ACCA stands for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, a globally recognised accounting body based in the UK. It offers the ACCA qualification, a professional certification designed to prepare students and professionals for rewarding careers in accounting, audit, taxation, consulting, and finance. With a network spread across 180+ countries and 200,000+ members, ACCA opens doors to global careers. From offering competitive salaries to international job roles, ACCA is a great choice for students looking for a globally mobile profession in finance.
What is ACCA Course?
The ACCA course is a globally respected professional accountancy qualification that helps students and professionals gain expertise in financial management, auditing, taxation, strategic business planning, and corporate law. It is designed in a way that focuses on practical learning and global standards like IFRS. This means, once qualified, you can work in almost any country and be valued for your skills. ACCA also provides the flexibility to study at your own pace, making it a student-friendly program. Whether you are a student or a working professional, ACCA helps build a career that goes beyond traditional accounting.
What does ACCA offer?
- Global Recognition: The ACCA qualification is valid in over 180 countries. This means once you are certified, you can work in multinational companies across the globe, including the UK, UAE, Singapore, and Canada. Your skills will be appreciated not only in India but in all international job markets.
- Industry Collaboration: ACCA has strong ties with 80+ international accounting and auditing bodies. These collaborations ensure that your qualification remains relevant and accepted in professional spaces around the world. It also improves your chances of getting jobs with companies that value global expertise.
- Academic Alliances: ACCA has partnerships with institutions like Oxford Brookes University and University of London. These collaborations allow students to earn additional degrees while studying ACCA, without the need for extra classes or exams. This dual benefit gives you an academic edge.
- Real-World Learning: The syllabus includes real-life business case studies and workplace-based scenarios. This helps students not only learn the theory but also understand how to apply concepts in real-world finance jobs. It builds practical thinking and improves problem-solving skills.
- Flexible Study Options: You can study ACCA through online platforms, in-person classes, or blended options. This flexibility allows working professionals and students to manage their studies without affecting their jobs or college courses. It’s an ideal choice for busy learners.
What is ACCA Full Form?
The full form of ACCA is the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. It is a UK-based professional body that offers one of the most respected global certifications in accounting and finance. Founded in 1904, ACCA aims to produce strategic financial professionals who are well-versed in ethics, leadership, and technical expertise. The qualification is widely accepted in industries like banking, consulting, IT, and manufacturing. In India, ACCA is gaining popularity because it aligns with global standards while being cost-effective and easier to pursue than traditional Indian accounting courses.
What is ACCA Qualification?
The ACCA qualification is a comprehensive certification that covers a wide range of accounting and finance subjects. The training covers all areas of business including financial reporting, taxation, audit, ethics, business law, and strategic leadership, thereby opening many opportunities to work in industries across the globe. The syllabus has been developed by experts with extensive industry knowledge, which is continuously updated to remain relevant to the industries concerned. Thus, ACCA members are set to take any job position as soon as they finish their course.The qualification also trains you in soft skills like communication, decision-making, and professional integrity.
What Skills Do You Learn with ACCA?
- Financial Reporting & Analysis: You’ll understand how to prepare and interpret financial statements in accordance with international standards. This skill is crucial for any finance-related role.
- Business Strategy & Leadership: You will be trained to think like a business leader. Strategic decision-making, risk management, and leadership skills are deeply embedded in the course.
- Corporate and Business Law: ACCA helps you gain knowledge about global business laws. This includes contracts, legal frameworks, and compliance, which are necessary for corporate governance roles.
- Audit & Assurance: You’ll learn how to conduct internal and external audits. This ensures transparency and helps organizations build trust with stakeholders.
- Professional Ethics: Ethics is a core subject in ACCA. You’ll understand the importance of integrity and transparency, helping you become a trusted finance professional.
What is ACCA Eligibility?
ACCA is a course that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds. It is especially suited for students who want to build a career in finance and work internationally. The course structure supports freshers, graduates, and even working professionals. It is a great option for those looking to balance flexibility with high career growth. Students who may not qualify for CA or other national-level exams can still pursue ACCA and have a successful career.
