Introduction
Altogether, there are 14 exams under the ACCA syllabus. Starting with the Fundamental level, during which one has 9 papers. Once one has covered the set of papers, they are ready to attempt a 5-paper Professional qualification; that will get them there in getting certified. The first three papers that are compulsory include: AB, MA, and FA.
Candidates can sit for these exams in four sittings per year, and with some papers, there is also the option to do computer-based exams which one can schedule at a time that suits them. Some papers may even be exempted in case candidates have specific qualifications prior to sitting for this examination. For more details on this, just go through our ACCA page!
Also read: What is ACCA Course?
ACCA Examination Levels:
Knowledge level
Paper 1: Accountant in Business (AB)
| Topic Number | Topic Description |
| 1 | How businesses are organized, governed, and managed |
| 2 | Key factors and challenges that influence business and accounting |
| 3 | History and importance of accounting in business |
| 4 | The key functions of accountancy and how internal control works |
| 5 | Leading and Managing Teams and Individuals |
| 6 | Best Practices for Recruiting and Developing Successful Employees |
Paper 2: Management Accounting (MA)
| Topic Number | Topic Description |
| 1 | The importance of cost and management accounting |
| 2 | How to classify costs and understand their behavior |
| 3 | Using business math and spreadsheets |
| 4 | Cost accounting techniques |
| 5 | Basics of budgeting and standard costing |
| 6 | Short-term decision-making methods |
Paper 3: Financial Accounting (FA)
| Topic Number | Topic Description |
| 1 | The purpose of financial reporting |
| 2 | Key qualities of financial information and basic accounting rules |
| 3 | How to use double-entry accounting systems |
| 4 | Recording transactions and events |
| 5 | Preparing a trial balance |
| 6 | Creating basic financial statements |
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Skill Level
Paper 4: Corporate and Business Law (LW)
| Topic Number | Topic Description |
| 1 | The basics of the legal system |
| 2 | The law of obligations |
| 3 | Employment law |
| 4 | How businesses are formed and organized |
| 5 | Capital and how companies get funding |
| 6 | Management, administration, and rules for companies |
| 7 | Legal issues for companies in trouble |
| 8 | Governance and ethical concerns in business |
Paper 5: Performance Management (PM)
| Topic Number | Topic Description |
| 1 | Cost accounting techniques |
| 2 | How to make smart decisions |
| 3 | Budgeting and forecasting |
| 4 | Understanding standard costing and variance analysis |
| 5 | Ways to measure performance |
Paper 6: Taxation (TX)
| Topic Number | Topic Description |
| 1 | Trading profits |
| 2 | Capital allowances |
| 3 | Income from employment |
| 4 | Profits from property businesses |
| 5 | Investment income |
| 6 | How to calculate personal taxes |
| 7 | National Insurance |
| 8 | Corporation tax |
| 9 | Capital gains tax |
| 10 | Value Added Tax (VAT) |
| 11 | Self-assessment |
Paper 7: Financial Reporting (FR)
| Topic Number | Topic Description |
| 1 | The basic concepts of accounting |
| 2 | The rules and regulations |
| 3 | How to prepare financial statements |
| 4 | Merging businesses |
| 5 | Analyzing and understanding financial data |
Paper 8: Audit and Assurance (AA)
| Topic Number | Topic Description |
| 1 | The role of financial management |
| 2 | The setting where financial management happens |
| 3 | Managing working capital |
| 4 | Evaluating investment options |
| 5 | Basics of business finance |
| 6 | Understanding the cost of capital |
| 7 | How to value businesses |
| 8 | Managing risks |
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Professional Level
Essential Level
| Paper | Focus Area | Key Objectives |
| Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) | Financial Communication | Analyze complex reporting issues, apply international standards, and evaluate group financial statements. |
| Strategic Business Leader (SBL) | Leadership & Consultancy | Solve real-world case studies using integrated technical, ethical, and strategic leadership skills. |
Options (choose any 2 from the following 4)
Paper 4 – Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
| Topic Number | Topic Description |
| 1 | Your role and responsibilities to stakeholders |
| 2 | Advanced ways to evaluate investments |
| 3 | Understanding mergers and acquisitions |
| 4 | How to restructure and reorganize companies |
| 5 | Managing treasury and advanced risk management techniques |
| 6 | The economic landscape for multinational companies |
| 7 | Current trends and challenges in finance |
Paper 5 – Advanced Performance Management (APM)
| Topic Number | Topic Description |
| 1 | Strategic planning and control |
| 2 | Economic influences |
| 3 | Designing performance systems |
| 4 | Measuring how well strategies are working |
| 5 | Evaluating overall performance |
| 6 | Current trends and updates |
Paper 6 – Advanced Taxation (ATX)
| Topic Number | Topic Description |
| 1 | In-depth understanding of the UK tax system |
| 2 | The effects of taxation and how different taxes interact |
| 3 | Strategies for effective tax planning |
| 4 | Best practices for communicating with clients, HM Revenue and Customs, and other professionals |
Paper 7 – Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
| Topic Number | Topic Description |
| 1 | Understanding the conceptual framework |
| 2 | Navigating the regulatory landscape |
| 3 | Preparing financial statements |
| 4 | Managing business combinations |
| 5 | Analyzing and interpreting financial information |
ACCA Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM)
Before starting any Strategic Professional exams, you must complete the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM). This module uses business simulations to build key skills like leadership, communication, and commercial awareness. It’s a valuable step in your journey to becoming a well-rounded professional.
FAQs
The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification has three levels: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional. In Applied Knowledge, you’ll study Business Technology, Management Accounting, and Financial Accounting. Applied Skills covers Corporate Law, Performance Management, Taxation, Financial Reporting, Audit, and Financial Management. At the Strategic Professional level, you’ll take required courses like Strategic Business Leadership and choose two from options such as Advanced Management Audit and Advanced Taxation.
The difficulty of ACCA versus CA (Chartered Accountant) depends on the individual. ACCA offers a broad range of subjects and flexible study options, which many find beneficial, while CA is often seen as more challenging due to its rigorous practical training and focus on local regulations.
Salaries for ACCA-qualified professionals vary based on location, experience, and job type. In the UK, entry-level roles typically start around £25,000 to £35,000, while those with a few years of experience can earn £40,000 to £60,000. Senior positions, like finance managers or directors, can exceed £70,000, especially in larger cities.
Pursuing ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) can be a significant investment. Costs include registration, exam fees, and study materials, plus travel expenses for exams and ongoing membership fees after qualifying.
Definitely! An ACCA qualification can lead to many job opportunities in India, especially in finance and accounting. Companies value ACCA members for roles like financial analyst, auditor, and finance manager. With the growing demand for skilled professionals, there are plenty of chances in both local and multinational firms. Networking and relevant experience will also boost your job prospects.
