After finishing a BCom, most students ask themselves what they should do next to improve their career prospects. One of the most promising options is to pursue the ACCA after BCom. ACCA stands for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. It is a globally recognized professional accounting qualification that opens doors to various career opportunities in accounting, finance, auditing, and management.
A wise choice to go for ACCA after BCom is because the course allows one to build up accounting and business knowledge during their undergraduate studies. Besides, having a B.Com degree makes a student eligible for exemption from several ACCA papers. Thus, the course is short and manageable, meaning they will take relatively fewer years than those from a non-commerce background.
ACCA Full Form
The full form of ACCA is the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. It is a professional body for accountants in the United Kingdom and was incorporated in 1904. One of the most prestigious accounting qualifications recognized worldwide, with members exceeding 240,000 and students over 500,000 in more than 180 countries, ACCA is a highly valued accounting and finance credential.
The ACCA qualification is meant to develop technical knowledge and professional skills in the following areas: financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, auditing, corporate law, and business ethics. The ACCA curriculum covers everything from fundamental accounting principles to advanced financial management strategies, so ACCA professionals are better positioned to tackle challenging financial work across different business contexts.
ACCA Course Duration After B.Com
The course duration for ACCA after B.Com will mainly depend on the number of exemptions you get and the rate at which you finish the exams. The ACCA qualification comprises 13 papers spread across three levels: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional.
You will likely get exemptions for up to four or five papers as a B.Com graduate, especially from the Applied Knowledge level and possibly one or two papers from the Applied Skills level. This significantly reduces the total number of exams you must take, shortening the overall course duration.
For most B.Com graduates, the ACCA course duration after B.Com ranges from 2 to 3 years. If you study full-time and pass all your exams on the first attempt, you can complete ACCA in around 2 years. However, if you are working alongside your studies or taking breaks between exams, it might take closer to 3 years.
One of the most significant advantages of the ACCA program is its flexibility. ACCA offers four annual exam sessions: March, June, September, and December. You can take up to four exams per session, which allows you to progress through the qualification at your own pace. Some students take one or two exams per session to try to balance studies and work, while others are quick trackers by taking more exams in each session.
In addition to passing the exams, ACCA students must complete a practical experience requirement (PER) of 36 months (3 years) in a relevant role. This can be completed before, during, or after your exams. Many students gain work experience while studying, which helps them apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Eligibility Criteria for ACCA After B.Com
To pursue ACCA after B.Com, a student must fulfill the eligibility criteria set by the ACCA global body. The good news is that the eligibility criteria are straightforward, and most B.Com graduates easily qualify.
Educational Qualification For ACCA After BCOM
You must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (BCom) from a registered university. Both accounting, finance, and general commerce students coming from any area of commerce stream are eligible. Final-year students of B.Com can also become registered with the ACCA when they submit the degree certificates within six months of graduation.
- Age Requirement: ACCA has no specific age limit, but you must be at least 18 years old to enroll. This opens ACCA to fresh graduates and working professionals who wish to upgrade their qualifications.
- English Proficiency: ACCA exams are in English, so you must have a good command of the language. There is no mandatory English proficiency test, but the more you can read, write, and understand, the better you will grasp the course material and do well in the exams.
- Mathematical and Analytical Skills: Although ACCA does not require high mathematical skills, basic knowledge of mathematics, especially in areas like arithmetic, percentages,
- Registration Process: To get registered with ACCA, you will need to submit the following documents: A copy of your B.Com degree or final-year mark sheet
Proof of identity: passport, national ID card, or driving license Passport photograph Payment for registration to the ACCA ACCA issues student ID upon confirming one’s registration so that students can access studies and examination sitting booking tools after successful completion.
ACCA Curriculum Post BCom
The ACCA syllabus after B.Com is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in accounting, finance, auditing, taxation, and business management. The syllabus is divided into three levels: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional. The ACCA syllabus is revised from time to time. New needs arise in the modern-day global business scenario. If the curriculum is not revised according to current needs, then ACCA qualification holders might lose their skills in the worldwide business environment.
| Level | Number of Papers | Average Time Required |
| Applied Knowledge | 3 (Exempted for B.Com graduates) | 0 months (if exempted) |
| Applied Skills | 6 (1-2 papers may be exempted) | 12-18 months |
| Strategic Professional | 4 | 12-18 months |
| Level | Paper Code | Paper Name |
| Applied Knowledge | AB | Business and Technology (Exempted) |
| MA | Management Accounting (Exempted) | |
| FA | Financial Accounting (Exempted) | |
| Applied Skills | LW | Corporate and Business Law (Exempted) |
| PM | Performance Management | |
| TX | Taxation | |
| FR | Financial Reporting | |
| AA | Audit and Assurance | |
| FM | Financial Management | |
| Strategic Professional | SBL | Strategic Business Leader |
| SBR | Strategic Business Reporting | |
| AFM (Optional) | Advanced Financial Management | |
| APM (Optional) | Advanced Performance Management | |
| ATX (Optional) | Advanced Taxation | |
| AAA (Optional) | Advanced Audit and Assurance |
Exemptions of ACCA After BCOM
The benefit of pursuing an ACCA course after B. Com is exemption based on prior academic knowledge of the students. ACCA permits exemptions to candidates who have been studying the equivalent subjects in an undergraduate course as they do not need to read those papers from the beginning. This will mean that you would be exempt from a maximum of 4 papers, cutting the number of exams you will have to sit to just around 9 from 13, saving you in two fronts time and money and completing the ACCA faster. You must submit your academic transcripts and degree certificates during the ACCA registration process to claim exemptions. ACCA’s global body will then review your documents to confirm the exemptions.
| Level | Paper Name | Exemption Status |
| Applied Knowledge | Business and Technology (AB) | Exempted |
| Management Accounting (MA) | Exempted | |
| Financial Accounting (FA) | Exempted | |
| Applied Skills | Corporate and Business Law (LW) | May be exempted |
Benefits of Doing ACCA After B.Com
You can reap many benefits by doing ACCA after B.Com, which can significantly improve your career prospects in accounting, finance, and business.
