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What is ACCA: Full Form, Course Details, Exams, Exemptions, Fees, Scope, Jobs

Course

Chetna Verma

Updated on 16th December, 2024 , 6 min read

 

Complete Guide to ACCA Course Details -

What is ACCA?

The ACCA, also known as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, is a globally recognized program that offers a qualification in accounting. ACCA aims to support accounting professionals in achieving their career goals while upholding the highest ethical standards.

It that has 600,000 students in 180+ countries and over 200,000 members. This credential is thought to be the biggest in the world for professional accounting. Students who choose to pursue their careers overseas choose this course. It is known to be one of the most prestigious accounting certifications. In India, ACCA and CA are considered equivalent to each other. Most firms including PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, EY, Grant Thornton, and BDO hire ACCA professionals at the same pay.

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ACCA Course Details

Following are the ACCA Course details -

Particulars Details
ACCA Full Form   Association of Certified Chartered Accountants
Course Duration1-7 years
Course FeesINR 28,000 to INR 2,60,000
Exams13 exams
Eligibility Criteria10+2 with a minimum 65% aggregate in Maths/Accounts and English, and 50% in other subjects
Career ProspectsAccountants, Auditors, Finance Managers, Business Analysts, Taxation Expert
Average SalaryINR 3.5 to 4 LPA
RecruitersPwC, EY, Deloitte, KPMG, Grant Thornton

ACCA Admission

Admission is open to ACCA students after clearing class 10th. However, before beginning the thirteen core ACCA subjects, the students must finish ACCA diploma program as a pre-requisite.

ACCA Course Eligibility

Let's discuss the pre-requisites to enroll in the ACCA course -

  • ACCA course requires to to pass Class 12 with a minimum of 50%. Additionally, you had to have received at least a 65% on all of your accounts, English, and Math tests. 
  • If a candidate doesn't meet the requirements listed above, he/she would require to pursue and finish the Foundation in ACCA Diploma.

Related read - Chartered Accountancy (CA): Full Form, List of Accountants in Delhi, Courses, Exams, Salary, Recruiters

Benefits of ACCA Certification

  1. Global Recognition: The ACCA credential is highly valued by individuals looking for international employment prospects, since it is recognized in more than 180 countries.
  2. Flexible Career Paths: Graduates of ACCA programs can work as financial analysts, auditors, tax consultants, or management accountants, among other positions.
  3. Professional Development: Gaining the ACCA qualification gives you a solid foundation in taxation, auditing, and financial and management accounting. It also improves your knowledge and abilities in these areas.
  4. Opportunities for Networking: Becoming a member of ACCA gives you access to a worldwide network of professionals, creating opportunities for mentoring and teamwork.

ACCA Levels

There are three levels that ACCA offers -

  1. ACCA Foundation Level - The ACCA course's first level provides fundamental knowledge and information in accounting and finance. To move on to the next level, the candidate must pass this one by appearing in three exams. 
  2. Applied Skills Level - At this level, strategic thinking and additional accounting skills are crucial. The modules that the student completed at the Foundation Level serve as the basis for these abilities. 
  3. Professional Level - The ACCA course's last level is the most crucial one. It includes the professional abilities needed in the accounting sector in addition to a more comprehensive version of the strategic skills.

In addition to the study modules, the students have to finish about three months of work experience in a related field. This work experience can be finished during the course or even after the students have finished every level. Only after completing the work experience and passing all levels can one claim your ACCA certification.

Read More: Best Courses After BCom

ACCA Exams

ParticularsFoundations LevelApplied Knowledge LevelApplied Skills LevelStrategic Professional Level
Exam Duration2 hours2 hours3 hours4 hours
Passing Marks50%50%50%50%
Total Marks100100100100

ACCA Exemptions

Students who hold a degree are exempt from taking some of the ACCA exams. The following lists the ACCA exemptions:

  • Passing Class 12th: Students who successfully complete Class 12 will not need to enroll in the ACCA Foundational Diploma course. Students with no formal education are eligible to take this exam. 
  • BCom or MCom degree: Graduates with a BCom or MCom degree are excused from taking Business & Technology (BT), Management Accounting (MA), and Financial Accounting (FA) ACCA Knowledge level exams. Additionally, they will not be required to take the Corporate and Business Law Skill Level Exam. 
  • Passing the Chartered Accountancy exam: Students who pass the exam will receive a 9 out of 13 paper exemption. As a result, knowledge and skill levels will be totally excluded. The four Professional Level exams are all that students must take. 
  • Passing the CA IPCC: After passing the CA IPCC, students must take the eight ACCA exams. Business & Technology, Management Accounting, Financial Accounting, Taxation, Audit, and Assurance are the only four exams that will be exempt.     

