BS in Accountancy in the Philippines

The Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA) program is composed of

subjects in accounting ( financial, public, managerial), audit, administration,
business laws and taxation. Its primary focus is not limited to business
subjects, but to other fields as well, such as banking and finance,
government, social services, education, and more. The program also teaches
students to integrate information technology concepts into business
systems, in order to create a more systematic and organized way of storing
business related data. As a student, you will be taught computerized
accounting systems, and basic understanding of computer programming and
auditing systems. The program also instills in students the importance of
computational and communication skills both in written and oral English.
The BS Accounting program is taught in a variety of teaching methods such
as case analysis, individual and group reports, simulations, classroom
discussions and guest lecturers. It also includes extensive exposures to
business immersions (an internship where there is a probability that the
company will hire/absorb you after graduation) and an on-the-job training
that will provide you with the understanding of practical accountancy.

Is Accountancy a profession?
Accountancy is a proffesion. A graduate of BS in Accountancy who passed
the board exam is called a CPA (Certified Public Accountant), or in short an
Accountant. An accountant's job includes the performance of financial
functions related to the collection, accuracy, recording, analysis and
presentation of a business, organization or company's financial operations.
The accountant usually has a variety of administrative roles within a
company's operation.

What are the admission requirements for

BSA?
According to CHED (the official governing body of both public and private
higher education institutions), the standards of admission to the BSA
program should be sufficiently rigorous and demanding, that is why it has set
a standard for Colleges and Universities who offer the BSA program to
conduct a selective admission policy.
Requirements at each school are different, but the following are the common
requirements:

Must be a high school graduate.

Must have a college entrance examination of above average or depending

on the specified rating set by the school.

Aside from the college entrance examination, you must pass the separate
aptitude test specific for BS in Accountancy.

Must pass the interview conducted by the college admission officer.

Some schools require a high school QPA of 85% and above with no grade
less than 80% in all subjects.

There are schools who require students to have an 85% or higher average
rating in the National Secondary Assessment Test (NSAT).

As set by CHED, all schools must conduct an English Proficiency

examination to all BS in Accountancy applicants.

Admission for Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) passers mainly

depends on the school's discretion since some colleges and universities only
offer selected courses.

What skills are required to succeed in this

course?
A combination of knowledge, skills and the right attitude are needed to
succeed in this course:
o

A student who is to take BS in Accountancy must be intellectual enough to

carry out problems that needabstract logical thinking.

Reasoning skill is important because this will help in the discovery of

underlying principles between two or more objects and use it to solve a
problem.

Analytical skill is a must because it is imperative to be able to review,

interpret, evaluate financial data and systems and operational data/controls
in order to form conclusions.

Problem solving - the ability to discern the true nature of a situation and
evaluate applicable principles and techniques is also important, as well as
the ability to link data, knowledge and insight together from different
sources and disciplines to make informed decisions.

Interpersonal and effective communication skills are essential as

well because you will be working in groups, so being a team player helps.

A good grasp of the English language is also required.

Commitment, patience, and hardwork complete the necessary attitude

that will help you succeed in this course.

How difficult is BS Accounting?

BSA is quite a difficult course. Many students end up shifting to other courses
because they cannot withstand the demands of accountancy. Although it
requires only basic mathematical operations, what makes it difficult is the
use of analytical and logical thinking. Rigid training and a difficult board
exam complete the list of obsticles for this course.

How long does it take to complete BS in

Accountancy?
Normally, the BSA program takes 5 years to complete. Some schools who
apply the trimesteral system do the program in 4 years.
The duration is spent in interactive classroom discussions, business
immersions and on the job trainings. Depending on the school, the estimated
total number of hours for on the job trainings ranges from 150 to 240 hours.
Review classes in preparation for the CPA licensure examination, can require
an additional 5-12 months, depending if you pass on the first try or not.

