The Government of Guyana in collaboration with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) have created an initiative that will provide tuition-free access to the ACCA Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) suite of awards and the Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) qualification, through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme, an ACCA release announced recently.
According to a press release this will give aspiring finance professionals in Guyana the opportunity to earn globally recognised accounting qualifications while strengthening the nation’s financial sector by equipping students with internationally benchmarked skills in accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management – areas critical to the country’s economic growth.
The ACCA-GOAL scholarships are available to recent Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) graduates, allowing them to begin their professional accounting journey straight after secondary school. Working professionals seeking to upskill can also apply.
The programme covers full tuition and exam fees for:
Diploma in Financial and Management Accounting (RQF Level 2) – introductory qualification (approximately six months), ideal for school leavers.
Diploma in Financial and Management Accounting (RQF Level 3) – intermediate level for those progressing from Level 2.
Diploma in Accounting and Business (RQF Level 4) – advanced qualification covering financial and management accounting, business, and technology.
Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) – earned by completing additional specialist papers in Audit, Taxation, or Financial Management.
The release noted that Guyana’s rapidly expanding economy is creating an urgent need for trained finance professionals to support businesses, government, and key industries. Therefore, by integrating ACCA’s globally recognised qualifications into the GOAL programme, the government is investing in local talent to drive financial stability and sustainable development.
Meanwhile, Head of ACCA Caribbean, Paula Marcelle-Irish, said the initiative could facilitate the opening of doors both at home and abroad for students. “This partnership is a game-changer for young professionals and aspiring accountants in Guyana. The demand for finance and accounting expertise is rising, and through this initiative, students can gain qualifications that open doors locally and internationally. It’s an incredible opportunity to build careers that support both personal and national growth.”
Beyond certification, these qualifications provide a launchpad for careers in finance, offering students access to international job markets while supporting Guyana’s economic development.
Prospective applicants can learn more about the programme and application process by visiting the GOAL website or connecting with ACCA’s Approved Learning Partners, the release added.
