An ACCA internship is a short-term work experience that helps ACCA students gain real-world knowledge while studying. ACCA, or the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, is a global professional accounting qualification. In India, many students look for internships to complete their practical experience requirements. The ACCA internship helps students learn how real companies work, how to apply accounting concepts, and how to build communication skills. In 2025, more Indian companies will offer internships to ACCA students than ever before. These internships give real exposure to audit, taxation, reporting, and compliance work. ACCA internships also help students complete their Practical Experience Requirement (PER), which is needed to become a full ACCA member. Students usually do internships while studying or just after completing their ACCA exams. Most ACCA students in India start looking for internships during the Applied Skills or Strategic Professional level.
What is ACCA?
ACCA stands for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. It is a UK-based global body for professional accountants. ACCA offers an internationally recognised qualification in accounting, audit, tax, and finance. The course includes 13 exams across three levels—Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional. Students also need to complete the Ethics and Professional Skills module and gain 36 months of relevant work experience to qualify as a member.
The ACCA qualification is popular in India because of its flexibility. Students can work while studying, and many pursue ACCA alongside a degree like B.Com or BBA. ACCA focuses on international financial reporting standards (IFRS), which makes the qualification suitable for jobs in multinational companies.
To become a full member, students must complete their exams and meet the Practical Experience Requirement (PER). The PER is often fulfilled through internships or work experience. That is why internships play a big role in an ACCA student’s journey. They offer hands-on learning and help apply concepts in a business environment.
Why is Internship Crucial for ACCA Students?
An ACCA internship plays a key role in shaping a student’s future. It gives a chance to work in real business settings and apply what has been learned in the classroom. It also helps complete the 36-month PER, which is compulsory for ACCA membership.
Internships help students build skills in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, compliance, budgeting, and other real-world tasks. ACCA students also learn soft skills such as time management, teamwork, and communication. These are important to grow in any finance career.
In India, ACCA internships help students compete with CA and MBA candidates. It builds a resume that shows global knowledge and Indian experience. Interns often work under finance managers or audit seniors who guide them and share practical insights.
Internships also build confidence. Students face real clients, deal with deadlines, and manage systems like SAP or Tally. This makes them ready for full-time job roles after finishing the ACCA course. Many companies offer pre-placement offers to good interns.
Completing an ACCA internship during the final level of exams improves job chances. It shows the candidate can manage both work and study. Employers value this balance and are more likely to hire such candidates.
Benefits of Doing an ACCA Internship in India
Doing an ACCA internship in India offers many advantages. From academic credit to job placement, the benefits go far beyond just learning how to work in an office.
1. Gain Practical Knowledge
Interns learn to apply accounting, audit, and finance concepts to real work. They handle reports, spreadsheets, software, and data. They also see how teams work under deadlines.
2. Complete Practical Experience Requirement (PER)
Internship time counts toward the 36-month work experience. ACCA accepts internship records signed by a supervisor. This is a required step before applying for membership.
3. Improve Job Readiness
Students learn tools like Excel, Tally, SAP, and QuickBooks. They also understand how to communicate with seniors and clients. This helps them become ready for full-time jobs.
4. Boost Resume and Interview Success
ACCA internships make resumes stronger. Interviewers prefer candidates who have done real work. Internships show a student is serious and skilled.
5. Better Job Offers
Many companies hire from their pool of interns. If the student performs well, they get a pre-placement offer. This saves time after the ACCA course ends.
6. Explore Career Options
Interns work in different areas like audit, tax, reporting, or compliance. This helps them decide their preferred field for long-term career growth.
Eligibility Criteria for ACCA Internships in India
Before applying for internships, students must check if they meet the eligibility. Most companies have similar requirements. These depend on the role and level of knowledge expected.
- Student Status with ACCA: Candidates must be registered ACCA students. Most firms ask for proof of registration or a student ID issued by ACCA Global.
- Exam Level Progress: Many internships require students to have cleared at least the Applied Knowledge level. For better roles, students should complete the Applied Skills level or be preparing for Strategic Professional exams.
- Strong Communication Skills: Interns should speak and write English clearly. They should be able to present their thoughts during meetings or while drafting reports.
- Basic Accounting Software Knowledge:Knowing how to use tools like Excel, Tally, or QuickBooks is helpful. Some companies also prefer candidates who know SAP or MS Dynamics.