The Board Exam

An accountancy graduate needs to take the Certified Public Accountant's
Licensure Examination before he/she can practice as an accountant. The

examination is conducted by the Board of Accountancy under the supervision

of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). It is scheduled twice a year
in the month's of May and October.
All board subjects are given 2 units with a minimum exam hours of 3 hours
each subject. Since there are 7 board exam subjects all in all, there is a total
of 14 units and 21 hours. A candidate for the examination should obtain a
general weighted average of 75% with no rating belong 60% in all 7
subjects.
You can view the passing rates for the CPA Licensure Exam here .

Career opportunities for BSA graduates

o

Jobs for licensed CPAs (board exam passers)

Entry Level jobs

o
o

Accounting Associate support senior level accountants

and auditors with administrative, bookkeeping, clerical, accounts
payable and accounts receivable duties.

Audit/Tax staff perform internal audits and they are also

hired by the IRS and other governmental agencies to ensure that
the company is abiding by financial laws and regulations.

Financial Accounting and Reporting Staff manage or

give advice on finances for clients or companies. Accounting staffs
handle duties such as making bills are paid on time and taxes are
deducted, and suggest methods of cutting costs.

State Accounting Examiner/ State Accountant/ LGU

accountant government accountants help the federal
government as well as state and local agency record and prepare
financial reports in accordance with government accounting
principles and professional standards.

Budget analyst aids federal authorities in evaluating

budget data, estimating revenue and expense levels, and adjusting
social programs.

Junior Accounting Instructor a CPA who teaches at a

university or college
Mid-Level Positions

o
o

Audit Manager supervise the activities of an audit

department. This department ensures that financial reports comply
with policies, laws and regulations.

Comptroller comptroller supervises income and

expenditures, keeping track of all ingoing and outgoing money

Senior Auditor responsible for analyzing and

communicating financial information; reviews the operations of a
company making sure that they comply with corporate and
government policies.

Senior Fraud Examiner an expert in fraud investigation as

well as in its prevention and deterrence.

Financial Services Manager supervises financial services

sales representatives or associates and ensures they meet business
performance requirements (sales quotas). A financial services
manager may work for an insurance company, an investment bank
or a mutual fund.
Advanced Positions

o
o

Senior Consultant evaluates a company's internal

processes and procedures, detects performance (productivity)
levels and provides recommendations for improvement.

Financial Advisor gain and retain clients with excess

money to invest.

Chief Financial Officer responsible for overseeing the

financial activities of an entire company.

Vice President For Finance highest level finance expert

within a business.

Jobs for Non Board Passers

o

Bank Teller handles basic money deposits, withdrawals and

check-cashing transactions.

Accounting Clerk keeping financial records and making

computations throughout the course of a typical workday

Assistant Product Manager works under the leadership of a

product manager, assisting in the development of corporate brand
strategies in the short term and long term.

Data Entry Operator/Clerk responsible for supplying accurate

documentation that may be part of a billing, patient, inventory or
customer service capacity

Financial Advisor

Jobs not related to the BSA program

Call center agent answers phone calls and inquiries of clients

and provides customer support, usually to people from other countries

Freelancer working online doing online jobs for clients abroad,

such as data entry, article writing, SEO, customer support,

administrative support etc., which mainly depends on your skills
Administrative Staff personnel responsible for the organization

and management of office duties and tasks; positions that include office
secretary, personal assistant and office clerk

Career Opportunities Abroad

Most countries require their own licensure examination to work as a licensed
accountant, so oppurtunities abroad are mostly for jobs which do not require
licensure. Another option would be to take and pass the licensure exam at
the country which you intend to work in.

Salary Levels
In the Philippines, entry level jobs for both board passers and non board
passers are more or less the same. Starting salaries can range from
12,000php to 18,000php per month. For those who have more experience
and who passed the CPA board exam, salary can reach as high as
60,000php.
Abroad:
CPA's are some of the highest paid employees in developed countries. In US
dollars, a CPA's salary can range from $2,500 to $10,000+ a month,
depending on the country, experience and position.