What is ACCA? A Complete Guide for Aspiring Finance and Accounting Professionals

In the ever-evolving world of finance, accounting, and business management, global certifications play a key role in setting professionals apart. Among the most prestigious and widely recognized qualifications stands the ACCA — the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
Whether you’re a student aiming for a career in international finance, a working professional seeking growth, or a commerce graduate exploring global opportunities — ACCA can be your passport to success.
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into:

  • What ACCA is,
  • Its structure and eligibility,
  • The benefits and career scope, and
  • Why it has become the go-to qualification for finance aspirants across the globe.
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What is ACCA?

ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is a globally recognized professional accounting qualification offered by the ACCA body, headquartered in London, United Kingdom.
Founded in 1904, the ACCA has grown to become one of the largest and most respected global bodies for professional accountants, with over 241,000 members and 542,000 students spread across 180+ countries.
The ACCA qualification equips students and professionals with skills in:

  • Financial Management
  • Accounting and Auditing
  • Taxation
  • Business Strategy
  • Corporate Law
  • Ethics and Professionalism

It’s designed to make you globally employable and professionally competent, whether you plan to work in India, the UK, Dubai, Singapore, or anywhere else in the world.

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Why ACCA is Globally Respected

What makes ACCA stand out from other accounting qualifications like CA (India), CPA (USA), or CMA?
Here’s why ACCA enjoys such high global recognition:

  • 1. International Standard:

    ACCA follows IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards), accepted in over 140 countries.
  • 2. Global Mobility:

    Once you’re ACCA qualified, you can work in top finance roles across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia without re-qualifying.
  • 3. Comprehensive Curriculum:

    ACCA covers every major area of modern finance — from audit and assurance to business leadership and performance management.
  • 4. Strong Industry Partnerships:

    Over 7,400 approved employers across the world prefer ACCA-qualified professionals.
  • 5. Flexibility:

    Students can study ACCA part-time or online, making it ideal for working professionals and students pursuing other degrees.
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Structure of the ACCA Qualification

The ACCA syllabus is designed to provide a progressive learning journey — starting with the fundamentals and moving to strategic and professional levels.
Here’s a breakdown of the three levels:

  • 1. Applied Knowledge Level

    This is the foundation stage, introducing you to the basics of finance and accounting.
    Subjects:
    • Business and Technology (BT)
    • Management Accounting (MA)
    • Financial Accounting (FA)
    Outcome:
    You’ll gain a strong grounding in business operations, costing, and financial principles
  • 2. Applied Skills Level

    At this level, you’ll develop advanced knowledge in areas relevant to modern business.
    Subjects:
    • Corporate and Business Law (LW)
    • Performance Management (PM)
    • Taxation (TX)
    • Financial Reporting (FR)
    • Audit and Assurance (AA)
    • Financial Management (FM)
    Outcome:
    You’ll learn how to analyze financial statements, manage taxes, and conduct audits — essential skills for global finance professionals.
  • 3. Strategic Professional Level

    This is the final and most advanced stage, preparing you for senior leadership and strategic roles.
    Essential Papers:
    • Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
    • Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
    • Optional Papers (choose any two):
    • Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
    • Advanced Performance Management (APM)
    • Advanced Taxation (ATX)
    • Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
    Outcome:
    You’ll master high-level decision-making, corporate strategy, and complex financial analysis.
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Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM)

In addition to exams, ACCA requires you to complete the Ethics and Professional Skills Module — a practical training that builds your ethical decision-making, communication, and leadership skills.
This module helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world business challenges.

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Practical Experience Requirement (PER)

To become an ACCA member, you need 36 months of relevant work experience.
This can be gained before, during, or after completing the exams.

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Eligibility Criteria for ACCA

One of the best things about ACCA is that it’s open to a wide range of students.

Basic eligibility:
  • Students who have completed 10+2 with a minimum of 65% in English and Accounts/Maths, and 50% in other subjects.
  • Graduates (B.Com, BBA, BA, etc.) can directly enter at a higher level (Applied Skills).
Professional Entry Route:
  • For students who have completed CA Inter / IPCC / CMA, exemptions are available.

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Duration and Exam Pattern

  • Total Papers: 13 (may vary if exemptions apply)
  • Exam Frequency: Quarterly (March, June, September, December)
  • Exam Mode: Computer-based testing
  • Average Duration: 2 to 3 years (depending on exemptions and study pace)
ACCA is flexible — you can attempt 4 papers in one session, or space them as per your schedule.

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Cost of ACCA Qualification

The total cost varies depending on your country and exemptions, but here’s an approximate range for Indian students:

Category Approx. Cost (INR)
Registration & Subscription ₹10,000 – ₹15,000
Exam Fees (per paper) ₹10,000 – ₹15,000
Tuition Fees (Optional) ₹1.5 – ₹3 lakhs
Total Estimated Cost ₹3 – ₹5 lakhs
Compared to the global recognition and career potential, ACCA offers exceptional value for money.

