ACCA PER Examples: 40+ Practical Examples

Our ACCA PER examples provide a comprehensive roadmap for aspiring accountants to navigate their practical experience requirements.

This blog delves into the heart of what it takes to not only meet but excel in fulfilling these requirements. It showcases a variety of real-world applications and reflections that highlight the depth and breadth of skills and knowledge necessary for success in the accounting and finance profession.

About the ACCA PER

1. PER Completion : The ACCA requires 36 months of practical experience in a relevant role to ensure that members are well-rounded professionals with real-world experience. This requirement underscores the importance of applying theoretical knowledge in practice.
2. PER Objectives : The PER includes 9 Essential and 4 Options performance objectives. A practical experience supervisor must sign off each objective, ensuring that candidates demonstrate proficiency in critical accountancy, finance, and management areas.
3. Supervised Experience : A practical experience supervisor is needed to verify a candidate's experience. This underlines the mentorship and quality assurance aspects of the PER, ensuring that experiences are relevant and adequately guided.
4. Flexible Experience : While the ACCA requires 36 months of practical experience, the framework's flexibility allows a wide range of roles and sectors to count towards this requirement. This reflects the diverse career paths available to ACCA members.

Jump straight to

1. Top tips for crafting your ACCA PER
2. ACCA PER ethics and professionalism example
3. Leadership and management acca per examples
4. Examples of Personal Effectiveness
5. Strategy and innovation ACCA PER example
6. Examples of Financial Accounting and Reporting Objectives
7. Examples of Performance Measurement and Management Accounting objectives
8. Examples of Finance and Financial Management objectives
9. Examples of Audit and Assurance objectives
10. Examples of Taxation objectives
11. How to write your ACCA PER

Top Tips for Crafting Your ACCA PER

1. Explain What You Did : Start with a clear action statement.
2. Provide Examples : Give one or two concrete tasks you've personally worked on.
3. Describe the Skills You Gained : How did these tasks help you achieve your objective?
4. Reflect : Share what you learned, what went well, and what could have been better.

ACCA PER Examples: 40 questions with answers

ACCA PER ethics and professionalism example

How did you handle a situation where the company's profit motives conflicted with ethical practices?

• Action: Identified unethical sales tactics inflating product benefits. I initiated a review meeting with management to discuss the long-term impact on brand reputation and trust.
• Skills Gained: Ethical decision-making, stakeholder management.
• Reflection: Reinforced the importance of ethics over short-term gains. It would involve compliance earlier in future discussions.

Describe an initiative you undertook to enhance your company's governance framework.

• Action: Led the development of a corporate governance charter, incorporating input from various stakeholders to ensure comprehensive coverage of governance issues.
• Skills Gained: Policy development, consensus building.
• Reflection: Learned the value of diverse perspectives in creating robust governance structures. Future initiatives will seek broader input from the outset.

Describe when you had to advocate for integrity over profit in your organization.

• Action: Faced with a lucrative contract that required compromising quality, I presented a cost-benefit analysis to the board, illustrating the long-term value of maintaining our integrity and reputation over immediate profit.
• Skills Gained: Ethical reasoning, persuasive communication.
• Reflection: The experience reinforced the significance of ethical decision-making in sustaining business success. I learned the importance of presenting compelling evidence to support ethical practices.

How did you contribute to reinforcing the culture of ethical behaviour within your team or organization?

• Action: I initiated a series of ethics training sessions and developed a reward system for ethical behaviour within my team. This raised awareness and celebrated ethical decisions, reinforcing their value.
• Skills Gained: Leadership in ethics culture building.
• Reflection: Building an ethical culture is an ongoing process. To enhance engagement and understanding in future training, I would include more real-life scenarios.

Leadership and management acca per examples

Describe a situation where you had to lead a team through a challenging period to ensure the continuation of critical finance operations.

