Accounting Integrated with International Professional Certification – Choosing the Right Major to Become a Global Citizen

One of the most effective ways to enhance employability and demonstrate professional excellence is by obtaining an internationally recognized professional qualification.

The ICAEW CFAB (Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business) — issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) — has become a popular choice among many Vietnamese students, even from their first year at university. Currently, ten leading universities in Vietnam have integrated the ICAEW CFAB program into their formal curricula. This allows graduates to earn two valuable qualifications simultaneously: a bachelor’s degree from their university and the international ICAEW CFAB certificate.

The Faculty of Accounting at Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU) is among the earliest institutions nationwide to incorporate CFAB courses into its official training program. This initiative creates opportunities for students to obtain one of the most prestigious professional qualifications in the fields of finance and accounting. As of 2023, TDTU has implemented eight ICAEW CFAB integrated cohorts, with five having successfully graduated. Possessing both a university degree and the CFAB certificate has greatly enhanced graduates’ competitiveness when applying for positions at major domestic and international firms.

TDTU students at the 2022 ICAEW CFAB Certificate Award Ceremony

Lý Chí Hà, a graduate from class ITAF 4, completed the ICAEW CFAB qualification in October 2022 and is currently working as an Auditor at BDO Malaysia. Upon graduation, Hà was selected as one of the first employees of BDO’s International Office in Vietnam. He shared:
“I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to join the ICAEW CFAB Integrated Program at TDTU. Graduating with two qualifications helped me secure a position at BDO International Office and the chance to work in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for a one-year secondment at BDO Malaysia. Studying ICAEW while at TDTU not only accelerated my journey toward the ACA qualification but also saved me significant costs.”

Lý Chí Hà at BDO Malaysia headquarters with international colleagues

Another outstanding alumna, Lê Đặng Trúc Mi from class ITAF 2, is currently an Auditor at EY Vietnam. During her fourth year, she gained valuable experience as an Audit Intern at Mazars Vietnam. Trúc Mi shared:
“I feel very lucky to have studied the ICAEW CFAB Integrated Program at TDTU. The knowledge I gained from CFAB has been directly applicable to my audit work while also broadening my understanding of finance and business. I became more confident when applying to Big Four firms, and the CFAB certificate truly helped me stand out among other candidates.”

Trúc Mi – Second cohort graduate of the program, now Auditor at EY Vietnam

Another exceptional student, Phan Ngọc Kim Ngân from class ITAF 3, was one of 14 outstanding representatives of ICAEW Vietnam to participate in the regional final of the ICAEW Greater China and Southeast Asia Business Challenge in 2021. Kim Ngân reflected:
“After a long effort, I finally completed the ICAEW CFAB program. I feel grateful to have studied in the Faculty of Accounting’s high-quality program and chosen to pursue CFAB. If I could choose again, I would still choose CFAB. The journey of studying four CFAB modules has been beautiful and rewarding — even the pressure of passing exams felt lighter. I hope future TDTU accounting students will seize this opportunity, stay optimistic, believe in themselves, and plan carefully to achieve their goals and secure career opportunities at multinational firms after graduation. CFAB will be a remarkable highlight on your CV to impress employers, including the Big Four.”

You may not yet be able to change or control the world around you, but you can always take charge of your own future. The choices you make today define who you will become tomorrow. Making the right choice now will give you a clear vision of your career path and open greater opportunities ahead.

Source: Tienphong.vn