Minimum Eligibility Criteria:
- Passed Class 12 (10+2) with at least 65% in English and Maths or Accounts. Students should also have at least 50% in other subjects.
- Class 10 students can also register via the Foundation in Accountancy (FIA) route. This is a beginner-level program that transitions into the ACCA course.
- ACCA allows students with existing qualifications to skip some exams by applying for exemptions. This makes it faster and cheaper.
ACCA Exemptions for Indian Students:
| Qualification | Exams to Attempt | Exemptions Given |
| Class 12 (HSC) | 13 | 0 |
| B.Com | 9 | 4 |
| M.Com | 9 | 4 |
| CA IPCC (Both Groups) | 8 | 5 |
| CA Qualified | 4 | 9 |
These exemptions help reduce the number of exams, saving time and effort. However, they must be claimed within 10 years of completing the original qualification.
How to Become ACCA?
Becoming an ACCA member requires commitment, but the journey is flexible and rewarding. Whether you’re a school student, graduate, or a working professional, the process is streamlined to support your learning and development. You’ll need to pass the exams, gain experience, and complete an ethics module to get the final membership.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Register Online with ACCA Global: Create an account, pay the initial fee, and upload your documents to get started.
- Select a Coaching Partner: Choose an institute that suits your learning style—online, classroom, or hybrid. A good training partner can help you with mock tests, study material, and revision support.
- Check for Exemptions: Submit your previous qualification details to see if you are eligible for any exemptions. This reduces your exam load and shortens the course duration.
- Complete 13 Exams: You must pass all 13 papers, although exemptions can reduce this number. Exams are available four times a year, allowing you to plan your pace.
- Complete Practical Experience: Gain 36 months of relevant work experience in any finance-related role. This is a key requirement to apply your knowledge practically.
- Finish the Ethics and Professional Skills Module: This 20-hour module is essential to become a full member. It enhances your business communication, decision-making, and leadership skills.
- Apply for Membership: Once you complete all steps, apply to become a certified ACCA member. You will then receive the designation and join a global network of professionals.
ACCA Course Duration
The time it takes to complete ACCA depends on your background and the number of exemptions you receive. The flexibility to choose your exam sessions also allows you to study at your own pace. Most students in India complete ACCA within 2 to 4 years, depending on their study plan and availability.
- Freshers after Class 12 may take 3 to 4 years to finish all levels.
- Graduates with commerce backgrounds may complete it in 2 to 2.5 years.
- CA-qualified professionals can complete it in 12 to 18 months due to maximum exemptions.
- You can take a maximum of 4 papers per session and 8 papers in a year.
If you’re studying full-time, it’s possible to finish ACCA in less than 2 years.
Countries Where ACCAs Have Signing Authority
A major benefit of becoming ACCA-qualified is the global authority and acceptance it brings. While ACCAs cannot sign audit reports in India, they do hold audit and self-practice authority in several countries. This global flexibility makes it one of the most sought-after qualifications for Indian students wanting to work abroad.
Countries Offering Audit or Signing Rights to ACCAs:
- United Kingdom: ACCAs in the UK have full signing authority and can run their own practices.
- Canada: After meeting local criteria, ACCAs can sign audit reports and take on independent roles.
- Australia and New Zealand: Both countries recognise ACCA and offer audit practice rights through additional pathways.
- Singapore and UAE: ACCAs are fully recognised in private and public sectors, including signing capabilities.
- South Africa and Germany: These countries accept ACCA members with local registration for key finance roles.
Why Should You Pursue ACCA?
Choosing ACCA gives students a head start in global accounting and finance. It is a state-of-the-art course, highly relevant for today, where the balance between technical expertise and business thinking is minimal. ACCA, for Indian students desirous of working abroad or with MNCs, offers exceptional flexibility and opportunities. Compared to CA, ACCA is more readily available and recognized internationally.
