I have been with my current employer for 20 years, and ACCA qualified.
I've been wanting to set up on my own for quite some time now.
I need to apply for an ACCA practicing certificate before I can go any further.
My concern is I don't want to give up my job until I am in a strong position in my new venture, so would hate for my employer to see I have applied for a PC. Would they be able to see somehow?
I am sure this is a common problem amongst those that want to branch out on their own but don't want to take the leap until they know its working.
If you have been with your current employer for 20 years how did you get your PCTR signed off? They must surely already know that you intend to apply for it as they will have had to sign three years worth of training records. 1540 verifiable signed off hours covering a selection of the post qualification experience requirements with an employer recognised by the ACCA as a practice certificate training provider.... They must surely know what comes next
Your reasoning for escalating it to the next step of course could be given that as an ACCA member you cannot progress in the company without a practice certificate as there is so much that you are not allowed to do without one. i.e. you couldn't be a partner in an ACCA practice without a practice certificate. It isn't just for striking out on your own.
Of course, it also puts you in the position that you can strike out on your own but you have a reason for needing it without the assumption automatically going to you leaving (even if that's the case).
Maybe broaching this may start the conversation about improving your position within the company?
Whatever happens good luck with it.
Shaun
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Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
This is part of the issue - I haven't had a PCTR signed off. My employer joked I won't need to bother with that and applying for a PC unless I'm planning on setting up alone.
As sneaky as it sounds I really don't want my current employer to know I'm considering setting up alone whilst I am still employed there! It would just be awkward all round and wouldn't feel right. I haven't been happy where I am for quite some time and dream of the day I will be self employed. This would be so much easier to do if I wasn't a member of the ACCA, which creates these barriers.
I feel at this stage my only option if I do want to proceed in my own venture would be to leave employment and resign from the ACCA, which is something I cannot afford to do.