can be taxing both mentally and physically. If you’re someone who is determined to work tirelessly, remember that mental and physical exhaustion has a whole different level and you, at the end, may end up just burning out. So, if you’re trying to balance work and exercise, just remember to do it the right way. Sleeping, eating, and even exercising in moderation is key.
Exercising including workouts, jogging, and simply going to the park all help in the improvement of mental well-being and positivity. Academic success is dependent on mental well being so remember to look after yourself.
Final thoughts
All the topics in the ACCA exams can be tricky at times and at times, can be a high demanding challenge. The right way of thinking and strategy can help you tackle all these at once while all at once boost your confidence and knowledge. Gaining adequate knowledge on all topics is the key.
Ultimately, there’s no single approach that works for all, and instead, it is a question of what is most effective for you. If you require more assistance, resources such as Zell are available. Zell Education has tailored programs that walk you through the maze that is the ACCA qualification, giving you the guidance and the framework you need to succeed.
