ACCA course structure
ACCA is a global professional qualification recognized in almost 180 countries, it stands for Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. You just have to clear 3 Levels and 13 ACCA subjects in total to become an ACCA Member.
However, you could be eligible for exemptions based on your qualification for example if you are a CA you get 9 exemptions and directly go onto the final level. To know more about exemptions you can reach out to Fintram Global the Gold-Approved ACCA learning partner.
So, the ACCA course structure has three levels i.e. Knowledge, Skill and Professional. Candidates need to complete an entire level before moving to the next level, however, at each level, students can decide the sequence of papers. So candidates have the power to choose which subject exam they want to take first at a particular level.
ACCA Subjects Level
There are 13 ACCA subjects in total, which are split into three levels:
| APPLIED KNOWLEDGE LEVEL | APPLIED SKILL LEVEL | STRATEGIC PROFESSIONAL LEVEL |
| Business and Technology (BT) | Corporate Business Law (LW) | Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) |
| Financial Accounting (FA) | Taxation (TX) | Strategic Business Leader (SBL) |
| Management Accounting (MA) | Financial Reporting (FR) | Advanced Financial Management (AFM) |
| Performance Management (PM) | Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA) | |
| Financial Management (FM) | Advanced Taxation (ATX) | |
| Audit and Assurance (AA) | Advanced performance Management (APM) |
ACCA Knowledge Level
The Knowledge level consists of three exams:
1. Business and Technology (BT)
This introductory paper lays the foundation for your ACCA journey. BT focuses on the business environment, introducing you to essential concepts like business structure, governance, and ethics. It’s not just about crunching numbers; it’s about understanding the dynamics of the business world.
2. Management Accounting (MA)
In the MA paper, you’ll dive into the world of cost accounting, budgeting, and performance management. This subject equips you with the skills to make informed decisions that drive a company’s success. Get ready to navigate financial data and steer businesses towards profitability.
3. Financial Accounting (FA)
FA explores the principles of financial accounting, ensuring you can prepare, analyze, and interpret financial statements. Mastering this subject is like holding the key to a company’s financial health. Get ready to demystify balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
ACCA Skills Level
The Applied Skills level consists of six exams:
1. Corporate and Business Law (LW)
Law and finance go hand in hand. LW introduces you to the legal framework relevant to business, ensuring you’re well-versed in corporate governance, contracts, and employment law. As an ACCA professional, you’ll need to navigate the legal landscape to guide your clients or employer through potential pitfalls.
2. Performance Management (PM)
PM dives deeper into performance analysis and strategic planning. From assessing risk to optimizing business performance, this subject hones your ability to make data-driven decisions. As a financial expert, you’ll be the strategic navigator steering organizations towards their goals.
6. Taxation (TX)
Understanding taxation is a must for any accountant. TX covers both personal and business taxation, ensuring you can navigate the complex world of tax codes, regulations, and planning. Become the go-to expert for tax advice and compliance.
7. Financial Reporting (FR)
FR takes financial accounting to the next level, focusing on the reporting requirements for complex entities. Dive into international accounting standards and gain the expertise to prepare and analyze consolidated financial statements.
8. Audit and Assurance (AA)
In the AA paper, you’ll explore audit and assurance services principles. Learn how to assess risk, gather evidence, and provide valuable insights to stakeholders. As an ACCA professional, your role extends beyond number-crunching to ensuring the integrity of financial information.
9. Financial Management (FM)
FM ties everything together by integrating financial strategy with business strategy. From financial policy decisions to investment appraisal, this subject prepares you to contribute strategically to an organisation’s success.
ACCA Professional Level
The Professional Skills level consists of Four exams:
10. Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
SBL is a game-changer, combining technical skills with leadership abilities. This capstone paper challenges you to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios, testing your strategic thinking and decision-making prowess.
11. Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
SBR focuses on advanced financial reporting and professional ethics. Dive into the complexities of financial reporting for multinational organizations and hone your ability to make ethical decisions in challenging situations.
Choose any two:
12. Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
- AFM focuses on developing the skills to make strategic financial decisions in complex and dynamic business environments. Topics include financial strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and risk management.
13. Advanced Performance Management (APM)
- APM is designed to enhance the ability to apply strategic management accounting techniques in various business scenarios. It covers performance measurement and management, strategic planning, and business analysis.
14. Advanced Taxation (ATX)
- ATX delves into advanced taxation issues, providing a deep understanding of the complexities of business and personal taxation. It covers topics such as international aspects of taxation, corporate tax planning, and personal tax issues.
15. Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
- As the final paper, AAA takes audit and assurance to an advanced level. You’ll explore complex audit issues, ethical considerations, and emerging trends in the profession
Remember, Mastering ACCA subjects requires dedication, persistence, and a strategic approach. Each ACCA subject offers a world of knowledge to explore. With dedication and the right study plan, you can conquer each one and unlock a bright future in accounting.
ACCA Exams
The knowledge level papers and corporate and business law of skill level are on-demand exams, which means students can appear for these subjects any day of the year. It’s available 365 days a year.
The rest of the exams are conducted on a session basis, ACCA conducts exams in March, June, September and December. So ACCA will announce the timetable for those exams. However, students have a choice to skip any sitting or take an exam in any of these four sittings they want to.
Students also have a choice at the professional level among the Options paper to choose any 2 subjects out of 4 subjects.
How can I study the plan for the ACCA Subjects?
There are many ways to prepare for the ACCA syllabus. Students can self-study or study from any coaching institute or learning partner. One such ACCA Gold-Approved learning partner is Fintram Global, which provides the most affordable and flexible ACCA preparation in India and Globally. A student can book a free demo session before actually being a part of this institute.
They provide so many things to their students:
- Unlimited time video watches
- Comprehensive study material and sessions
- Revision Boot Camp with Video Question Marathon
- Mock exams
- Performance analysis
- 24*7 support
- Exam pass assurance
Apart from this when you are with Fintram you can study at any time and anywhere. Whether from your home or any place you can easily access their sessions.
So effectively you do not have to waste any time on travel and you can study at your own convenience. They also have live interaction sessions with their faculties from time to time wherein students can ask doubts or queries.
Becoming a global accountant is prestigious and highly valued, so you can start your ACCA journey with Fintram Global.