Model Answer:

• Action: During a sudden shift to remote work, I quickly organized virtual daily check-ins for my finance team to maintain operations without disruption. I delegated tasks based on each member's home situation and availability, ensuring flexibility and understanding.
• Skills Gained: Leadership under pressure, effective remote team management, empathy in leadership.
• Reflection: This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and clear communication. I learned that leading with empathy, especially during challenging times, helps maintain operations and boosts team morale. In the future, I would incorporate more structured feedback mechanisms to enhance remote work policies and practices.

How did you contribute to developing and implementing a new strategic initiative within your finance department?

Model Answer:

• Action: Recognizing the need for a more efficient budgeting process, I led the development and implementation of a zero-based budgeting approach. This involved presenting the concept to senior management, organizing training sessions for the finance team, and overseeing the first budget cycle under this new approach.
• Skills Gained: Strategic planning, change management, training and development.
• Reflection: The project underscored the value of thorough preparation and stakeholder engagement in implementing new strategies. I learned the significance of providing continuous support and education throughout the change process. For future initiatives, engaging stakeholders earlier and setting up a dedicated support team would yield even better adoption rates.

Provide an example of how you mentored a junior colleague to enhance their skills and contribute more effectively to the finance team.

Model Answer:

• Action: I noticed a junior colleague struggling with advanced financial analysis tools. I initiated a mentorship program, providing weekly one-on-one training sessions. I also created a set of practical exercises tailored to our current projects so they could apply new skills directly.
• Skills Gained: Mentorship, knowledge transfer, personalized training development.
• Reflection: Mentoring reinforced the importance of patience and personalized support in skill development. The experience was mutually beneficial, as teaching complex concepts deepened my understanding. In the future, incorporating peer review sessions within the mentorship program could further enhance learning outcomes for both mentors and mentees.

Personal Effectiveness ACCA PER example

Share how you managed high stress and tight deadlines without compromising work quality.

• Action: Implemented a strict prioritization regime and adopted mindfulness techniques to maintain focus and reduce stress.
• Skills Gained: Time management, stress resilience.
• Reflection: Effective prioritization was key; mindfulness helped maintain clarity. Plan to incorporate regular breaks and mindfulness sessions routinely.

Discuss a time when your communication significantly influenced the outcome of a project.

• Action: Facilitated workshops to bridge communication gaps between technical and non-technical teams, employing visual aids and simplified language.
• Skills Gained: Cross-functional communication, empathy.
• Reflection: Highlighted the importance of tailored communication strategies. I would use feedback sessions to refine future communications.

Explain how you managed a critical project under significant time pressure.

• Action: I utilized agile project management techniques to break down the project into sprints, allowing the team to focus on quick wins and maintain momentum. This approach helped us meet our tight deadline while maintaining quality.
• Skills Gained: Agile project management, stress management.
• Reflection: The agile method was effective in this context; however, incorporating regular mental health breaks could further enhance team performance and well-being.

Describe a situation in which you had to adapt your communication style to effectively convey a message to a diverse audience.

• Action: I used analogies related to each department's function while presenting a complex financial strategy to a multi-disciplinary audience. This tailored communication facilitated a more precise understanding and garnered support for the strategy.
• Skills Gained: Adaptive communication, empathy.
• Reflection: Tailoring messages was crucial for effective communication. In the future, I will seek more feedback beforehand to improve my approach.

Strategy and innovation acca per example

Describe your approach to leading a team through a significant organizational change.

• Action: I communicated transparently about changes, provided one-on-one support to team members, and established a feedback loop to address concerns promptly.
• Skills Gained: Change management, leadership.
• Reflection: Open communication fostered trust; however, more proactive measures to gauge team morale would be beneficial in future changes.

How did you identify and implement a strategy to improve your department's performance?

• Action: Conducted a SWOT analysis to identify improvement areas, leading to the introduction of a mentoring program to enhance skill development.
• Skills Gained: Strategic analysis, mentoring.
• Reflection: The mentoring program was well-received, though an initial skills audit would have further tailored the program to specific needs.

