In today’s highly competitive job market, thousands of accountants and bookkeepers are vying for a limited number of accounting roles. So much so that in 2021, in the Philippines alone, we saw over 30,000 accountants apply for only 1,200 positions.  

That’s a daunting number, and it means that striving for global roles is now more important than ever. There are many ways to start an international accounting career – but not all of them are created equal. 

In July 2022, TOA Global and Ab² Institute of Accounting Founder Nick Sinclair joined prospects from around the Philippines to talk about how they could start their journey as international accountants without having to leave the Philippines by joining one of our sought-after programs.

“We can help you learn 90% of what other career-ready students do not know through international pathways,” says Nick.

Start by asking yourself a few important questions

Qualifications are a requirement for breaking into any market, but if you want to succeed, you need to be committed to the idea of self-improvement. Being marketable means putting in the work. So, ask yourself: 

• What areas do I need to work on? 

•  What do others have that I don’t? 

•  What am I prepared to do to get ahead? 

Invest to get ahead

A university or college degree is a must for beginning your career as an international accountant or bookkeeper, but as Nick says, “That’s just your ticket to play the game. Getting ahead requires continuous learning to help you stand out from your peers.”  

This is particularly relevant when we consider the growing international skills shortage. Globally, firms are struggling to find the right people to fill available roles and now pay more for candidates with the right experience. “Education has become the number one edge for accountants across the globe,” adds Nick. 

Ab² Institute of Accounting invests in those professionals who want to invest in themselves, and our Job Ready Program is one of the fastest ways we do so.

Get job ready for international roles

The U.S. and Australian Accounting Introductory Courses speed up accountants’ careers. At A^b2 Institute of Accounting , we have been able to onboard over 200 people a month for international work through the programs.  

These U.S. and Australian Accounting Courses are the only programs in the Philippines that give candidates skills that 90% of other accountants simply do not have. Through them, you can unlock international pathways to exciting positions in Australia, New Zealand, the United States.  

Our Australian Accounting Course: Special Offer trains you for the specific accounting environment of Australia, starting with an introduction to Australian accounting. It then moves to intermediate software accreditation on systems like Xero or MYOB, and culminates in credits towards an international accounting certification, including the Certificate IV in Accounting FNS40217, the Diploma of Accounting FNS50217, and CMA/CPA roles.

The benefits of becoming job ready

The Australian Accounting Course: Special Offer, as well as the U.S. and Australian Accounting Introductory Courses stand apart for several reasons. The biggest is that they can be completed in as little as a few days to a couple of weeks (depending on your course). But there’s much more:  

• You’re able to learn and graduate at your own pace.  
• You have access to a qualified instructor with real work experience in your selected country, who will guide you through any questions you may have.  
• Graduates are afforded qualifications that are internationally recognized and obtain the skills to start working abroad immediately, without leaving your family and friends in the Philippines.  

According to the Occupational Wages Survey of 2020, accounting and bookkeeping clerks in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply industry received the highest monthly average pay, at ₱29,713. But accountants and bookkeepers who work with international clients in TOA Global make more than that. So, imagine how much further ahead you could get with international accreditation.

What your international career will look like

Global accountants find themselves in an enviable position professionally and can look forward to a range of benefits when working with international accounting firms. Working globally gives you:  

• Travel opportunities or even the option to emigrate. 
• Experience in the global marketplace.  
• A higher-paying salary.  
• Specialized training. 
• New and invaluable connections.  

Let’s talk about taking that next step

Speak to Ab² Institute of Accounting if you’re ready to level up your accounting career, online and at your own pace. Get in touch by sending us your details below. Your place in our Australian Accounting Course: Special Offer or the U.S. and Australian Accounting Introductory Courses is waiting.