ACCA is recognized in more than 180 countries, making it one of the most prestigious accounting qualifications in the world. This global recognition allows ACCA professionals to work in multinational corporations, accounting firms, and financial institutions across the globe.
- Faster Completion with Exemptions: As a B.Com graduate, you receive exemptions for several papers, which shortens the course duration. This means you can complete ACCA faster than students from non-commerce backgrounds.
- High demand in the job market: ACCA-qualified professionals are in great demand in industries like banking, consulting, auditing, finance, etc. Employers prefer ACCA because its curriculum is all-inclusive and focuses on ethics.
- Salary: Moreover, the salary levels offered to ACCA professionals are usually higher than those of regular accounting graduates. With due experience, ACCA members can avail themselves of senior designations with attractive pay packages.
- Career Opportunities: ACCA provides doors for many career opportunities, including financial analysis, auditing, taxation, and risk management. It is possible to work in different sectors, from public accounting to private companies due to the flexibility in the ACCA qualification.
- Flexibility in Learning: ACCA provides flexible learning opportunities. One can opt either for a full-time, part-time, or even online mode of learning. The examination schedule is also flexible in that you can have up to four sittings within a year, and this allows you to plan your own agenda according to your convenience.
- Ethics and Professional Development: The combination of professional ethics and ongoing development focus of ACCA emphasizes training towards the handling of ethical dilemmas at the workplace and maintaining high professional standards throughout your career.
Job Opportunities After ACCA After BCom
One of the best reasons to do ACCA after B.Com is the job opportunities available to the ACCA qualified. The ACCA qualification is the most in-demand qualification, and it prepares you for different roles in accounting, finance, auditing, consulting, and management.
Financial Analyst
As a financial analyst, you will analyze financial data to help companies make informed business decisions. Your job will include preparing financial reports, forecasting future performance, evaluating investment opportunities, and identifying cost-saving strategies. The emphasis of ACCA on financial management and strategic analysis makes you the best candidate for this job.
Tax Consultant
Tax consultants will help individuals and business groups to manage their tax obligations effectively. You will advise clients on tax planning strategies, ensure compliance with all tax laws, and help minimize tax liabilities. You will be a valuable resource in a tax consulting firm after completing your ACCA study curriculum, which has intensive taxation coverage.
Management accountants focus on budgeting, cost management, and financial planning within organizations. They provide critical insights that support strategic decision-making. ACCA’s strong emphasis on management accounting equips you with the skills needed to excel in this role.
Forensic Accountant
A forensic accountant examines financial irregularities, fraud, and embezzlement cases. He analyzes complex financial data, traces transactions, and prepares reports for legal proceedings. The ethics module and emphasis on auditing principles by ACCA make it a good base for a career in forensic accounting.
Risk Manager
They include identifying potential risks that could affect an organization’s financial health and then devising strategies to mitigate those risks. This role requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, two essential building blocks of the ACCA curriculum.
Finance Manager
Finance managers oversee an organization’s financial activities, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. They ensure the company’s financial goals are met and provide strategic recommendations to senior management. ACCA’s strategic professional papers prepare you for leadership roles like this.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
As a CFO, you will handle the financial functions of an organization at the most senior level, including financial planning, risk management, investor relations, and strategic decision-making. ACCA offers a broad curriculum and a lot of focus on leadership skills, making it one of the preferred qualifications for prospective CFOs.
Salary Expectations After ACCA After BCOM
The salary of ACCA professionals depends on the role, location, and experience level. The global recognisation gives a handsome salary to the degree holder of ACCA. The global recognition allows ACCA professionals to work in multinational corporations, accounting firms, and financial institutions across the globe.
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| Financial Analyst | 6 – 10 LPA |
| Tax Consultant | 5 – 8 LPA |
| Internal Auditor | 7 – 12 LPA |
| Finance Manager | 10 – 15 LPA |
| CFO | 25+ LPA |
ACCA After BCOM FAQs
1. Is ACCA after BCom a good option?
Yes, ACCA after BCom is an excellent choice. It offers global recognition, diverse job opportunities, and attractive salary packages, making it a valuable qualification for commerce graduates.
2. What is the ACCA course duration after BCom?
The ACCA course duration after BCom is approximately 2 to 3 years, depending upon the number of exemptions you get and your pace of study.
3. Is it possible to do ACCA after BCom in India?
Yes, you can do ACCA after B.Com in India. Many institutes offer ACCA coaching, and you can even register directly with the global body of ACCA to study online or through self-study.
4. What are the details of the ACCA course after BCom?
The ACCA course after B.Com consists of 13 papers, but a B.Com graduate can get exemption up to 4 papers. The syllabus includes accounting, finance, taxation, auditing, and business management.
5. What are the job opportunities after ACCA after BCom?
ACCA-qualified professionals can serve as Financial Analysts, Internal Auditors, Tax Consultants, Risk Managers, Finance Managers, and CFOs in top multinational companies and financial institutions.