How did you handle a significant operational challenge that threatened to derail your department's objectives?

• Action: When supply chain disruptions threatened our inventory levels, I negotiated alternative supply arrangements and implemented a more flexible inventory management system, preventing production delays.
• Skills Gained: Negotiation, strategic problem-solving.
• Reflection: Proactive communication and flexibility were crucial. A more robust risk management plan for supply chain disruptions will be a priority in the future.

Describe an innovative approach you used to boost your team's productivity.

• Action: I introduced gamification elements into our workflow management system, creating a more engaging and competitive environment. This significantly increased team productivity and morale.
• Skills Gained: Innovation in management, team motivation.
• Reflection: While gamification has proved practical, continuous innovation is necessary to keep the team engaged. Future initiatives will involve more direct input from team members on their preferences and motivators.

Financial Accounting and Reporting ACCA per example

Explain how you prepared financial statements under new accounting standards.

• Action: Organized training sessions for the finance team on new standards and led a pilot project to transition our reporting process, ensuring compliance.
• Skills Gained: Knowledge of accounting standards team training.
• Reflection: Early preparation was crucial for a smooth transition. Future changes will incorporate more hands-on training sessions to help with practical understanding.

Detail how you navigated the transition to a new financial reporting standard within your organization.

• Action: I led a cross-functional team to assess the new standard's impact, developed a detailed implementation plan, and conducted training sessions to ensure compliance across the organization.
• Skills Gained: Regulatory compliance, team leadership.
• Reflection: Early planning and education were critical to a smooth transition. Future regulatory changes will benefit from even earlier stakeholder engagement.

Stakeholder relationship management ACCA PER examples

Describe a complex financial transaction you interpreted for non-finance stakeholders.

• Action: Used analogies and visual presentations to explain a complex merger transaction, facilitating understanding and informed decision-making.
• Skills Gained: Financial communication and simplification of complex concepts.
• Reflection: Visual aids greatly enhanced comprehension. I would explore more interactive tools like simulations for future explanations.

How did you enhance the clarity and usefulness of financial statements for stakeholders unfamiliar with accounting practices?

• Action: I revamped our financial statements to include graphical representations and a glossary of terms. Additionally, I hosted quarterly financial literacy sessions for stakeholders.
• Skills Gained: Financial communication, stakeholder education.
• Reflection: The response was overwhelmingly positive. In retrospect, individual consultations might further personalize stakeholders' learning experiences.

Performance Measurement and Management Accounting ACCA PER examples

How did you adapt financial reporting during an unexpected market shift to better inform management decision-making?

• Action: When market volatility affected our business, I quickly adapted our financial reporting to include more frequent and detailed cash flow forecasts. I also introduced scenario analysis to help management understand potential financial impacts under various market conditions.
• Skills Gained: Agility in financial reporting and advanced forecasting techniques.
• Reflection: This experience taught me the value of flexibility in financial planning and the importance of being prepared for multiple outcomes. In the future, I’ll incorporate scenario planning into our reporting cycle.

Describe a process you developed for more efficient budget planning and production.

• Action: Our budgeting process could have been more convenient and time-consuming. I spearheaded the implementation of a cloud-based budgeting tool that facilitated real-time collaboration among departments and significantly streamlined the budget production process.
• Skills Gained: Process innovation, technology adoption.
• Reflection: Introducing new technology was challenging but highly rewarding. Early training and engagement with stakeholders were crucial for smooth adoption. I’d focus more on user training in future technology implementations.

Describe an initiative you led that significantly improved the cost-effectiveness of a project.

• Action: I identified a major project overrunning its budget. I implemented a real-time budget tracking system and renegotiated contracts with suppliers, achieving significant cost savings while maintaining project quality.
• Skills Gained: Cost management, negotiation.
• Reflection: The project taught me the importance of continuous budget monitoring and the potential for savings through proactive supplier engagement. In the future, I'd implement these practices from project inception.

