ACCA Course Details: A Complete Guide to Becoming a Global Accountant

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a globally recognized professional qualification in accounting, finance, and management. With over 241,000 members and 542,000 students across 180+ countries, ACCA is one of the most sought-after certifications for finance professionals.

If you're planning to pursue a career in accounting and finance, understanding the ACCA course details is essential. This guide covers everything from eligibility, syllabus, fees, duration, exemptions, and career prospects to help you make an informed decision.

What is ACCA?

ACCA is a globally accepted qualification that equips candidates with expertise in financial management, taxation, auditing, law, and strategic business leadership. It is recognized by leading employers, including Big 4 accounting firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG), multinational corporations, and financial institutions worldwide.

Key Benefits of ACCA

Global Recognition – Valid in 180+ countries, including the UK, Canada, UAE, Singapore, and Australia.
Flexible Learning – Allows students to study and work simultaneously.
Exemptions for Prior Qualifications – Commerce graduates and CAs can skip certain exams.
High Salary Potential – ACCA professionals earn competitive salaries globally.
Diverse Career Options – Opportunities in auditing, taxation, risk management, and consulting.

Eligibility Criteria for ACCA Course

The ACCA qualification is open to students from various educational backgrounds. However, the eligibility criteria differ based on academic qualifications:

1. For 12th Commerce Students

• Minimum 65% marks in Accounts/Mathematics and 50% in other subjects.
  
  

• Start from the Knowledge Level (first stage).
  
  

2. For Graduates (B.Com, BBA, CA, CS, MBA)

• Direct entry into the Skill Level (second stage).
  
  

• Exemptions for specific ACCA papers based on prior qualifications.
  
  

3. For CA Professionals

• Up to 9 paper exemptions based on CA qualification.
  
  

• Can start directly from the Strategic Professional Level (final stage).
  
  

ACCA Course Syllabus & Structure

The ACCA qualification consists of three levels and 13 papers in total:

1. Knowledge Level (3 Papers)

• Business & Technology (BT) – Basics of business structure and environment.
  
  

• Management Accounting (MA) – Costing, budgeting, and financial decision-making.
  
  

• Financial Accounting (FA) – Fundamentals of financial statements.
  
  

2. Skill Level (6 Papers)

• Corporate & Business Law (LW) – Legal framework for businesses.
  
  

• Performance Management (PM) – Advanced costing and decision-making.
  
  

• Taxation (TX) – Direct and indirect tax concepts.
  
  

• Financial Reporting (FR) – International accounting standards.
  
  

• Audit & Assurance (AA) – Audit principles and practices.
  
  

• Financial Management (FM) – Investment and risk management.
  
  

3. Strategic Professional Level (4 Papers)

• Compulsory Papers:
  
  

• Strategic Business Leader (SBL) – Leadership and management skills.
  
  

• Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) – Advanced financial reporting.
  
  

• Elective Papers (Choose 2 out of 4):
  
  

• Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
  
  

• Advanced Performance Management (APM)
  
  

• Advanced Taxation (ATX)
  
  

• Advanced Audit & Assurance (AAA)
  
  

ACCA Course Duration

• The ACCA course can be completed in 2 to 3 years, depending on individual study pace.
  
  

• Students can attempt up to 4 papers per exam session (exams are held in March, June, September, and December).
  
  

• Candidates have a maximum of 7 years to complete the Strategic Professional Level.
  
  

Exemptions in ACCA Course

Candidates with relevant qualifications may get exemptions from certain ACCA exams.

Exemptions Based on Qualifications:

• B.Com, BBA, M.Com, MBA (Finance): Up to 4 paper exemptions (Knowledge Level).
  
  

• Chartered Accountants (CA): Up to 9 paper exemptions (Knowledge + Skill Level).
  
  

• CFA & CPA: Exemptions in Financial Management and Reporting.
  
  

Candidates can check ACCA’s official exemption calculator on their website to confirm their exemptions.

ACCA Course Fees

The ACCA course fees depend on registration, exam, and coaching fees. The approximate cost in India is between ₹2.5 - ₹4 lakhs.

Breakdown of ACCA Fees:

• Initial Registration Fee: ₹8,000 - ₹10,000
  
  

• Annual Subscription Fee: ₹10,000 (approx.)
  
  

• Exam Fees: ₹10,000 - ₹20,000 per paper
  
  

• Coaching Fees: ₹50,000 - ₹1,50,000 per level
  
  

Many coaching institutes offer EMI payment options and scholarships to help students finance their ACCA studies.

Career Opportunities After ACCA

After completing the ACCA qualification, candidates can explore high-paying job roles in multinational companies, banks, financial firms, and accounting firms.

Top Job Roles for ACCA Professionals:

Financial Analyst
Chartered Accountant
Risk & Compliance Manager
Internal Auditor
Tax Consultant
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Top Companies Hiring ACCA Professionals:

• Big 4 Firms: Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG
  
  

• Banks & Financial Institutions: HSBC, Barclays, Citibank, J.P. Morgan
  
  

• MNCs & IT Companies: Amazon, Google, TCS, Accenture
  
  

• Indian Companies: Tata Group, Infosys, Wipro
  
  

Salary Expectations

• The average salary of ACCA professionals in India ranges between ₹7 - ₹12 LPA.
  
  

• In countries like the UK, UAE, and Canada, ACCA professionals earn between $50,000 - $100,000 annually.
  
  

Best ACCA Coaching Institutes in India

If you’re planning to enroll in an ACCA course, here are some top training providers:

1. Finplan International Education

• ACCA Gold Learning Partner
  
  

• Comprehensive training with global case studies
  
  

2. Zell Education

• Offers blended learning (online + offline)
  
  

• High ACCA pass rates and placement support
  
  

3. VG Learning Destination

• Led by CA Vinod Gupta
  
  

• Special focus on taxation and audit
  
  

4. IMS Proschool

• Industry-oriented ACCA training
  
  

• Flexible learning schedules
  
  

5. EduPristine

• Mock tests, case studies, and career guidance
  
  

• Strong job placement network
  
  

The ACCA qualification is an excellent choice for aspiring accountants and finance professionals looking for global career opportunities. With its comprehensive curriculum, international recognition, and lucrative salary packages, ACCA offers a strong foundation for a successful career in finance.

If you're considering pursuing ACCA, ensure you choose a top coaching institute and start preparing today to unlock exciting global opportunities!