In today’s digital economy, flexibility is everything. Many Kenyan students pursuing the ACCA qualification are now asking: Can I freelance internationally while studying ACCA? The answer is a resounding yes—but with the right approach, tools, and time management.

Whether you're looking to earn extra income, gain global work experience, or build a professional portfolio, freelancing while studying ACCA in Kenya is entirely possible—and increasingly popular.

Why Freelancing Makes Sense for ACCA Students

Freelancing offers ACCA students in Kenya three major benefits:

1. Practical Work Experience
   ACCA is not just about exams—it’s about applying what you’ve learned. Freelancing gives you the chance to handle real-world projects like bookkeeping, financial reporting, tax filing, and even business advisory for startups and SMEs around the world.

2. Income to Support Your Studies
   Studying ACCA, especially with top-tier ACCA Courses and expert ACCA Coaching, can be an investment. Freelancing helps you generate income while building your career foundation.

3. Exposure to International Markets
   Many global clients are open to remote finance freelancers. This means that as you build your profile, you gain international experience that makes you stand out—even before you officially become an ACCA member.

What Services Can ACCA Students Offer as Freelancers?

Even as a student or affiliate, you can offer freelance services such as:

• Basic bookkeeping and data entry

• Financial statement preparation

• Tax calculations (for clients in your jurisdiction)

• Excel-based financial modeling

• Budget preparation

• Business plan creation

• Virtual assistant services in finance or operations

• Payroll processing

As you progress in your ACCA journey, especially into Applied Skills or Strategic Professional levels, you can take on more complex tasks like internal audit support or management reporting.

Where Can You Find Freelance Clients?

Kenyan ACCA students can find clients using these platforms:

• Upwork – High demand for bookkeeping, accounting, and audit support

• Fiverr – Great for packaging specific services (e.g., “I will prepare monthly financial reports”)

• LinkedIn – Build a professional profile, connect with entrepreneurs, and showcase your skills

• Toptal (once you’re more experienced) – Offers high-paying clients but requires advanced screening

You can also network through ACCA groups, online forums, and even through referrals from ACCA Coaching institutions like Hamzah Academy, which often provide career guidance.

Challenges to Be Aware Of

1. Balancing Study and Workload
   Freelancing is flexible, but deadlines are real. Mismanaging your time can affect both your ACCA performance and your freelance reputation.

Solution: Use time-blocking methods, and only take on as much freelance work as you can handle without disrupting your ACCA studies.

2. Legal and Tax Implications
   You may need to declare freelance income to KRA, and if you earn from international clients, understand how payment platforms like PayPal or Wise handle fees and transfers.

Solution: Keep clear records and consider using basic accounting tools like Wave or QuickBooks.

3. Building Credibility Without Certification
   Some clients may ask for proof of certification.

Solution: Be transparent. Say you’re a student actively pursuing ACCA, and highlight what you’ve completed so far. Share case studies or mock projects to build trust.

Tips to Succeed as a Freelancing ACCA Student

• Create a professional CV and portfolio that focuses on your strengths and ongoing ACCA education

• Set competitive yet fair rates as a beginner

• Focus on client satisfaction to earn positive reviews and long-term contracts

• Invest in learning digital tools like Excel, Power BI, QuickBooks, or Xero

• Communicate clearly and meet all deadlines—this builds long-term relationships and referrals

Conclusion: Build Global Experience Without Leaving Kenya

Yes, you can study ACCA in Kenya and freelance for international clients. In fact, many successful finance professionals today got their start by offering services on freelance platforms while still studying. With strong ACCA Courses, focused ACCA Coaching, and the drive to succeed, you can position yourself as a globally competitive professional—right from your laptop.

Freelancing isn’t just a side hustle; it’s a stepping stone to a truly international finance career.