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 enrol 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 Admission
Students can enrol in the ACCA programme after completing Class 10. However, they must first complete a Diploma-level qualification before progressing to the core ACCA curriculum, which comprises 13 subjects.
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
- Students who have passed Class 12 are exempt from the Foundational Diploma course, which is typically meant for those without formal education.
- BCom or MCom graduates are exempt from ACCA's Knowledge Level papers, Business and Technology (BT), Management Accounting (MA), and Financial Accounting (FA). They are also exempt from Corporate and Business Law at the Skill Level.
- Qualified Chartered Accountants (CAs) receive exemptions for 9 out of 13 ACCA papers, covering both Knowledge and Skill Levels. They only need to complete the 4 papers at the Professional Level.
- Students who have cleared CA IPCC are exempt from 4 ACCA exams Business and Technology, Management Accounting, Financial Accounting, and Taxation. They must complete 8 remaining exams, including Audit and Assurance.
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 total cost of pursuing the ACCA course in India is approximately Rs.1,70,000. This includes registration, subscription, and examination fees across all three levels - knowledge, skill, and professional.
Particulars |
Fees (INR)* |
Initial Registration |
Rs.2,700 |
Annual Subscription |
Rs.10,440 |
Knowledge Level |
Rs.22,680 |
Skill Level |
Rs.69,660 |
Professional Level |
Rs.64,170 |
Total |
Rs.1,69,650 |
Please note that the actual costs may vary slightly based on currency rates and ACCA updates.
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.
Benefits of choosing the ACCA course
Here’s a list of the key benefits of pursuing the ACCA course, ideal for students and professionals aiming for a global career in finance and accounting:
- Global recognition: ACCA is accepted in over 180 countries, offering global career opportunities.
- Career flexibility: Professionals can work across industries like auditing, consulting, and financial management.
- Enhanced employability: Employers value ACCA members for their practical and ethical expertise.
- Comprehensive curriculum: Covers accounting, finance, taxation, business law, and ethics.
- Networking opportunities: Gain access to a vast global network of ACCA professionals and affiliates.
- Flexible study options: Choose between full-time, part-time, or online learning formats.
- Practical experience: ACCA includes a required practical component, ensuring job readiness.
- High salary potential: Recognised qualification that often leads to senior, high-paying roles.
How difficult is the ACCA exam?
The ACCA exam is considered manageable compared to other professional finance courses like CA or CFA. While it is more advanced than school or college-level exams, with consistent study and preparation, most students can clear it successfully.
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.
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.
