₦airaland Forum

One of the challenges I’ve observed with some chartered accountants is that once they complete their ICAN journey, they tend to relax, assuming there is nothing more to learn. I call this premature satisfaction.

From my experience working in a federal hospital, I once witnessed a recruitment exercise where 12 doctors were needed, yet over 60 doctors showed up for the interview. This shows that your earlier comparison with lawyers and doctors is not entirely correct, because, just like in accounting, there are unemployed doctors, lawyers, and even pharmacists.

Now, let’s bring it home: how many ACAs are truly skilled in the use of modern accounting software? Without proficiency in tools like SAP, one cannot thrive in sectors like oil and gas. That is why smart accounting graduates, after earning their ACA, don’t pursue another master’s in accounting. Instead, they pivot to fields like Data Analytics or Data Science, because that is the new frontier.

Truth be told, some of my HR colleagues in big firms have shared how disappointed they often get during interviews with chartered accountants. Many struggle to explain something as basic as the disposal of assets, payroll management, or even fundamental IFRS standards, yet they carry the ACA title. This is why I always emphasize the need to scale up.

Opportunities abound for ACAs who are smart and versatile. For example:

Teaching IGCSE: Some ACAs charge as much as ₦70,000 per student, with 6–7 students, teaching less than 4 hours weekly. I know this firsthand because I’m involved in it myself.

Registering Businesses: Immediately after induction, you can register as an agent with CAC. Business registrations fetch between ₦60,000 and above per client. I speak from experience.

School Accounting Systems: Many private schools are in need of proper accounting structures. Setting up or upgrading their systems can earn you as much as ₦300,000 per school, opportunities your ICAN ID card can easily unlock. I’ve personally benefitted from this.

Some chartered accountants earn in foreign currency by assisting international students with accounting and finance-related assignments and projects.

These are just a few avenues beyond the conventional monthly salary. My brother, the accounting profession remains one of the best in the world, if only you are ready to SCALE UP!

For me, I am proud to be an accountant and a distinguished Chartered Accountant. But I must emphasize this: your ICAN certificate is not an end in itself, but a means to an end.

Yours in the profession,
Oluwamuyiwa, ACA

I plan writing ICAN if my job application went through. I mistakenly picked ongoing when asked about my certification which is giving me headache but I have hope if the first one doesn't pull through the second will.

Hardeybohwarley:
I plan writing ICAN if my job application went through. I mistakenly picked ongoing when asked about my certification which is giving me headache but I have hope if the first one doesn't pull through the second will.

'mistakenly'? Abi you felt it was going to give you an advantage so you 'unmistakenly' picked ongoing
Abobi talk truth o, nobody go beat you, we've all done something similar

How is the job market for freshly minted chartered accountants?

greenermodels:
How is the job market for freshly minted chartered accountants?

Take up internship role or Graduate trainee roles to father up experience while your learning process learn as much as you can and never back down on any challenge.

franugo:
'mistakenly'? Abi you felt it was going to give you an advantage so you 'unmistakenly' picked ongoing
Abobi talk truth o, nobody go beat you, we've all done something similar

It wasn't intentional. I had to choose between "completed" or "ongoing" else the application won't submit.

Hardeybohwarley:
It wasn't intentional. I had to choose between "completed" or "ongoing" else the application won't submit.

Wasn't a mistake then, the vacancy was strictly for people that are chartered or already processing theirs

franugo:
Wasn't a mistake then, the vacancy was strictly for people that are chartered or already processing theirs

Alright I get you now.

Oyindamolah:

I wasn't later selected so I think this should rest.