CA or Engineering?

[FariaK]

Thank you Vital, and Noman, I'm still weighing my options although CA seems to be the likely candidate. The only reason I wrote on the forum was to see what other people thought on the subject .

[aamalik]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, san" id="quote">quote<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by FariaK</i>
<br />Assalamoalaikum
I'm an A levels student in A2 with straight A's in AS. My subjects are sciences and math because my original plan was to do engineering. However, I have been told by many that CA is also a great career choice. But I've never studied Humanities, so I have no idea what accounting is all about S
Therefore, I need advice-CA or Engineering? At the time, I have no great knowledge about either fields, but job opportunity is one factor that matters a lot when it comes to decision making.
Secondly, which is the best institution for CA in Islamabad?
Thank you for your time )
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CA is definitely one exciting field but the background u come from, i opine that u work hard and develop good concepts in Physics and Maths which should land u somewhere around GIKI and then rest assured that u r an A lister, thereon

[aamalik]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, san" id="quote">quote<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by FariaK</i>
<br />Also would it be advisable to do ACCA, and then get exemptions and finish CA, or would it be better to do CA directly?
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However if u do cum-over in Accountancy which you necessarily shouldn't I will recommend CA coz ACCA exemptions r already under scanner of ICAP and subject to reductions... AS for studying science is concerned, thats not a problem I too did A levels in science n am sailing smoothly here n so r many of my classmates..

lots of luck n w/s

[FariaK]

Aamalik, you said you did A levels in science like, and you're doing well in CA, then why do you suggest I stick to the science field?
Also, if you don't mind, could you please tell me which RAET you're studying from?

[yasir_live]

Fariak.

Though your question is not relates 2 me. Lakin Dear "Computer Programming" bhi bohat Kaamyab or Creative feild hay. U may hay lot of options like Programmer, Application developer, Database Administrator, Software developer, Application Monitoring and so on.

Secondly ek or Achi feild hay "Golf Instructor". Yeh Game poori dunya main khela jaa raha hay even iss forum per bhi. In future yeh Pakistan main bhi introduce ho sakta hay And U will have lot of opportunities. Tumharay World-Wide Tours lagain ge, Trainings hongi Events main jana hoga.

Regards.

[aamalik]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, san" id="quote">quote<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by FariaK</i>
<br />Aamalik, you said you did A levels in science like, and you're doing well in CA, then why do you suggest I stick to the science field?
Also, if you don't mind, could you please tell me which RAET you're studying from?
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As I was a Medical system n they got a tailor made FSc Entry Test which is very different from A level course whereas its quite opposite in GIKI...

As for ur 2nd question, I m in Faisalabad currently, so it wont help..

I will repeat, if u can get into a prestigious engineering college, avoid uncertainty that pervades CA

[FariaK]

Thanks Aamalik, but what do you mean by the uncertainty that pervades CA? Any career choice would have its risks, wouldn't it?

[wrathofheaven1]

@FariaK
I would recommend you to try your luck in the engineering test, and then decide between engineering and CA.

As for the choice between CA or ACCA, if you want to stay in Pakistan CA seems a better option, provided that you have the aptitude to shift from the educational environment of A levels to a typical Pakistani system such as FSc (no offence). Otherwise ACCA is a much better option considering the fast changing dynamics of the current world as ACCA provides much more flexibility than CA. The examination system of ACCA is much like that of O/A levels since its a UK based educational system and you will blend in neatly. As for exemptions, ACCA is given far more exemptions than CA in global qualifications such as ICAEW & CIMA at much earlier stage. e.g in CIMA you get 9/14 papers exempted by clearing 14 papers of ACCA (with no practical experience, i.e just 2 years), where as in CA you need to complete till F module (which automatically includes 3 yrs of article ship, making a total of minimum 5 years) to get the same amount of exemptions.

My point being that ACCA is much more recognized globally than ICAP.

I would recommend that you visit both ACCA and ICAP sites, take a look at their curriculum and examination systems(exam papers) and decide for yourself.

ACCA http//www.accaglobal.com/
ICAP http//www.icap.org.pk/web/index.php

All of us here can only guide you by providing you with correct info, and its upto to you to decide about your career choice. So, just take a look at the facts through your own eyes and make your own decision based on them rather than someone else's opinions. If you need more info or further clearance, please be sure to ask.

Regards

[imdad1]

Asalam-o-Alikum Faria,

i was also from engineering background but entered CA Alhumdullilah.The CA curriculum does not assume you have basic accounting knowledge they teach you from scratch so no need to worry.but one thing i would like to mention that intially CA is easy till module D but when you enter the final module Life gets tougher and much more frustrating and their are even cases who have one paper pending since long.i dont want to discourage you but it would be very dishonest on my part if i only tell you about the brighter side and not the trouble which a CA student faces.from module A-D its manageable a little tough but you can easily go through it.but after module D you enter firm and it is not easy to pass papers in articles as subjects are also tough and you have no time.so there are simply two type of people one who qualify ALhumdullilah within stipulated time ...their life standards and moods are high..others who face trouble they get really frustrated and their life is full of depression..
so if you want to enter this career you should be convinced and determined that CA is a very tough qualification and get mentality prepared to face the trouble to get the friut in the end
regards.

