Graduate to Global Finance Professional: How International Certifications Are Bridging the Skills Gap: Zell Education

The Growing Skills Gap in Finance

Increased observance of industries is showing that employers are now seeking professionals with proven skills to exhibit the ability to perform financial analysis and valuation, demonstrate strategic decision-making skills, and demonstrate knowledge of international accounting. 

Employers are also looking for risk management and investing expertise, experience with data-driven financial planning, and an understanding of global environmental issues as they relate to business.

This evolution of employers’ requirements opens up a tremendous possibility for graduates to: Further sharpen their own knowledge base and be equipped with professional credentials to satisfy employers and develop expertise, which is a value for all employers, no matter where they are situated.

International Certifications: Linking Education and Employment

In contrast to traditional university degrees, professional certifications are created by experts in a given field and are regularly revised as labour markets evolve.

For example, three of the most widely recognised international finance-related qualifications are ACCA, CFA, and CMA; each provides candidates with a skill set that can be applied to numerous job functions in the finance industry.

ACCA Course: Building Global Accounting and Finance Expertise

The ACCA Course is an outstanding course for preparing students for careers in the world of finance and accounting, and it is recognised universally across the world and in every sector of industry in any nation to prepare students with all the knowledge related to Accounting.

Some of the key advantages of obtaining your ACCA qualification are:

• International Recognition & Potential for Career Mobility
• Strong Foundation in Finance and Accounting
• Knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards
• Career Opportunities across several Countries and Industries

Due to the large increase in businesses that operate on a Global scale today, there is going to be a steady increase in demand for professionals who have completed their ACCA qualification.

CFA Course: Shaping Future Investment and Finance Leaders

Investment Management, Equity Research, Portfolio Management and Financial Analysis professionals are finding that the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) is the globally accepted standard for investment management professionals who wish to achieve excellence in their field of discipline.

The curriculum and exam materials of the CFA Program provide solid preparation for individuals wishing to develop and excel in advanced finance skills, financial analysis methods, investment theories, asset valuation, portfolio management, and ethical principles governing the finance industry. Potential employers will often consider CFA candidates to be highly skilled in quantitative analysis and have an extensive understanding of worldwide financial markets.

The CFA Program prepares individuals for a variety of financial roles, such as the following:

• Investment Analysis
• Portfolio Management
• Equity Valuation and Fixed Income Valuation
• Develop Financial Model
• Assess and Mitigate Financial Risks
• Make Ethical Finance Decisions

As worldwide capital markets continue to become more integrated, CFA credential holders will have numerous career opportunities within investment banking, asset management, research, and corporate finance.

CMA: Driving Strategic Business Performance

The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is a credential that is focused around management accounting, financial planning, performance management and strategic decision-making processes. In the current competitive marketplace where companies rely on their finance department to do much more than standard accounting, companies are now looking to hire people who can add value to the organisation as well as support growth strategies.

The CMA program is designed to prepare individuals to:

• Analyze Financial Performance
• Support the strategic planning process
• Improve operational efficiencies
• Manage budgets and forecasts
• Base all business decisions on data

As companies have begun to focus more on Strategic Finance, the need for individuals with CMA certification has increased in all industries, specifically within corporate finance and management accounting and within business leadership positions.

How Zell Education Supports Future Finance Professionals

To meet this growing need for a recognised finance qualification, Zell Education has developed a learning platform that can bridge the gap between the academic experience of learning and what employers are looking for in the labour market.

Zell Education programs have been developed to ensure that students will learn relevant skills and knowledge that are needed in the workforce while meeting the requirements of relevant global professional associations, e.g. ACCA, CFA, and CMA. 

Each of these programs will give students real-world experience; they will also have exposure to the profession and provide a structured environment in which to prepare for these internationally recognised professional certifications. 

Through the use of professional instructors, mentoring related to career development, and industry-specific coursework, Zell Education students are giving employers what they are seeking in their employees.