30-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
ACCA Course: Eligibility, Exam Structure & Career Opportunities
Are you considering pursuing a career in finance? The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification opens the door to a wide array of opportunities in areas such as auditing, finance, taxation, and accounting. With a syllabus specifically designed to build more profound expertise and global recognition, ACCA course is an ideal pathway for students and professionals striving to work with top companies or kick-start a successful career in finance.
But what does it take to become ACCA qualified? This blog will guide you through ACCA course details, including qualifying criteria and exam structure, as well as career options.
ACCA is a globally recognized professional accounting body that provides in-demand qualifications in the finance and accounting sector. It equips professionals with adequate skills in taxation, leadership, financial management, and more, allowing them to work in dynamic roles throughout industries.
With ACCA certification, students or professionals can easily work in around 180 countries, making it a valuable asset for individuals seeking to build an international career.
Students who have completed higher education (+2) can apply for the ACCA course. Graduates and postgraduates striving to pursue a career in Accounting and Finance are equally eligible for the course. Furthermore, ACCA provides exemptions based on your previous qualifications.
The ACCA exam includes 3 levels, but students considering pursuing the ACCA program after 10th, they must undergo an additional exam – Foundation in Accountancy.
Moreover, for students following a non-FIA pathway, there are basically three levels – Knowledge, Skill, and Professional Level. To pursue ACCA certification, candidates must complete 13 exams across levels.
To pursue ACCA course after 12th, students must meet a few entry eligibility criteria. He/she must be of at least 18 years old. Further, they must complete upper secondary education with at least 50% in overall subjects. And, 65% score in key subjects like Accounting/Mathematics and English .
3. ACCA after Graduation
Commerce students who are pursuing degrees such as BBA, and BMA can pursue ACCA exam. Graduates with BA or degrees from accredited universities can take the ACCA exam, however they must first finish the ACCA Foundation Diploma.
ACCA qualification typically includes 3 main levels, each prioritizing varied aspects of Accounting and Finance. Let us understand the course exam structure in detail.
This level offers students a brief introduction into finance environment and helps them develop detailed understanding and adequate skills in accounting, papers includes: Business and Technology (BT)
Management Accounting (MA)
Financial Accounting (FA)
This level builds existing knowledge and enables students to develop robust and practical finance skills, essential for future strategic professional accountants in any sector. Papers includes: Corporate and Business Law (LW)
Performance Management (PM)
Taxation (TX)
Financial Reporting (FR)
Audit and Assurance (AA)
Financial Management (FM)
This level prepares students for future leadership positions, developing strategic vision via a combination of ethical, professional and technical skills. You can specialize in a specific area that suits your career goals. In this level, you must appear for 3 essential exams and can choose any 2 other subjects, including:
i) Compulsory Papers: Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
ii) Optional Papers (Choose any 2) Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
Advanced Performance Management (APM)
Advanced Taxation (ATX)
Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
Students must complete PER, which includes acquiring 3 years or 36 months of work experience in roles that help in developing professional and technical skills in areas like Financial Reporting, Audit, Tax, and Management Accounting.
To meet with these criteria, you must: Work under a qualified mentor or supervisor.
Complete record of competencies/achievements.
Highlight practical application of knowledge and skills
acquired during the entire course.
EPSM is designed to help students make ethical decision-making and improve professional skills like leadership, communication, and more. It takes around 15 hours and it is easily available online.
After understanding ACCA course details, you must be wondering about career scope post-qualification. Let us quickly explore job opportunities after completing ACCA exams. Job Role Expected Salary (INR) Description Audit Manager 8,00,000 – 15,00,000 Responsible for overseeing the audit process, making sure regulatory compliance & identifying financial enhancement areas. Tax Consultant 6,00,000 – 10,00,000 They advise tax planning, compliance through tax law and strong knowledge. Finance Analyst 6,00,000 – 12,00,000 Evaluate financial health, conduct market research, and support strategic decisions for sectors like Banking, Investment, and more. Management Accountant 5,00,000 – 10,00,000 Manages budgeting, performance analysis, and forecasting to help companies achieve goals. Risk Manager 7,00,000 – 12,00,000 Identifies and mitigates bottlenecks into financial performance and business reputation. Financial Planner 5,00,000 – 10,00,000 Enables companies to set and achieve financial goals through evaluation, planning, and accurate investment advice.
ACCA course provides internationally recognized certificates that allows candidates to gain in-demand skills, explore wider career opportunities and gain ethical foundation.
With flexible exam structure, flexible approach and range of career paths – from consulting, accounting, auditing, to finance, ACCA program is the right investment for aspirants seeking to develop a successful career in the world of finance. Connect with Zell Education Counsellor to learn more about the ACCA qualification pathway!
For full-time students, it may take 2-3 years to complete ACCA. However, duration may vary based on exemption, number of exams attempted per session, and more.
Students must at least score 50% in each paper to complete ACCA qualification
Yes, students who have qualifications like MBA Finance or CA Inter can get exemption of around 9 papers.
TIME BUSINESS NEWS
