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Hi all,
Just wondering, to what extent should an option paper be chosen on the basis of:
1. career aspiration vs. 2. a competency and confidence of passing it?
(Note The exception to this is those who want to be Auditors for whom the choices are defined).My situation is:
1 option paper remaining (passed AFM);
hope/aspire to work in financial planning or commercial accounting;
-> in which case APM would make best choiceHowever I have failed APM 3 Times..!! Struggled also at SBL (next closest paper to APM).
My dilemma is to dump APM and do ATX which I am more confident of passing (cleared AFM first attempt comfortably, so rules based, mix of calculations and comments might suit me). But should I be influenced by avenues APM might open up? To what extent would employers care about your “option” paper – we all have to pass or be exempted from the fundamentals anyway, during which F5/PM, together with SBL, much of APM syllabus is covered anyway..
Plus I don’t suspect employers would be “wowed” at what would be a 4th attempt pass in APM, in any case!!
I expect further education post-qualification if needs be – between CPD or a diploma – I could brush up the strategic accounting side if needed?
I’ve probably answered my own question here, but if anyone has any thoughts to add!
Thanks for any advice 🙂
Here’s a fun fact, ACCA has given flexibility in attempting additional exams post-qualification. You can actually attempt APM after qualifying with ATX, for example.
So if you are comfortable with ATX in terms of passing, then go for it. Complete the qualification, then attempt APM in subsequent attempts. At this time you are more concerned about qualifying than career progression. Perhaps thats why you’re putting yourself under so much pressure to pass APM. Relieve yourself off the pressure. Also, attempting APM post-completion would be less pressurising than now.
You should know that employers look for perseverance too. Not giving up despite falling thrice is a sign of determination and commitment. Learn to look at things positively.
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