Many students who take up an ACCA course often tend to get mixed up between an ACCA affiliate and a member-it sounds alike but are totally different. An ACCA affiliate is a person with all the ACCA exams completed but lacking the approved experience. An ACCA member is one who has cleared all the exams and has the proper work experience as well as completing the ethics module. This means that though an affiliate is just about ready for full membership, that has not yet taken place. Knowledge of the difference between ACCA affiliates and members will hence help you better shape your career for job pursuits and future goals. Many students in India reach the affiliate stage and either slow down or stop altogether. However, you can only sign your name with ACCA after becoming a member and enjoy all the benefits.
Who is ACCA Affiliate?
An ACCA affiliate is one who has passed all the 13 ACCA exams: the Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional levels, but who has not yet become a full member. It is important to know that to take ACCA exams, you don’t need work experience. You just have to pass. Then, the ACCA confers this affiliate status on you. You remain as an affiliate until you complete the PER and the EPSM.
An ACCA affiliate is deep into the ACCA journey and almost a full member. ACCA affiliates have the opportunity to apply for jobs in finance, accounting, and audit, but they are not permitted to use the ACCA designation after their name.
Key Points about ACCA Affiliates
- Must have completed 13 ACCA exams
- Do not require work experience yet
- Must finish EPSM and PER in order to move to membership
- Cannot sign an audit report or use the title “ACCA”
Role and Scope for ACCA Affiliates
ACCA affiliates are hired by thousands of companies in India. They command decent salaries. The respect and benefit of an ACCA affiliate do not extend to its full members. In Big 4 firms and other multinational agencies, ACCA members are preferred for senior roles. ACCA affiliates are eligible to work in:
- Finance support roles
- Accounts assistant jobs
- Audit trainee positions
- Management trainee roles
You can remain an affiliate for up to 10 years. ACCA, however, will then deregister you from affiliate status if you do not complete the PER and EPSM.
What is an ACCA Member?
An ACCA member is a person that has passed all 13 exams, has passed the Ethics and Professional Skills Module, and has a record of 36 months of relevant working experience. The members are required to declare that they have met nine performance objectives in their PER.
After these have been satisfied, the person gains full ACCA membership. They can now, therefore, use the letters ‘ACCA’ after their name.
Salient Features of ACCA Membership
- Passed all the examinations
- Completed PER and EPSM
- Can officially use ACCA title
- Can get senior positions and universally recognised
Roles Available For and Benefits of ACCA Members
All such persons are permitted worldwide. ACCA members generally have a better reputation amongst companies in around 180 countries. They are thus selected to sign a lot of audit reports around many nations as well (depending on local legislation). Eighties and four firms and prominent MNCs within India often consider ACCA members instead of affiliates for leadership positions. ACCA members are offered higher roles like:
- Financial controller
- Senior auditor
- Finance manager
- Risk consultant
- CFO (Chief Financial Officer) with experience
Set of Duties of ACCA Members
An ACCA member is one with full professional status. This lays a foundation for building trust with clients, employers, and the public. Membership demands all members to abide by:
- ACCA’s Code of Ethics
- Keep their knowledge up to date by CPD
- Behave in a positive manner for the furtherance of the profession
ACCA Affiliate vs Member: Key Differences
Knowing the key differences between an ACCA affiliate and a member helps the student make good career choices. Both have cleared the exams, but only one possesses full professional status. Affiliates are exam-qualified, whereas members have undergone work experience and ethics training. In this section, we will look into the exact distinctions between the two paths.
| Features | ACCA Affiliate | ACCA Member |
| Exams | All 13 exams cleared | All 13 exams cleared |
| Work Experience (PER) | Not yet completed | Completed 36 months + 9 objectives |
| Ethics Module (EPSM) | Not completed or in progress | Completed |
| Title Usage | Cannot use “ACCA” after name | Can use “ACCA” after name |
| Job Roles | Entry-level or mid-level | Mid-level to senior-level |
| Audit Rights | Not allowed | Allowed in some countries |
| Recognition | Limited | Global and full recognition |
| ACCA Subscription Fees | Lower | Higher, includes CPD access |
| Professional Network | Limited | Full access to ACCA global community |
Career Impact
- Salary Difference: ACCA members earn more. In India, a member earns ₹8-15 LPA while an affiliate may earn ₹4-7 LPA.
- Job Growth: Members get faster promotions.
- Job Location: Members can work globally; affiliates’ locations may be limited.
Why Does the Difference Matter?
Knowing the difference between an ACCA affiliate and member is, therefore, very important. This can affect your job, remuneration, career-goals, and professional respect.
Real-Life Importance
Many students stop once they clear all exams. They do not give importance to work experience or the ethics module. Yet this decision could slow down one’s career. Employers always look for full members. This means the members are conversant in theory and practice.
Being a full ACCA member allows you to:
- Use ACCA title
- Apply for top roles
- Build trust with employers
- Get global job offers
- Join ACCA chapters and events
- Earn more money
How ACCA Helps Indian Students?
In India, ACCA is mending its way to becoming so popular. Many Indian students clear their exams in a jiffy. Nevertheless, PER is their delay or they sometimes regard it with disdain. This considerably diminishes their job possibilities. Indian firms respect ACCA members respectively. Also, being a member weighs in more as you are looking to practice your profession in the UK, UAE, or Singapore.
Your Next Step
- If, at present, you are an affiliate, your next aim must be to
- Finish the 36 months of work
- Complete your 9 performance objectives
- Complete the Ethics Module
Once done, apply for full membership. This will leverage your career and give you full benefits.
ACCA Affiliate vs Member FAQs
1. What is the difference between affiliate and full member ACCA?
An ACCA affiliate has passed all exams but does not have the work experience required to be considered a full member. A member is one who is duly qualified, having passed all examinations and having completed all work experience and ethics training.
2. How do you convert an ACCA affiliate to full membership?
Complete a minimum of 36 months of relevant work experience and complete the Ethics and Professional Skills Module and apply for registration as a member.
3. What does being affiliated with ACCA imply?
Being affiliated implies that one has passed all ACCA exams but has not yet completed all of the requirements for full membership.
4. What is the difference between a member and fellow of ACCA?
A member is someone who has fulfilled all requirements, and a fellow is a member who has been a member for five continuous years and has complied with CPD requirements.
5. Can I use the ACCA affiliate after my name?
Using “ACCA” after a name is only permissible for full members; ACCA affiliates cannot use the title.
