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What is ACCA? A Complete Overview for 2025 Aspirants
In the world of finance and accounting, global certifications like ACCA are game changers. If you’re a commerce student or a working professional aspiring to work in multinational companies, ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) might just be the perfect route for you.
But what exactly is ACCA? What are the eligibility requirements, subjects, career opportunities, and salary prospects? In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything about ACCA—its structure, benefits, fees, and future scope.
Whether you’re a student looking for clarity or a working professional thinking about upskilling, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
📘 What is ACCA?
ACCA stands for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, a UK-based global professional accountancy body. Founded in 1904, ACCA is recognized in over 180+ countries and has more than 240,000 members and 540,000 students worldwide.
The qualification equips you with the skills, knowledge, and ethical grounding required to become a qualified accountant in today’s global business environment.
🎯 Key Highlights of ACCA
- 🌍 Globally Recognized
- ⏱️ Flexible Study Options
- 🧾 13 Papers (with possible exemptions)
- 🏢 Accepted by Big 4s and MNCs
- 🎓 Open to students after Class 12
- 💼 Work experience + exams = membership
✅ ACCA Eligibility Criteria
-
1. After Class 12 (Commerce Stream)
Minimum 65% in Accounts/Math & English
Minimum 50% in other subjects -
2. Graduates (B.Com/BBA/MBA)
Direct entry possible.
May get exemptions from up to 4 papers -
3. CA/CMA/CS Aspirants
Can get exemptions for multiple ACCA papers based on prior qualifications
-
1. Knowledge Level (3 Papers)
Business and Technology (BT)
Management Accounting (MA)
Financial Accounting (FA) -
2. Skill Level (6 Papers)
Corporate and Business Law (LW)
Performance Management (PM)
Taxation (TX)
Financial Reporting (FR)
Audit and Assurance (AA)
Financial Management (FM) -
3. Strategic Professional Level (4 Papers)
Essentials (Compulsory):
Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
Options (Choose 2 out of 4):
Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
Advanced Performance Management (APM)
Advanced Taxation (ATX)
Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
🧾 ACCA Duration
- With exemptions (e.g., B.Com + CA): ~1.5 to 2 years
- Without exemptions (after 12th): ~3 to 3.5 years
- Flexible pace: exams conducted quarterly (March, June, September, December)
💸 ACCA Fees (Approximate)
| Component | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
|
Initial Registration
|
₹8,000 – ₹10,000
|
|
Annual Subscription |
₹10,000 – ₹12,000 |
|
Per Exam Fee (Knowledge) |
₹8,000 – ₹9,000
|
|
Per Exam Fee (Skill) |
₹10,000 – ₹12,000
|
|
Per Exam Fee (Professional) |
₹13,000 – ₹15,000
|
|
Total Investment
|
₹2.5L – ₹3.5L (depending on exemptions & coaching)
|
💼 ACCA Career Opportunities
- Big 4 Accounting Firms (PwC, EY, KPMG, Deloitte)
- Banking & Financial Services
- Multinational Corporations (Unilever, Shell, Accenture)
- Startups & Fintech
Popular Job Roles:
- Financial Analyst
- Audit Manager
- Tax Consultant
- Management Accountant
- Risk Consultant
- Business Analyst
- CFO (with experience)
🌍 ACCA Global Scope
ACCA members can work in 180+ countries, including:
- United Kingdom
- UAE
- Canada
- Singapore
- Australia
- South Africa
Want to move abroad? ACCA is your passport to a global career.
💰 ACCA Salary in India & Abroad
| Experience | Average Salary in India | Abroad (e.g., UK/UAE) |
|---|---|---|
|
Fresher |
₹5 – ₹8 LPA |
£25,000 – £35,000
|
|
3–5 Years
|
₹10 – ₹18 LPA
|
£40,000 – £60,000
|
|
8+ Years |
₹20+ LPA
|
£70,000+
|
Note: Salary varies by company, location, and experience level.
🎯 Why Choose ACCA?
✅ Globally accepted & respected
✅ High ROI in terms of career growth
✅ Flexibility in exam schedules
✅ Pathway to become CFO, Financial Controller
✅ Equivalent to CA in many countries
📌 Is ACCA better than CA?
Depends on your goals.
- If you want to work globally, ACCA is more relevant.
- For working in India’s core taxation & audit, CA may be preferable.
Many professionals pursue both CA + ACCA to maximize their profile.
❓FAQs About ACCA
A: With proper preparation and time management, ACCA is manageable. Pass rates are between 40–55% per paper.
A: Yes, commerce students after 12th can directly register for ACCA.
A: Yes, in fact, many students pursue ACCA alongside B.Com to save time and enhance their CV.
A: Yes, ACCA is recognized in India by major companies, especially MNCs, but it doesn't provide statutory signing authority like CA.
A: If you start after 12th, it usually takes 3 to 3.5 years. With exemptions, it can be completed in 1.5 to 2 years.
A: Absolutely! ACCA is highly respected by the Big 4 firms. Many ACCAs work in consulting, audit, and finance roles there.
A: Yes. ACCA is globally recognized and allows you to work in the UK, UAE, Singapore, Canada, Australia, and more.
