Leave job for acca/CIMA

Deciding Between Continuing Work and Pursuing Further Education: A Dilemma in finance Careers

In the finance industry, professionals often face pivotal decisions that can significantly influence the trajectory of their careers. Currently, I find myself in such a situation as I weigh the options between continuing my role as a finance assistant or pursuing further academic qualifications. Having spent two years in my current position, I have successfully completed my F1 exam for the ACCA. This progress is promising, yet, with a background in BA Economics, there’s an opportunity for me to advance my education through a Master’s degree in Accounting.

Opting for the MSc route offers substantial advantages, primarily in terms of exemptions. Completion of this program would grant me 14 out of 15 exemptions for the CIMA qualification, accelerating my journey to certification. On the other hand, staying in my current job presents its own benefits, allowing me to gradually pursue the ACCA qualifications. However, the demands of my role often leave little time for study, extending my path to qualification to an estimated five years.

This decision remains challenging and has left me seeking advice from those who have traversed similar paths. Would the immersive experience of a Master’s program outweigh the stability and practical exposure gained from my current finance assistant role? Which route should be prioritized for someone aiming to accelerate their career in finance?

If you’ve overcome similar crossroads or have insights from experience, your guidance would be invaluable as I navigate this crucial phase of my career advancement.