How did you contribute to refining your organization's budgeting process for better accuracy and control?

• Action: Recognizing inconsistencies in our budgeting process, I proposed and led the adoption of a zero-based budgeting approach. This approach required departments to justify all expenses for each new period, resulting in more accurate and controlled budgeting.
• Skills Gained: Analytical thinking, process optimization.
• Reflection: This initiative highlighted the value of questioning and revisiting established procedures. Incorporating regular feedback sessions post-budget approval could enhance the process even further.

Finance and Financial Management ACCA PER examples

Explain how you evaluated a complex investment opportunity for your organization.

• Action: I faced a high-stakes investment decision, so I conducted a comprehensive due diligence process that included financial modelling, market research, and risk assessment. I then presented my findings to the board, highlighting potential returns and risks.
• Skills Gained: Critical evaluation, risk management.
• Reflection: The thorough evaluation process was pivotal in making a well-informed decision. Engaging external experts for specific analyses could further enhance our evaluation framework.

How have you optimized your organization's cash management practices?

• Action: I introduced liquidity management solutions, including just-in-time funding and automated sweep accounts, to improve our cash management. This initiative optimized our cash flow, reduced borrowing costs, and enhanced investment returns.
• Skills Gained: Cash flow optimization, strategic financial management.
• Reflection: The project highlighted the importance of dynamic cash management strategies. Future improvements include more sophisticated forecasting tools to refine our cash management approach further.

Share how you assessed and mitigated financial risk in a significant investment decision.

• Action: When I was tasked with evaluating a high-risk investment, I conducted a comprehensive risk assessment using scenario analysis and stress testing. This informed the decision to structure the investment with protective covenants, effectively mitigating financial risk.
• Skills Gained: Risk assessment, strategic planning.
• Reflection: The experience reinforced the importance of thorough risk analysis in financial decision-making. Future investments will benefit from even broader risk scenario considerations.

Describe your strategy for optimizing the organization’s liquidity without compromising operational needs.

• Action: To enhance our liquidity position, I implemented a dynamic cash flow forecasting model that provided insights into future cash requirements. This allowed for timely adjustments to our investment strategies and ensured sufficient liquidity for operational needs.
• Skills Gained: Cash flow management, strategic investment.
• Reflection: The forecasting model was instrumental in optimizing our liquidity. In the future, integrating more predictive analytics could further improve our liquidity management practices.

Audit and Assurance ACCA PER examples

Share your strategy for preparing for an audit that led to a significant reduction in discrepancies.

• Action: Anticipating the audit, I orchestrated a pre-audit self-assessment across all departments, identifying and addressing discrepancies before the external auditors' arrival. This proactive approach led to a smoother audit process with minimal findings.
• Skills Gained: Proactive problem-solving interdepartmental coordination.
• Reflection: The self-assessment was instrumental in fostering a culture of accountability. Incorporating regular internal audits would maintain this high standard of accuracy.

Describe how you improved the audit report's clarity and usefulness for stakeholders.

• Action: I revamped the audit report format to include executive summaries and visual data representations, making the findings more accessible and actionable for non-finance stakeholders.
• Skills Gained: Clear communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Reflection: This enhancement received positive feedback for its clarity. I plan to include comparative analysis in future reports to give stakeholders a more precise performance context.

How did you prepare your team for a rigorous external audit, ensuring a smooth and efficient process?

• Action: Anticipating the external audit, I conducted pre-audit training for my team, focusing on documentation standards and common audit queries. I also organized a comprehensive review of all financial records, streamlining the audit process.
• Skills Gained: Team training, meticulous record-keeping.
• Reflection: Effective preparation was key to a successful audit. Future audits could benefit from even earlier engagement with the auditors to better understand their focus areas.

Describe a situation where your insights from an audit report led to significant business improvements.

