JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:Head of ACCA Qualification – Content and Development

Location/Directorate/Department:London, Strategy and Development, Professional Qualifications

Reports to:Head of ACCA Qualification

Job Purpose:

The primary purpose of the Head of ACCA Qualification – Content and Developmentis to support the delivery and shaping of the policyand development of the ACCA qualification,including the exams, the experience and the ethics, specifically the new Ethics and Professional Skills module.Ensuring that the qualifications are valued by ACCA stakeholders and are valid, relevant and flexible, without compromising on the rigour for which ACCA is renowned. This encompasses all aspects including evolution of the qualifications through to creating high quality assessments for our students. You also develop and manage the CPD policy for members.

Reporting to the Head of ACCA Qualification you will lead teams of professionals in the conduct of all aspects of the ACCA Qualification,you will develop cutting edge syllabus content, produce technically excellent assessments (both computer based and written) and develop and deliver innovative technical support materials in conjunction with the Professional Education team. Responsibilitiesencompass the development and delivery ofthe blueprint for the Qualification, the assessments, the ethical aspects and the practical experience element of the qualification.

ACCA’s core qualification isevolving and you will be responsible for leading the teams through a period of rapid change as well as providing direction for the creation of ACCA Qualification – the Future.A key part of this is to lead the implementation to a more flexible world of examinations for ACCA and ensure that not only the exams are updated to reflect real world practices and employer expectation but that practical experience requirements (PER) and testing of ethics remain highly relevant. This is an important role which, working closely with other areas of Professional Qualifications, will design and help create the syllabus and exams for delivery by CBE in line with ACCA’s vision. The post holder will also be responsible for ensuring none of the rigour of the exams is lost and that the changes planned for the design of the qualifications can be delivered operationally.

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Lead the team comprising Exam Content Managers (themselves managing approximately 10 accounting Qualifications Technical Advisers),the Qualifications Co-ordinator, Qualification Learning Support Manager and the Qualification Development Manager.
  1. Chair exam panel meetings of subject matter experts internally and externally for Strategic Professional examinations to review the content and style of those examinations, challenging examiners on relevance, level and syllabus coverage and consistency within levelas necessary; provide input to requirements and scenarios as needed to ensure each exam meets ACCA and regulatory requirements.
  1. Carry overall responsibility for development and maintenance of the Qualification blueprints and ensure that the examiners fully understand what is required of them whenever a new syllabus is to be implemented and guide them through consultations and training.
  1. Manage the ongoing recruitment process for all exam panel roles worldwide. There are approximately 200 panel contract roles to manage and ensure appointments of the right people are maintained. New panel member appointments will be made jointly with Head of ACCA Qualification.
  1. Share responsibility for the selection criteria and quality monitoring of CBE writer’s, implementing a feedback loop to ensure continuous improvement in process and standard of output
  1. Lead the communication to all members of the exam panel in relation to new writing requirements, CBE training, creation of blueprints, new marking processes etc. This is to ensure they remain confident and competent in their roles in this time of on-going transition.
  1. Share to the responsibility with the Head of Qualifications Production for the design and implementation of the new systems and processes for live exam production.
  1. Lead the Qualifications Development Manager in all matters relating to the development of the qualification, (for exams, ethics and experience,)shaping the solution for the creation of ACCA Qualification – the Future and other changes to the ACCA Qualification.
  1. Manage the creation and implementation of the new Ethics and Professional Skills module and then its on-going updates including Phase 2 development. Manage the relationship with the host provider, J18.
  1. Work with Innovation and Development team to determine how changes applied to the ACCA Qualificationwill affect any existing mutual recognition agreements (MRAs), Joint Examination Schemes or other such agreements.
  1. Manage the ACCA’s CPD policy by ensuring that ACCA staff is aware of existing policy and any developments and that ACCA members understand all aspects of ACCA’s CPD policy through regular articles and e-mail campaigns.
  1. Work cross-functionally with other teams in Professional Qualifications towards regulatory and education recognition, providing advice in accreditation matters and delivering input to PER changes.
  1. Initiate and progress project and other ad hoc high profile work relevant to the ACCA Qualification.
  1. Lead the work that is completed by the examining team to assure the quality of all the approved content and quality assurance of learning support products where appropriate.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

  • A professional and/or masters level qualification in an accounting or education related discipline with a broad experience in accountancy education
  • A keen interest in and knowledge of developments within the accountancy education sector and a very good understanding of stakeholder needs
  • A proven record of management including experience of managing consultants effectively and managing teams through change
  • Strong teambuilding capability and a participative and open management approach
  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written with attention to detail
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with and influence people at all levels
  • Excellent presentation skills
  • Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to deal effectively with large volumes of work; to manage several tasks at once and meet strict deadlines
  • Excellent networking skills
  • Willingness and ability to travel(both domestically and overseas)

Additional Information:

  • Involves flexible working hours (including occasional evening and weekend working) depending on activities undertaken
  • Limited travel (mainly within the UK with some international) is required for this role including overnight stays away from home

Key Metrics:

  • Creation and on-going development of ACCA’s qualification
  • Adherence to strict deadlines and quality standards
  • Lead a team which includes highly qualified technical experts
  • appointment and resource management of large pool of external suppliers (examiners, writers, panel members)
  • Good relationships across Professional Qualifications Leadership Team and wider organisation
  • Successful implementation of new psychometrics model

Working Relationships:

Key Working Relationships

  • Director of Professional Qualifications,, Head of Professional Qualification Innovation and Development, Associate director of Skills and Assessment and other members of the Learning Leadership group
  • Strategy Implementation team, specifically the Head of Product Portfolio (who will help prioritise requests for qualifications and product developments)
  • Market Adoption team (who are responsible for the delivery of changes to the qualifications)
  • Cross-functional project teams
  • Suppliers of educational services to ACCA – e.g. hosting organisations (i.e Junction 18), qualification development organisations (i.e.Pearson Vue)
  • Educational consultants, exam panels and subject matter experts – e.g. the contractors who support the development of content and the production of assessments

Decision Making (Freedom to Act):

  • The role holder will be expected to make decisions at the right level, but recognise when higher authority is required.
  • When making decisions, a balanced approach should be taken recognising the risks and issues involved.
  • As the senior member of the team, the Head of ACCA Qualification – Content and Development will be able to demonstrate decision-making and problem-solving at the highest level and will be expected to deal with escalations from their team without seeking referral on all decisions.
  • The role will have approval authority of up to £50,000 in accordance with ACCA’s scheme of delegated authority.