Fast track way into rewarding fields
INTERESTED in getting a head start to a global career in accounting and finance? These fields are incredibly rewarding.
There is always a high demand for qualified accounting and finance professionals, and they can work across multiple industry sectors such as business, finance, government, education, healthcare and not-forprofit.
Furthermore, financial hubs like Singapore, London and New York attract talent from across the world, meaning that accounting and finance provides global career opportunities like few other professions can.
With this in mind, the renowned, triple-accredited Henley Business School at the Malaysia Campus of the University of Reading (UK) has partnered with ICAEW (the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) - one of the industry’s most respected professional bodies - in a unique collaboration called HIP, or the Henley-ICAEW Programme.
As an integrated, career-focused programme, HIP has three unique features - one being allowing students to graduate with three qualifications rather than just one.
Besides a prestigious BSc Accounting and Finance degree from the Henley Business School, they also get the ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (CFAB), as well as the BFP (Business and Finance Professional) designation.
This means graduates can use the letters ‘BFP’ after their name as international recognition of their technical competency, ethical awareness and commitment to professional development.
Secondly, HIP provides students with a full 12-month work placement in Year 3, to gain valuable work experience. Placements are typically in one of the prestigious “Big 6” accounting firms in Malaysia, major banks or other reputable firms which are ICAEW Authorised Training Employers (ATE).
Many students are given job offers by the companies where they are placed even before graduating.
Thirdly, students get fast-tracked to chartered accountant status with ICAEW, known as ICAEW ACA.
With HIP, students get the maximum eight paper exemptions, as well as a waiver of about 850 UK pounds in exemption and registration fees.
Furthermore, the 12 month work placement is claimable as credit for Prior Work Experience.
As such, HIP graduates are work-ready, highly employable, and stand out from other graduates.
The prestige of a UK degree from the Henley Business School, University of Reading aside, the ICAEW also has reciprocal memberships with professional bodies in Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada.
An ICAEW ACA can therefore practice accountancy in these countries without necessarily taking examinations with them. It makes HIP the best option for a global career. SPM holders are encouraged to enrol in the International Foundation Programme (IFP) and complete the Foundation in Business, to then progress directly to HIP.
There are intakes for IFP in April and September.
Alternatively, apply for direct entry to the HIP programme with a foundation in business, A-levels or other suitable qualifications. The next direct intake is in September.
For details on the HIP, contact the Programme Lead Dr Evelita Estela Celis at e.estelacelis@henley.edu.my