Key Benefits:
- A Great Alternative to CA: ACCA offers international scope, updated syllabus, and better work-life balance. Unlike CA, which is focused on Indian laws, ACCA covers IFRS and global accounting standards.
- Faster Career Growth: ACCA is known for helping students reach mid-senior roles early in their careers. The soft skills training further boosts leadership potential.
- Higher Earning Potential: Recruiters know ACCA members meet international benchmarks. This enhances your market value and helps secure better salary packages.
- Global Networking: ACCA gives you access to a strong alumni network across the world. This opens up collaboration, job referrals, and mentorship opportunities.
What Are the Potential Job Roles After ACCA Qualification?
After earning the ACCA qualification, students can explore a wide variety of job roles in diverse industries. ACCAs are respected for their analytical thinking, ethical standards, and financial expertise. Employers across sectors, from banking to FMCG, prefer hiring ACCA professionals.
Top Job Roles:
- Financial Accountant: Responsible for preparing financial reports and ensuring compliance with standards. You will work closely with CFOs and external auditors.
- Management Accountant: Focuses on budgeting, forecasting, and strategic decision-making. This role is crucial in helping businesses reduce costs and increase profits.
- Audit Associate: Works on both internal and external audits. Your job will involve evaluating financial controls and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Tax Consultant: Specialises in taxation laws and advises clients or companies on effective tax planning and statutory filings.
- Finance Manager: Manages the complete financial operations of a company. This includes report generation, investment planning, and cost optimisation.
- Credit Controller: Ensures that debts are paid on time, assesses creditworthiness of clients, and helps minimise financial risks.
What Are the 13 Subjects in ACCA?
The ACCA curriculum is split into three levels and includes 13 papers. These subjects are designed to build your knowledge from fundamentals to strategic expertise.
Applied Knowledge Level:
- Business and Technology (BT): Introduces how businesses operate and the role of finance in decision-making.
- Management Accounting (MA): Teaches cost accounting techniques and how to control and analyse business performance.
- Financial Accounting (FA): Covers preparation of financial statements and understanding accounting systems.
Applied Skills Level:
- Corporate and Business Law (LW): Deals with legal systems, contract law, and business structures.
- Performance Management (PM): Involves variance analysis, decision-making, and cost planning.
- Taxation (TX): Covers personal and corporate tax calculations and principles.
- Financial Reporting (FR): Focuses on IFRS-based reporting and group financial statements.
- Audit and Assurance (AA): Prepares students to conduct audits and understand assurance processes.
- Financial Management (FM): Introduces investment appraisal, business valuations, and working capital management.
Strategic Professional Level:
Essentials:
- Strategic Business Leader (SBL): Integrates leadership, governance, strategy, and risk in a single case-based exam.
- Strategic Business Reporting (SBR): Advanced-level financial reporting with emphasis on stakeholder communication.
Options (Choose any 2):
- Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
- Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
- Advanced Performance Management (APM)
- Advanced Taxation (ATX)
Ethics and Professional Skills Module
This is a mandatory module for all ACCA students before becoming a member. It enhances your soft skills and prepares you for real workplace challenges.
Module Highlights:
- 20-hour Online Course: You’ll work through interactive case studies and simulations.
- Builds Communication Skills: Learn how to present financial insights to different stakeholders.
- Improves Ethical Judgement: Understand the impact of professional decisions on clients, employers, and society.
- Boosts Employability: Many employers view this module as a valuable indicator of work readiness.
Completion of this module is required before taking Strategic Professional exams.
Exam Details
ACCA exams are known for their flexibility and global standard of testing. You can plan your studies according to your convenience with both on-demand and scheduled exam options.
Exam Formats & Frequency:
| Level | Type | Duration | Frequency |
| Applied Knowledge | On-demand CBEs | 2 hours | Anytime |
| Applied Skills | Session CBEs | 3 hours | Mar, Jun, Sep, Dec |
| Strategic Professional | Session CBEs | 4 hours | Mar, Jun, Sep, Dec |
Each paper is graded out of 100, and a minimum of 50% is required to pass.
