If you ever want to work in accounting or finance, one of the most popular certifications is from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, also known as the ACCA. You will find it is internationally recognized and respected and has plenty of options, but it may be a little challenging to understand the ACCA syllabus. The ACCA syllabus and study guide are for use by those who will assist in planning the study, but also to give all-around information on what could be assessed in any examination session.
If you have sat an exam previously under the 2023/24 syllabus and are now preparing under the 2024/25 syllabus, take a look at this ACCA syllabus PDF so you can check whether there have been any syllabus changes, understand more of what they are, and access useful resources. Candidates should go through the ACCA course structure to ensure they are well-versed in what the ACCA course is all about.
ACCA Applied Knowledge Level Syllabus
The Applied Knowledge level is the starting point. It provides the groundwork by explaining fundamental ideas in accounting and business. Consider it the foundation for all of your future knowledge. The ACCA syllabus for Applied Knowledge exam is given below:
| Subject | Topics | Subtopics |
| Business and Technology (BT) | How businesses run | Various business forms |
| Management responsibilities | ||
| The value of innovation and change | ||
| Technology impact on business | ||
| Management Accounting (MA) | Fundamentals of management accounting | Planning processes |
| Controlling processes | ||
| Decision-making processes | ||
| Financial Accounting (FA) | Principles of financial accounting | Preparation of financial statements |
| Interpretation of financial statements |
ACCA Applied Skill Level Syllabus
Once you have mastered the principles, you will progress to the Applied Skills level. This stage expands on the knowledge learned at the Applied Knowledge level while introducing more difficult topics. The ACCA syllabus for Applied Skill Level is given in the table below:
| Subject | Paper | Topic |
| Corporate and Business Law (LW) | Legal framework within which businesses operate | Contract law |
| Employment law | ||
| Company law | ||
| Performance Management (PM) | Advanced management accounting techniques | Performance measurement |
| Performance evaluation | ||
| Performance improvement | ||
| Taxation (TX) | Principles of taxation | Personal tax |
| Corporate tax | ||
| Tax planning | ||
| Financial Reporting (FR) | Understanding financial accounting and reporting standards | Preparation of financial statements |
| Interpretation of financial statements | ||
| Audit and Assurance (AA) | Principles and practices of auditing | Audit process |
| Internal controls | ||
| Professional ethics | ||
| Financial Management (FM) | Management of financial resources | Investment decisions |
| Financing decisions | ||
| Dividend decisions |
ACCA Strategic Professional Level Syllabus
The third level of the ACCA Syllabus is Strategic Professional. This focuses on advanced professional skills, strategic thinking, and leadership capacity. This level is divided into two modules: essentials and options. The ACCA syllabus for the Strategic Professional Level can be seen in the table below:
| Subject | Paper | Topic |
| Essentials (Compulsory Subjects) | Strategic Business Leader (SBL) | Strategic management |
| Leadership skills | ||
| Analysis of complex business situations | ||
| Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) | Financial reporting standards | |
| Business analysis | ||
| Options (Choose Two) | Advanced Financial Management (AFM) | Advanced financial management strategies |
| Risk management | ||
| Mergers and acquisitions | ||
| Corporate restructuring | ||
| Advanced Performance Management (APM) | Strategic planning | |
| Performance control | ||
| Decision-making processes | ||
| Advanced Taxation (ATX) | Complex taxation scenarios | |
| International tax | ||
| Tax compliance | ||
| Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA) | Advanced audit skills | |
| Application of professional judgment |
Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM)
In addition to the three levels, ACCA requires you to complete the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM). This course is designed to help you enhance your ethical judgment and professional skills. Both of which are essential in the accounting profession. The ACCA syllabus for Ethics and professional skills modules is given below:
| Topic | Format |
| Ethical principles and decision-making | Online, interactive module with case studies and real-world scenarios |
| Professionalism and ethics in accounting | |
| Effective communication and interpersonal skills | |
| Can be completed at any stage during your studies, but it’s recommended to do it early |
Practical Experience Requirement (PER)
To become a fully qualified ACCA member, you must also meet the Practical Experience Requirement (PER). This involves gaining relevant work experience in a finance or accounting profession.
Requirements:
- Complete at least 36 months of supervised experience.
- Achieve the ACCA performance targets that are related to the skills and knowledge you acquired while studying.
Tips for Success
- Develop a study approach and stick to it. Use calendars and apps to organize your study time and notes.
- ACCA offers a variety of study materials, practice exams, and online forums.
- Initiate a joint group with your peers, who will be appearing for the same ACCA exam, and study the ACCA syllabus together.
- Don’t be afraid to approach tutors for assistance or to join online support groups.
- The EPSM is significant. Understanding ethical concerns will benefit you intellectually and professionally.
Conclusion
Acquiring the ACCA qualification demands nothing but hard work, determination, and resilience. The whole program is divided into three key levels: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional. Other elements include the Ethics and Professional Skills Module and the Practical Experience Requirement. Combined, these prepare you adequately to master the essentials involved in the finance and accounting industries. The study of the ACCA syllabus calls for experience, systematic dedication in the book studies, and concentrated efforts to grasp all the concepts. With this, you can excel throughout this journey and achieve a good career as a certified accountant.