- Availability for a Minimum Duration: Most internships are 3–6 months long. Students must commit full-time hours during this period. Some part-time roles are available, especially with online finance platforms.
- Interest in Finance, Audit, or Tax: Students should show a genuine interest in the role they are applying for. Reading finance news and doing personal projects is a good way to show this interest during interviews.
How to Find ACCA Internship Opportunities in India?
Finding a good ACCA internship requires research and planning. There are many ways to discover open roles. Students should use both online and offline sources.
- ACCA Careers Portal: ACCA has its own job portal. It features internships, articleship roles, and entry-level jobs posted by employers looking for ACCA candidates.
- LinkedIn Jobs: Many companies post internships on LinkedIn. Students can search using filters like “ACCA internship in India” and connect with recruiters directly.
- College Placement Cells: Students who are pursuing ACCA through colleges or training centers can apply through the campus placement team.
- Coaching Institute Referrals: Many ACCA institutes like ISDC, Zell Education, and Proschool have partnerships with companies. They help students with interview preparation and job referrals.
- Job Portals: Websites like Internshala, Naukri, and Indeed list many internships for finance students. Using keywords like “ACCA intern”, “finance internship”, or “audit internship” helps find relevant roles.
- Networking Events and ACCA Meetups: Attending finance workshops and ACCA student meetups helps build a professional network. Many students get internship leads from people they meet at such events.
Top Companies Offering ACCA Internships in India
Several companies across industries hire ACCA interns. These include multinational firms, startups, finance outsourcing units, and audit firms. Below is a list of popular companies known to offer ACCA internship roles in India.
| Company Name | Department | Location | Typical Roles Offered |
| EY (Ernst & Young) | Audit, Advisory | Mumbai, Bengaluru | Audit intern, tax intern |
| Deloitte | Risk, Tax, Audit | Hyderabad, Pune | Statutory audit intern |
| KPMG | Finance, Risk, Audit | Gurgaon, Kochi | Internal audit intern |
| Grant Thornton | Compliance, Taxation | Chennai, Mumbai | Compliance intern, transfer pricing |
| Infosys BPM | Finance Operations | Bangalore | GL intern, MIS support intern |
| WNS Global | Accounting, Reporting | Pune, Noida | FP&A intern, reconciliation intern |
| CA and CPA Firms | Accounting, Tax Filing | Pan-India | Accounts intern, audit assistant |
Many of these roles come with mentorship and potential for long-term hiring after internship completion.
Future Career Prospects After an ACCA Internship
Doing an ACCA internship creates a strong base for full-time jobs and fast career growth. Interns who perform well often get offers from the same companies. Even if they don’t, the internship makes their resume stronger than those without experience.
Students can apply for roles like Finance Executive, Accounts Associate, Audit Assistant, Compliance Analyst, or FP&A Trainee after internship. These roles pay better if the candidate already has hands-on experience. Over time, these interns move into roles like Manager, Finance Controller, and even CFO.
1. Better Job Roles
After internship, students get hired as Finance Associate, Audit Executive, or Accounts Officer. These jobs come with higher salaries if the student has work experience.
2. Faster Promotions
Employees who understand work early grow faster. Interns who turn into full-time staff often move to manager roles within 2–3 years.
3. International Careers
Companies in UAE, Singapore, and the UK look for ACCA members with work experience. Internship helps students get global roles after membership.
4. Job Security and Career Clarity
Interns learn what field they enjoy. This helps them build skills in that area and stay focused. It also builds job security and long-term plans.
5. Confidence and Communication Growth
Students who work during their studies become more confident. They speak better in interviews and handle tasks independently. This builds long-term career success.
ACCA Internship FAQs
1. When should I apply for an ACCA internship?
Apply after completing the Applied Skills level or during the Strategic Professional level. Most students begin internships when 6–7 papers are complete.
2. Is internship compulsory for ACCA?
No, but work experience is. Internships help fulfill the Practical Experience Requirement (PER), which is compulsory to become a full ACCA member.
3. Do ACCA internships in India offer stipends?
Yes, many internships offer monthly stipends ranging from ₹7,000 to ₹20,000. It depends on company size and location.
4. Can I do an ACCA internship online or part-time?
Yes, some startups and finance firms offer part-time or remote internships. These are ideal for students managing studies alongside work.
5. Will my internship count toward PER?
Yes, if the work aligns with ACCA’s 9 performance objectives and is verified by a qualified supervisor, it will count toward PER.