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Key Benefits of Doing ACCA

Let’s explore why thousands of finance professionals and students are choosing ACCA every year.

  • 1. Global Recognition
    With recognition in 180+ countries, ACCA opens doors to multinational companies, Big 4 firms, and global financial institutions.
  • 2. Diverse Career Opportunities
    ACCA professionals can work in roles such as:
    • Financial Analyst
    • Auditor
    • Management Accountant
    • Finance Manager
    • Investment Banker
    • Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

    • Industries hiring ACCA professionals include:
    • Banking and Financial Services
    • Consulting and Audit Firms
    • FinTech Companies
    • FinTech Companies
    • Public Sector Enterprises
    • Global MNCs
  • 3. Flexibility in Learning
    You can study ACCA:
    • Alongside graduation (like B.Com or BBA)
    • While working full-time
    • Through online or hybrid modes
    This flexibility helps you learn without disrupting your academic or professional journey.
  • 4. High Earning Potential
    An ACCA-certified professional earns 20–40% higher than a non-certified finance professional. Senior-level ACCA members can command salaries between ₹10–30 LPA in India and USD 60,000+ annually abroad.
  • 5. Strong Ethical Foundation
    ACCA places a strong emphasis on ethics and governance. This ensures you not only succeed professionally but also maintain integrity and credibility — qualities highly valued in finance.
  • 6. Pathway to Global Careers
    Many countries, including Canada, UAE, Singapore, the UK, and Australia, recognize ACCA for employment and migration purposes.
    In Canada and the UK, ACCA can also be used for WES evaluation, making your qualification valid for further study or immigration.

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ACCA vs CA (India) — A Quick Comparison

Feature ACCA CA (India)
Recognition Global (180+ countries) India-focused
Governing Body ACCA (UK) ICAI (India)
Number of Papers 13 21
Flexibility Very flexible (quarterly exams) Fixed exam schedule
Duration 2–3 years 4–5 years
Work Areas Global firms, MNCs, Big 4 Indian corporates, audit firms
Focus IFRS-based (international) Indian GAAP-based
Both are valuable — but ACCA is ideal if you want global mobility and multinational exposure.

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Top Companies Hiring ACCA Professionals

Here’s a list of some global and Indian companies that regularly recruit ACCA-qualified candidates:

  • Big 4 Firms: Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG
  • Consulting Firms: Grant Thornton, BDO, Mazars
  • Multinational Corporations: Accenture, IBM, Infosys, Capgemini
  • Banks & Financial Institutions: HSBC, Standard Chartered, JP Morgan, Barclays
  • FinTech & Startups: Paytm, Razorpay, Zerodha

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How to Start Your ACCA Journey

  • Step 1: Register with ACCA

    Visit https://www.accaglobal.com and create your account.
  • Step 2: Choose a Learning Partner

    Select a recognized learning provider or university offering ACCA coaching.
  • Step 3: Plan Your Exam Schedule

    Decide how many exams you want to take each session — ACCA’s flexibility allows up to 4 per quarter.
  • Step 4: Gain Work Experience

    Start internships or work in finance roles to fulfill the 36-month Practical Experience Requirement.
  • Step 5: Complete the EPSM Module

    Develop essential skills for professional success.
  • Step 6: Become an ACCA Member

    Once you clear all exams and meet experience criteria, you’ll be admitted as a Global ACCA Member — a title respected worldwide.
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Why ACCA is Perfect for Online and Working Professionals

The world of online education has made it easier than ever to pursue ACCA while managing work or studies.
At Just Education Online, we partner with UGC-DEB recognized universities and ACCA-accredited institutions to offer flexible, online learning pathways that help you prepare for ACCA exams at your own pace.
You can:

  • Study through recorded and live lectures,
  • Access mock tests and personalized mentorship,
  • Get career guidance for placements in global firms.
Whether you’re pursuing B.Com + ACCA or an MBA + ACCA-integrated pathway, we ensure your learning journey is recognized, affordable, and career-ready.
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Conclusion: Your Passport to a Global Accounting Career

In a world where finance drives everything — from small startups to multinational giants — having a globally recognized qualification like ACCA sets you apart.
It’s not just about becoming an accountant; it’s about becoming a strategic financial leader capable of shaping businesses worldwide.
So, if you’re passionate about numbers, business, and global opportunities, ACCA is your ideal career accelerator.
At Just Education Online, we help you every step of the way — from registration to mentorship and placement — to ensure your dream of becoming a globally certified finance professional comes true.