ACCA: Meaning, Course, Eligibility, Exams, Exemptions, Admission 2025, Fees, Scope, Jobs

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) offers a globally recognised qualification for aspiring accountants, with opportunities in areas like auditing, taxation, and financial management. ACCA opens doors to international career prospects and provides a flexible learning path. Keep reading to explore the course structure, eligibility, fees, and benefits of pursuing ACCA, as well as how you can finance your studies through Bajaj Finserv Chartered Accountant Loan.

What is ACCA?

The Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) is a global body that offers a prestigious qualification for aspiring accountants. With ACCA certification, individuals can gain expertise in areas like auditing, taxation, and financial reporting. ACCA opens the doors to diverse opportunities in the finance and accounting world. The qualification is internationally recognised, ensuring you can work in over 180 countries. If you are aiming to become a chartered accountant, ACCA provides an effective pathway to achieve that, with a well-structured curriculum designed for those seeking global career growth.

If financing your ACCA journey is a concern, Bajaj Finserv Chartered Accountant Loan provides financial assistance tailored to help you pursue your dream career in accounting.

Why study ACCA?

ACCA provides an excellent platform to build a successful accounting career. Here are some compelling reasons to consider this qualification:

• Global recognition: ACCA is respected worldwide, ensuring career mobility across different countries
• Flexible learning options: Study while you work with flexible schedules and study material
• Industry-relevant syllabus: The ACCA syllabus is designed to cater to the latest industry needs, making you job-ready
• Vast networking opportunities: Join a network of over 200,000 members worldwide, providing ample career opportunities

This certification is ideal for individuals aiming for high-paying roles and global career opportunities.

Who should study ACCA?

ACCA is suitable for:

• Fresh graduates: Looking to pursue a career in accounting and finance
• Professionals: Individuals who want to advance their careers in financial management
• Entrepreneurs: Those wishing to develop their business and financial skills

ACCA eligibility

To enroll in the ACCA programme, the following eligibility criteria apply:

• Educational requirements: Students must have completed 10+2 with at least 65% in mathematics/accounts and English
• Bachelor’s degree: A degree in commerce or related fields is also acceptable
• Professional certifications: Candidates with other professional qualifications like CA, CPA, or MBA may be eligible for exemptions

Eligibility ensures that only those with the necessary foundation can move ahead in the ACCA qualification process.

ACCA exams

The ACCA qualification is divided into 3 levels, with exams held multiple times each year. Here is a look at the structure:

The ACCA course involves exams across three levels, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the accounting profession.

Level	Papers covered	Duration per Paper
Applied knowledge	Business technology, Management accounting, Financial accounting	2 hours
Applied skills	Corporate and business law, Taxation, Financial reporting, Audit	3 hours
Strategic professional	Strategic business leader, Strategic business reporting	4 hours

Candidates can take these exams in 4 sittings per year (March, June, September, December), giving them flexibility to pace their studies.

ACCA exemptions

ACCA provides exemptions to students based on their prior qualifications. Exemptions are granted to candidates with a degree or certification in accounting. This reduces the number of exams you need to take, making the qualification process shorter.

• Degree holders: Those with a finance or accounting degree may receive exemptions for Applied Knowledge papers
• Professional accountants: If you are a CA or CPA, you can be exempt from some of the Advanced papers

These exemptions help students save time and money, speeding up their journey to qualification.

ACCA exam dates

ACCA exams are conducted quarterly, giving students flexibility in planning. Here are the exam dates:

• March
• June
• September
• December

Make sure to register for exams at least 6 weeks in advance to avoid last-minute rush and ensure seat availability.

ACCA syllabus

The ACCA syllabus covers a wide array of topics, ensuring students acquire both technical and strategic skills in accounting. Here is a quick look at what you will study:

Section	Topics Included
Applied knowledge	Business technology, Management accounting, Financial accounting
Applied skills	Corporate law, Taxation, Financial reporting
Strategic professional	Advanced taxation, Strategic business leader, Financial management

This diverse syllabus ensures that you gain all the expertise needed to excel in the accounting profession.

ACCA course fees

The cost of the ACCA programme includes registration, annual subscriptions, and exam fees. Here is a breakdown of the typical costs involved in pursuing the ACCA qualification:

Fee type	Amount (INR)
Registration fee	7,000 – 10,000
Annual subscription	10,000 – 12,000
Exam fee (per paper)	8,000 – 15,000

The fees vary depending on the level of study and the number of papers you need to take.

ACCA vs CPA

ACCA and CPA are both widely recognised certifications in the finance world. Let us compare the two:

Aspect	ACCA	CPA
Recognition	Global	Primarily in the USA
Exams frequency	Quarterly	Year-round
Duration	2-3 years	1-2 years

ACCA offers broader global recognition, while CPA is more focused on the US market.

ACCA vs CA

Both ACCA and CA are prestigious qualifications, but they differ in terms of scope and duration:

Aspect	ACCA	CA
Scope	Global	Primarily India
Exams	13 papers	3 levels
Duration	2-3 years	4-5 years

While CA is specific to India, ACCA opens up international career paths.

ACCA Scope

The ACCA qualification offers promising career opportunities in various sectors. Here is a glimpse of the job prospects after completing the course:

• Financial analyst
• Internal auditor
• Tax consultant
• Risk manager

ACCA provides individuals with the flexibility to work in multiple industries, from corporate firms to government agencies.

ACCA Jobs

ACCA-certified professionals can take up several key roles across diverse industries. Popular career options include:

• Financial planner
• Tax advisor
• Compliance officer

These roles ensure that ACCA professionals are in demand globally, especially in organisations that require expert financial management.

Conclusion

The ACCA qualification offers an ideal platform for aspiring accountants to gain international recognition. If funding your education seems challenging, consider applying for a CA Loan from Bajaj Finance. The Bajaj Finserv Chartered Accountant Loan offers flexible repayment options, enabling you to focus on your studies without worrying about financial constraints. This loan ensures that your path to becoming a certified chartered accountant is smooth and stress-free.