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ACCA Exam Dates

There are four cycles, or sessions, available for the ACCA exam. The following list includes the dates for the March, June, September, and December sessions, where the June and September sessions have passed. Lets look at the December session details below -

ACCA March 2025 Exam Dates -

EventDate
Exam Entry Opening Date5th November 2024
Standard Exam Entry Deadline27th January 2025
Late Exam Entry DeadlineNo late entry available in this session
ACCA March Exam Dates3rd – 7th March 2025
DateExam Paper(s)
3rd March 2025, MondayAA (Audit and Assurance), AAA (Advanced Audit and Assurance)
4th March 2025, TuesdayTX (Taxation), SBL (Strategic Business Leader)
5th March 2025, WednesdayPM (Performance Management), APM (Advanced Performance Management), ATX (Advanced Taxation)
6th March 2025, ThursdayFR (Financial Reporting), SBR (Strategic Business Reporting)
7th March 2025, FridayFM (Financial Management), AFM (Advanced Financial Management), LW (Corporate and Business Law)
14th April 2025March Exam Sitting Results Announcement

ACCA Syllabus and Subjects

The ACCA Syllabus includes Foundations in Accounting, Knowledge Level, Skill Level, and Professional Level. The following is a detailed list of the ACCA syllabus:

ACCA LevelsParticulars
Foundations in AccountancyACCA Diploma in Financial and Management Accounting (RQF Level 2)
ACCA Diploma in Financial and Management Accounting (RQF Level 3)
ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business (RQF Level 4)
Certified Accounting Technician (CAT)
Knowledge LevelBusiness & Technology
Management Accounting
Financial Accounting
Skill LevelCorporate and Business Law (LW)
Taxation (TX)
Performance Management (PM)
Financial Reporting (FR)
Audit and Assurance (AA)
Financial Management (FM)
Professional LevelStrategic Business Leader (SBL)
 Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
Optional Subjects in the Professional LevelAdvanced Financial Management (AFM)
Advanced Performance Management (APM)
Advanced Taxation (ATX)
Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)

Read - ACCA Syllabus and Subjects 2024: Exams, Certification, Qualification

ACCA Course Fees

The entire ACCA fees comes to about INR 1,70,000. The ACCA Course Fees in detail are listed below -

Particulars  Fees (INR) 1GBP=90 INR
Initial Registration2,700
Annual subscription10,440
Knowledge Level22,680
Skill Level 69,660
Professional Level 64,170
Total1,69,650

ACCA Course Comparison

Similar to CPA and chartered accountancy courses, the ACCA course is a highly pertinent financial education. The following is a detailed comparison:

ACCA vs CA

ParticularsACCACA
Signing AuthorityOverseasIndia
Recognition180+ countriesIndia, England, Wales, Australia and Middle East Countries
Duration6-24 Months5 Years
Attempts6 Monthly3 Monthly
Course StructureKnowledge Level, Skill Level and Professional LevelCA Foundation, CA Intermediate and CA Final
EligibilityPass class 12 with 65% in Maths, Accounts, and English with 50% in the rest of the subjectsPass class 12
Registration FeeINR 7900 + subscription Fees of INR 11600 per yearINR 9,000
Job ProfileAccounting Advisory, Transaction Advisory, Treasury, AuditingStatutory Audit, Internal Audit, Investment Management, Direct and Indirect Tax

Also read - Government Jobs for Chartered Accountant: Eligibility, Degree, Salary

ACCA Scope

ACCA has enormous potential in the future with the rise in globalization. Businesses from all around the world are offering their services and goods. Key areas of focus for ACCA are outlined below:

  • ACCA is one of the most respected certifications, recognized in more than 180 countries. The majority of Indian ACCA professionals are employed in the UK, Australia, Singapore, and Germany.
  • International businesses operating in India have a great need for ACCA specialists. They employ experts who understand international accounting and are certified for work abroad. They have to be able to work with both IFRS and US GAAP. 
  • The duties performed by an ACCA and a CA are identical. An ACCA specialist can also perform the same type of work.

Career Opportunities After ACCA

Obtaining the ACCA qualification allows one to pursue a variety of professional options, such as:

  • Accountant: Creating financial statements, overseeing spending plans, and making sure rules are followed.
  • Financial Analyst: Financial data analysis is done by financial analysts to assist firms in making wise decisions.
  • Auditor: Performing audits to evaluate compliance with legal requirements and the correctness of financial accounts.
  • Tax Consultant: Offering both individuals and corporations guidance on tax strategy and compliance.
  • Management consultants: They offer guidance to companies on enhancing productivity and effectiveness.

ACCA Jobs

The package of ACCA depends on the amount of the work experience has a significant impact on the salary. The starting salary for ACCA students is approximately INR 7 LPA, but with experience, this can rise to more than INR 15 LPA. Among the leading firms that employ ACCAs in accounting and finance are BDO, Grant Thornton, J. P. Morgan, and Morgan Stanley.

ACCA Salary -

Job Opportunities Salary (INR)
Accountant3,50,000
Chartered Accountant9,50,000
Finance Manager9,60,000
Auditor6,25,000
Associate Auditor3,70,000

Also read - Chartered Accountant Salary in India: Monthly, Average, Annual Compensation    

Also read more about ACCA- 

                                      More about ACCA Course 
ACCA Course
ACCA Syllabus and Subjects
ACCA Salary in India

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the full form of ACCA?

