Beginnings are hard.
Welcome to the 2nd edition of Accountify, your weekly dose of ACCA inspiration and support. We’re excited to share with you the latest updates, insights, and resources to fuel your ACCA journey.
Beginnings are hard, and this newsletter is no exception. Countless hours of planning, structuring, and rewriting drafts have led us to this moment. But I must confess, there have been moments when I questioned if I was neglecting my own studies. As I write this, I eagerly await the results of my Strategic Business Leader (SBL) exam from the June session, hoping for a favorable outcome. It's a reminder that even as we support each other, we also face our own academic challenges.
On a side note, my 16yo niece, in all her wit and wisdom, recently pointed out the craziness of my obsession with this newsletter. She shared her grand plan to have at least 200k in the bank by the time she turns 18, suggesting that maybe I should be exploring ways to increase my income streams. She is smart, isn’t she?
But enough about me! Let's dive into what we have in store for you in this week's edition. Grab your favorite beverage, find a cozy spot, and let's get started with this edition of Accountify. Together, we'll conquer the ACCA exams and celebrate our successes along the way.
Introducing SBL Changes: Pre-seen, Less Reading, More Strategy!
Hold on tight, SBL takers! Starting from the September 2023 session, some exciting changes are coming your way for the Strategic Business Leader (SBL) exam. Get ready to dive into the world of the SBL Pre-seen, a powerful PDF document that will equip you with essential contextual information about the case study organisation and its industry. But that's not all—there's more to this exam revamp!
🌀 The Reason Behind the Shift: The SBL exam is being brought closer to real-world workplace skills and the needs of employers. With the Pre-seen in hand, your focus on exam day will shift from reading exam content to showcasing your strategic thinking and professional skills. It's time to shine, strategists!
🚸 Guidance for Success: Plan ahead like a boss! Immerse yourself in the activities and terms of the fictional organization and industry, gaining familiarity with every nook and cranny. This will not only enhance your professional skills but also help you manage the exhibits efficiently and save precious time.
🔬 Research? Nah, Not Necessary: Put away those research nags! You won't need to spend extra time scouring the internet. All the relevant information will be provided in the Pre-seen or within the exam itself. So, focus on mastering the case study and its intricacies—no need to go beyond its boundaries.
⏳ Reduced Duration, Enhanced Focus: Say goodbye to marathon exams! The SBL exam duration will be reduced from 4 hours to 3 hours and 15 minutes. Don't fret, though; the exam will still feature exhibits presenting new information. Just be prepared for fewer exhibits this time around.
🚩 The Task Makeover: Get ready for three compulsory tasks, each with its own set of parts and marks. The professional skills section remains intact, with all five skills tested. However, due to the revised exam structure, each skill will be worth 4 marks, bidding adieu to those 2- and 3-mark requirements.
🌪️ A New Look and Feel: In a refreshing twist, each task or task part will be completed as a separate requirement in a separate response option. The exam workspace will showcase one task at a time, bidding farewell to the view of all tasks together. Embrace the change and conquer one task at a time!
✋ What Stays the Same: Fear not, as the core of the SBL exam remains intact. It will still be an integrated case study, testing your strategic thinking, problem-solving, and business direction. The exam remains closed book, with technical marks accounting for 80% and professional skills marks for 20%. The syllabus remains largely unchanged, with some minor tweaks to ensure clarity.
The SBL exam's quality, integrity, and rigor remain unwavering. So, embrace these changes, adapt your strategies, and show the world your strategic prowess. Good luck, SBL superheroes!
Psst! Want to know what the SBL examiners are up to? 👀 Here's an insider scoop on their approach to the revamped SBL exam.
When it comes to ACCA exams, we want to make sure you have a date to remember — so let's dive into the key details you need to know for the upcoming September 2023 session:
💻 On-Demand Exams: Get ready to embrace the flexibility of on-demand exams! These papers range from FA1 to F4/LW, comprising all the Foundation in Accountancy (FIA) module along with the Law (LW) exam. They're like the superheroes of exams, available throughout the year, ready to save you from exam stress. Remember to directly contact your nearest on-demand centre for specific details regarding fees, timings, and location. Remember, on-demand exams are like MCQ-flavoured instant noodles—with results popping up right after you click that final submit button!
📅 Session CBEs: From F5/PM onwards, it's time to enter the realm of Session CBEs. The Applied Skills exams combine the power of multiple-choice and constructed responses, while professional papers are all about showing off your in-depth knowledge. You'll have the chance to tackle these exams four times a year (March, June, September and December), so mark those calendars like a boss!
🚨 Important Dates and Deadlines:
⏳ Booking Deadline: To secure your seat for the September 2023 Session CBEs, make sure to book by the standard deadline of 31 July 2023. Don't be fashionably late to this exam date—book in advance and make a grand entrance! Remember, late entry might cost you more than an expensive cup of coffee, so plan ahead and save those extra pennies for a real date ffs!
🗓️ Exam Dates: From 4 to 8 September, you'll have the opportunity to showcase your knowledge, giving you ample time to prepare and plan accordingly.
⚖️ Exam Results: It's time to play the waiting game (cue suspenseful music). On 16 October, the ACCA results genie will grant your exam wishes. Will it be fireworks and celebration or a strategic re-evaluation? Either way, we've got your back!
✉️ Attendance Dockets: Picture this: two weeks before the exam, an email arrives like a secret message from the exam gods. Your attendance docket will be nestled inside, containing all the important details for your big exam date. Print it out, sign it with confidence, and keep it safe for exam day. No email? No worries! Just head over to your myACCA portal and claim your precious docket from the "Downloads and Documents" section.
❗️ Cancellation and Exceptional Circumstances: We hope your exam journey goes smoothly, but if life throws you a curveball, we've got a safety net. If you need to cancel your exams, the deadline is 20 September. Just remember, exceptional circumstances require exceptional evidence. So, keep those pens and tissues ready—because a compelling case awaits!
We sincerely hope you won't need to resort to cancellation, but if you find yourself in such a situation, examples of valid exceptional circumstances could include serious illness, family emergencies, or unforeseen travel restrictions. Remember, each case is evaluated individually, so reach out for guidance and support when needed.
🛍️ Exam Etiquette and Essentials: Keep calm, calculators at the ready, and remember to keep your original CNIC (Computerised National Identity Card) in your pocket. And here's a sneaky tip: bring a transparent water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the exam (just don't go overboard and create a water fountain in the middle of the room! else let the invigilator handle the water situation for you) As for other items, let's keep them in the "leave at home" category—they're not on the guest list.
Whether you're just starting your ACCA journey or you're already well on your way, know that we are here to support you every step of the way. Accountify is more than just a newsletter; it's a platform where we can come together, share experiences, and uplift one another.
I encourage you to join our newly-launched student community, where you can connect with fellow ACCA enthusiasts. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and find an accounting study buddy who appreciates your impeccable taste in balance sheets. Together, we can make accounting less daunting and more enjoyable.
As always, your feedback and suggestions are invaluable to us. Please feel free to reach out to us with any ideas, topics, or questions you would like to see addressed in future editions. Accountify is all about catering to your needs and supporting you every step of the way.
Once again, thank you for being a part of the Accountify community. Your commitment to your ACCA studies is admirable. Stay tuned for the upcoming sections filled with new byte-sized segments, insights, study tips, and valuable resources to slay those exams, putting even Daenerys to shame.
Wishing you the best in your studies and beyond.
P.S. Share your own study strategies and anecdotes in the comments below. Let's learn from each other and keep the motivation high!