When Are the ACCA Exams Held?
ACCA exams are held four times a year in March, June, September, and December. The on-demand exams for the Knowledge level can be taken at any time of the year.
Types of Exams:
- On-Demand Computer-Based Exams (CBEs): For BT, MA, FA, and LW. These can be booked any time through an exam centre.
- Session-Based CBEs: For the rest of the subjects, conducted in quarterly sessions worldwide.
This quarterly structure allows you to progress quickly or take breaks as needed, making ACCA one of the most flexible professional exams globally.
Is ACCA a Degree?
The ACCA qualification is not a traditional degree, but it is considered equivalent to certain academic qualifications. Many universities and companies around the world accept ACCA as being on par with postgraduate education.
Academic Equivalence:
- Applied Knowledge + Applied Skills: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree level.
- Strategic Professional: Considered equal to a Master’s degree in many countries.
In India, while not classified as a degree, the value of ACCA is well acknowledged in the job market.
Essential Skills Needed in 2025 for ACCA Students
To achieve eminent success as an ACCA professional, it is not just sufficient to have technical knowledge. Employers now tend to prefer candidates with a blend of hard and soft skills. Here are some of the most in-demand skills in the year 2024:
Top Skills for ACCA Students:
- Quantitative Analysis: You must be comfortable working with numbers and data. This helps in interpreting financial trends and making predictions.
- Accounting Software Proficiency: Tools like SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, and Excel are must-know software for every finance professional.
- Communication Skills: As an ACCA, you’ll present financial information to non-finance people. Strong written and verbal communication is essential.
- Ethical Decision-Making: Employers value professionals who act with integrity. ACCA’s strong emphasis on ethics gives you a unique edge in the industry.
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FAQs
What exactly does an ACCA do?
An ACCA professional performs various roles in finance, including financial reporting, audit, taxation, and strategic planning. They are responsible for ensuring the financial health of an organisation. ACCAs also contribute to decision-making by providing data insights and compliance guidance. In many global companies, ACCAs hold senior roles in finance and management.
Is ACCA higher than CA?
ACCA and CA serve different purposes. CA is deeply focused on Indian laws and regulations, while ACCA covers international standards like IFRS. ACCA is globally recognised and offers more international mobility. While CA is highly valued in India, ACCA offers broader opportunities in multinational and foreign companies.
What is an ACCA salary?
ACCA salary depends on role, experience, and country. In India, freshers earn around ₹7 LPA, while senior ACCAs can earn over ₹19 LPA. Globally, salaries are even higher. For example, in the UK, ACCAs earn between £39,000 to £68,000 per year. UAE and Singapore also offer lucrative salary packages.
How many years is ACCA?
The ACCA course duration varies between 1.5 to 4 years. It depends on your qualifications and how many exemptions you receive. For instance, CA-qualified professionals may take 1.5 years, while freshers after 12th usually need 3-4 years to complete all papers.
Who is eligible for ACCA?
Students who have passed Class 12 with at least 65% in Maths or Accounts and English are eligible. Others must have at least 50% in other subjects. Those who completed Class 10 can also pursue ACCA through the Foundation in Accountancy route.
How much does ACCA cost?
The total ACCA course cost ranges from ₹2 lakh to ₹4.5 lakh in India. This includes registration, annual fees, exam fees, ethics module, and coaching. It is affordable compared to other global professional qualifications.
How many subjects are in ACCA?
There are 13 subjects divided across three levels: Applied Knowledge (3), Applied Skills (6), and Strategic Professional (4). Students may get exemptions for up to 9 papers based on prior education.
How to become ACCA qualified?
To become ACCA qualified, register with ACCA, pass up to 13 exams, complete 36 months of work experience, and finish the Ethics and Professional Skills Module. Once all requirements are fulfilled, you can apply for membership.