[FariaK]

Thank you for the detailed replied imdad1 and wrathofheaven1 . I'll be sure to keep all these points in mind )

[VITAL]

This uninvited debate, that is, choice between CA and ACCA now compares the ICAP qualification with FSc.
ICAP papers are not set and examined by different Boards in Pakistan. Even ICAP has nothing to do with HEC. So it is stupidity to compare ICAP examinations with those of FSc. This comparison is actually an outcome of mentality who perceives everything in Pakistan as sub-standard.

ICAP is also very responsive to changing dynamic needs of the profession. ICAP always tailors its syllabus keeping in view of latest developments in the worldwide accountancy profession and our syllabus is always updated.

As far as flexibility is concerned, the abolishment of bad failure has provided CA students with enough flexibility to choose between different subjects of two consecutive modules.

Some people say that CA is rata. The truth is scenario-based questions are set in papers and intensive studies are not rata.

ICAP members do not need exemptions from every institute of every country. ICAP qualification is enough for its members whether they want to work in Pakistan or abroad. Yes membership of ICAEW has its own advantage if someone wants to work abroad especially in UK region.

In future ICAP will get more exemptions from Renowned Institutes of the world, that is, ICAEW, CICA and ICAA. ICAP officials do not ever try or even think of getting exemptions from a body like CIMA.

Students who get stuck in CA are not the bright ones. They are not able to get admission in medical colleges/engineering universities so they take refuge in CA.
My college SKANS witnessed two twin brothers who did FSc (Pre-engineering) and obtained marks to get admission in UET Electrical Engineering but they chose CA, got exemption in English and they did CA-inter in 1.5 years. One brother got certificate of merit in IFA. They are now in AFF Lahore without any reference.

When non-bright students have to do some hard work first time in their life and they do not succeed, frustration is natural outcome. Majority of CA students fall in this category and they face “the famous uncertainty”.

Bright students fully know about time management and how to plan their studies and prepare for examination. So if a student is able to get admission in GIKI because of his aptitude and determination I am sure that student can do CA in first attempt.

[aamalik]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, san" id="quote">quote<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by FariaK</i>
<br />Thanks Aamalik, but what do you mean by the uncertainty that pervades CA? Any career choice would have its risks, wouldn't it?
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Definitely our very next breath is uncertain, Faria, but here probably uncertainty is greater than many profession especially in last 2 modules...

Those who pass it first attempt too will admit having that uncertainty although ICAP has recently begun to me more fair...

Another variable is whether you wish to practise but whatever do give 'quality' Engineering a try..

[VITAL]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, san" id="quote">quote<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by VITAL</i>
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As far as flexibility is concerned, the abolishment of bad failure has provided CA students with enough flexibility to choose between different subjects of two consecutive modules.
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It is clarified that above is not applicable to E and F modules.
The above policy is just limited to CA-inter.

[wrathofheaven1]

@VITAL
I am not criticizing ICAP in any way. I have seen it changing its policies towards the betterment of its students and members. I myself am going for the same membership after my ACCA.

I meant the culture and the kind of people in CA classes would not provide an adjustable environment for FariaK in my opinion as you yourself said that everyone who doesn't get admission in medical or engineering goes for CA. Only a few people there are worth being around (such as imdad1) [D].

@FariaK

Apart from any debates, if your are serious about the accounting profession I would suggest you go for ACCA since your are a student from A level background, like myself (with medical/engineering background and straight A's). I am assuming you have the financial resources to complete it. It is going to take about Rs.350,000 to complete ACCA. After clearing all the exams you can always claim exemptions from CA till module D and start your training in a firm during which you will be allowed to attempt CA module E and F, or you can directly get into a job of your choice based on your ACCA status.

One and only advantage that I see in this route is that while attempting Final CA Exams you can rest assure that you have at-least one professional qualification in your hand (ACCA).

ICAP has indeed changed its examination policies inclined towards being fairer. Here is an example
http//www.icap.org.pk/web/news-details.php?section=all&id=100714121058

I am also taking the same route towards my professional life. So, in short, I would suggest you the same.

Regards

[VITAL]

I have no personal enmity with ACCA. ACCA is a good qualification and ACCA students are equipped with necessary resources to clear exams in much shorter time. But the problem is prediction regarding reduction in exemptions as discussed above. I gave e-mail addresses so that anyone could confirm it from ICAP but no one did it.

You have seen only current policies. The upcoming policies including publishing of quality study packs are much more towards the betterment of students.

And what about the culture and the kind of people in ACCA classes ?????