ACCA full form is Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is the global accounting body that provides “Certified Chartered Accountant” qualification.

What is ACCA?

ACCA refers to Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. ACCA course includes 13 exams and covers aspects of chartered accountancy like accounting, auditing, financial reporting, taxation, business finance, and financial management.

Which is better CA or ACCA?

ACCA provides knowledge about the concepts of CA along with additional information on UK laws, IFRS, and FAAP. Therefore, ACCA is a better option for students who desire to make a career in abroad. Moreover, ACCA is more flexible as compared to CA as it allows students to exempt one paper in each attempt.

What is ACCA qualification?

The ACCA qualification is most prestigious and globally recognized qualification for finance aspirants. It trains students with the knowledge, skills, and values required to have successful careers in the domain of accountancy and finance.

What is the eligibility criteria for ACCA?

The ACCA eligibility criteria allows students with a minimum of 18 years of age, who has completed 10+2 with 65% aggregate score in Maths/Accounts and English and 50% aggregate score in other subjects to apply for the course.

What is ACCA salary?

The average ACCA salary in India is 8 LPA, which can increase as per your experience and expertise level.

How many papers are in ACCA?

The ACCA course consists of 13 exams which are divided into 3 exam level namely, Knowledge, Skills, and Professional.

Is ACCA worth it?

Yes. ACCA exams are worthwhile for accounting professionals wanting to advance their careers in the domain. Since, ACCA is a globally recognized certification, it is valued by employers all over the world. Top companies like EY, Deloitte, KPMG hire ACCA qualified candidates. So, it is good option to take ACCA professional exams to take the accounting and finance career to the next level.

Is ACCA hard?

Yes, ACCA exams are hard and challenging, but that’s what make the certification highly reputable throughout the world. Employers are aware of the level of dedication and seriousness required of students to earn the qualification, which demonstrates how committed you are to your profession.

Which is better CPA or ACCA?

Both ACCA and CPA are quite well-known on a global scale. Students can decide based on their future plans, background, career interests, jurisdiction, preferred country, and other considerable factors, which is a better option for them.

Can I do MBA and ACCA together?

Yes, it is possible to study MBA with ACCA course. In fact, combining ACCA preparation with may allow students to work at their managerial skills as well. Hence, students can expand their career options to business management and executive roles as well.

Does ACCA have scope in India?

Yes. ACCA has a fast-growing scope in India. Professionals with an ACCA degree are being hired by MNCs in India and obtaining high-profile positions abroad. ACCA qualified candidates have a wide range of career prospects at both national as well as international level.

Is ACCA a certificate or degree?

ACCA is a professional degree, which is recognized worldwide. It is provided by an organisation with decades of reputable service that is recognised on a global scale. ACCA Certificates are presented during official convocation events held all throughout the world.

What are the 13 subjects in ACCA?

ACCA subjects include topics like Business Accounting, Management Accounting, Financial Accounting and Management, Corporate and Business Law, Performance Management and Analysis, Taxation, Financial Reporting, Audit and Assurance on an advanced level.

Can I finish ACCA in 2 years?

Yes. It is possible to pass all ACCA exams in 2 years. Each year, ACCA conducts four exam sessions. Students are permitted to take a maximum of four exams per session, for a total of eight tests per year. As a result, it is possible to finish all of the ACCA tests in two years.

How often are ACCA exams conducted?

F1, F2, F3, and F4 are in-demand exams and can be taken whenever you want during the year. F5 to P7 exams are held four times a year in the months of March, June, September, December.

How many exams can a candidate take in each session?

During the course of a calendar year, students are permitted to take a maximum of 4 exams, spread throughout a maximum of 8 different exam cycles. Students can pick any combination of computer-based and paper-based exams.

How many exemptions can one get for ACCA exams?

As per ACCA global, a maximum if nine applied knowledge and applied skills exams can be awarded. However, there are no exemptions for strategic professional exams.

How many papers of ACCA are exempted after MBA?

After MBA, candidates are exempted from 9 papers, which constitutes the first two levels of the ACCA course. MBA candidates only have to appear for Professional Exams to be ACCA qualified.

Is ACCA better than a degree?

ACCA covers advanced accounting techniques and methods as compared to a degree. Moreover, ACCA is a globally recognized professional accounting qualification, making it better than a degree.

Is ACCA a high paying job?

ACCA enables you to achieve enormous career progress despite the fact if your company is one of the most popular ones in the industry or not. Even as an ACCA fresher, you can expect a salary anywhere between INR 4 to 6 LPA.

Is ACCA better than CA?

ACCA certificate means you have CA knowledge as well as additional knowledge of UK Laws, FAAP, IFRS. Thus, students wanting a career abroad can choose ACCA as a better option.

Is ACCA recognized in Canada?

Currently, ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is not recognized in Canada directly. Before April 2021, there as a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between CGA Canada and ACCA, allowing ACCA members to be admitted top CPA Ontario. However, the same expired in April 2021.

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