Accounting Department Accredited by Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
Image by Ed Brennen
02/28/2018
By Ed Brennen
The Manning School of Business has partnered with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) to help accounting students in its undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs earn credentials that will boost their careers in the global market.
Beginning this spring, accounting students who earn a bachelor of science, a master of science or a certificate from the Manning School will be exempt from taking nine of the ACCA’s 14 required exams. ACCA qualification is the global equivalent of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the U.S., and is sought after by employers, particularly in Europe and Asia.
Of the 11 institutions in the United States that have partnered with the ACCA thus far, UMass Lowell is the only one to qualify for all nine maximum exemptions. The ACCA conducted a full assessment of the accounting program’s regulations, syllabus and assessments before awarding accreditation to the Manning School.
“The ACCA accreditation reflects the quality of the courses delivered through our undergraduate, graduate and certificate accounting programs in the Manning School of Business,” said Accounting Department Chair Khondkar Karim. “The course exemptions also reflect how the programs incorporate practical and professional aspects, which help our students to become knowledgeable accounting professionals.”
UMass Lowell joins higher education institutions such as Pace University, American University, St. John’s University, Florida International University and Loyola University Chicago as partners with ACCA USA, the organization’s U.S. arm.
“Across the globe, ACCA partners with higher education institutions to provide exceptional opportunities to prepare students for careers in finance and accounting,” said Warner Johnston, head of ACCA USA. “We are incredibly excited to begin a new chapter at UMass Lowell as we continue to train the next generation of finance professionals.”
Image by Ed Brennen
ACCA’s head of business development, Abdul Goffar, and director of engagement, D.J. McErlean-Hopson, visited the Manning School earlier this semester to formally present Karim and members of the accounting faculty with their accreditation certificate.
“We are delighted to be working with UMass Lowell,” said Goffar, who noted that ACCA qualification not only makes U.S. students more marketable around the world, but also helps to attract international students who are seeking accreditation.
“The potential of this accreditation is significant and right on track with our global requirements linked to our AACSB accreditation,” said Manning School Dean Sandy Richtermeyer. “I am so pleased that our Accounting Department provides excellent pathways for all the top global accounting certifications. I am so thankful for Karim’s leadership in making this happen.”
Founded in 1904 and headquartered in the United Kingdom, the ACCA is the global body for finance professionals, with 198,600 members and 486,500 students in 181 countries worldwide. They offer business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to individuals seeking careers in accountancy, finance and management. ACCA-qualified accountants work for many leading global employers as managing partners, COOs, CFOs, executive directors, and CEOs.