Hi Sherry,
I am also a Diploma in Accountancy graduate. I have many friends who are following in your footsteps of pursuing ACCA and aiming for CPA Singapore. Your current position is the end-game that many of my peers are planning for.
Hence, I read your situation with utmost concern.
I don't agree that you took the wrong path - only a restrictive one. May I ask - did you seek career guidance during your Polytechnic days ? I hope you didn't blindly follow the herd of taking ACCA, just cause that is what most Dip in Acc students do.
By 'restrictive', I mean ACCA is only of value in the Accounting Industry. Other firms and positions that you apply for, ACCA may not be recognized. You will be treated as a Diploma graduate only.
Only in accounting firms, ACCA will put you at the same level as those accounting degree holders; and CPA SG matters.
DeadPeople is also right. 3 to 5 years of working experience after graduation, that experience will matter more than the paper qualification.
However, am I right to guess your experience is also only limited to accounting ? With only accounting education qualifications + work experience, that may be slight problem.
But anyway, why are you leaving the accounting industry to begin with ? Want to explore other firms / career paths ?
Also, it'll be great if you could share extracts of your CV with us.