• Action: After identifying significant inefficiencies in inventory management during an audit, I recommended the implementation of a just-in-time (JIT) inventory system, which was adopted and resulted in reduced holding costs and improved cash flow.
• Skills Gained: Analytical skills, problem-solving.
• Reflection: The audit was a valuable tool for business improvement. In retrospect, involving operational teams in the audit process could yield more actionable insights.

Taxation ACCA PER examples

Detail a complex tax computation you managed that resulted in significant savings for your company.

• Action: I navigated a complicated tax scenario involving cross-border transactions. By thoroughly understanding tax treaties and leveraging tax credits, I optimized our tax position and realized substantial savings.
• Skills Gained: In-depth tax knowledge strategic planning.
• Reflection: The process underscored the value of staying abreast of international tax regulations. Continual learning and consulting with tax experts will be integral to my approach.

How did you assist in strategic tax planning to support your company’s growth objectives?

• Action: As part of the strategic planning for a new product launch, I identified tax-efficient structures and incentives that aligned with our growth objectives, ensuring compliance while maximizing profitability.
• Skills Gained: Strategic tax planning, business acumen.
• Reflection: This initiative highlighted the critical role of tax planning in strategic decision-making. Future projects would benefit from even earlier integration of tax considerations into the planning process.

Explain how you navigated a complex tax compliance issue that resulted in savings for your organization.

• Action: Faced with a challenging cross-border taxation issue, I thoroughly researched international tax laws and collaborated with external tax consultants to devise a tax strategy that complied with all jurisdictions while minimizing our tax liabilities.
• Skills Gained: Cross-border tax planning and collaboration.
• Reflection: This challenge underscored the complexity of international tax compliance and the benefits of external expertise. Future tax planning will include a more proactive approach to international tax law changes.

How did your strategic tax planning contribute to your organization's long-term financial goals?

• Action: I led a strategic tax review to identify tax incentives and credits aligned with our R&D activities. Restructuring some of our investments to qualify for these incentives significantly reduced our effective tax rate, supporting our long-term financial sustainability.
• Skills Gained: Strategic thinking, tax optimization.
• Reflection: The project highlighted the critical role of tax strategy in financial planning. I plan to conduct these strategic tax reviews more frequently in the future to ensure we constantly optimize our tax position.

How to write an ACCA PER

Step 1: Prepare

Before writing, reflect on your experiences that align with the performance objectives. Discussing your progress with your supervisor can also provide valuable insights.

Example 1: Management Accounting

"I led a budget revision exercise for a key project, analyzing variances and proposing adjustments to align with our strategic goals."

Step 2: Write

Keep your writing concise, jargon-free, and specific. Focus on actions you've personally taken.

Example 2: Strategy, Innovation, and Sustainable Value Creation

"I initiated a sustainability review in our operations, leading to a 20% reduction in energy consumption through strategic changes."

Feedback to Consider

"Your example on team improvement is valuable, but for management accounting, a more relevant example would be your involvement in the budgeting process."

Step 3: Review

Ensure your statement aligns with the objective's description, clearly state your contribution, and provide specific work-related examples.

Example 3: Ethics and Professionalism

"Confronted with a supplier conflict of interest, I navigated the ethical dilemma by enforcing our code of conduct, leading to a transparent re-evaluation process."

Step 4: Submit

Inform your supervisor about your submission, provide them with the necessary resources, and agree on a review timeframe.

Example 4: Audit and Assurance

"Participating in an internal audit, I identified discrepancies in inventory management, improving the accuracy of our financial reporting."

Closing comments

Crafting your ACCA performance objective statements with clarity and depth is crucial for demonstrating your practical experience and competence. By focusing on specific examples of your work, the skills you gained, and reflecting on your learning journey, you'll meet the ACCA's requirements and pave the way for a successful career in accounting and finance.

Remember, each statement is a step towards fulfilling your professional potential—make it count!