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What is ACCA : Eligibility, Course Details, Jobs & Salary

what is acca

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants is the name of the organisation. ACCA is a worldwide accounting organisation that was founded in 1904 and provides “Certified Chartered Accountant” accreditation.  The length of an ACCA course varies depending on the students’ educational background. The ACCA programme lasts three years for students who have finished their 12th grade, two to two and a half years for commerce graduates, two years for IPCC groups, and one year for B.Com and CA graduates.

Students must be at least 18 years old, have passed the 10+2, have an overall math/accounting and English score of 65%, as well as an overall score in all other disciplines of at least 50%, to be eligible for the ACCA. Students who are graduating with a BCom, BBA, BMS, or other degree in business or commerce may also apply to take the ACCA course at the same time. All universities and institutes recognise and adhere to the same ACCA qualifying standards.

ACCA Course Details

Given below are the important details of the ACCA course program:

ACCA Full Form Association of Certified Chartered Accountants
Course Level Professional
ACCA Course Duration 1-7 years
ACCA Course Fees INR 28,000 to INR 2,60,000
ACCA Exams 13 exams
ACCA Eligibility Criteria 10+2 with minimum 65% aggregate in Maths/Accounts and English, and 50% in other subjects
ACCA Admission Merit and entrance exam based followed by interview round

 

ACCA Career Prospects Accountants, Auditors, Finance manager, Business Analyst, Taxation Expert
ACCA Average Salary INR 3.5 to 4 LPA
Top ACCA Recruiters PwC, EY, Deloitte, KPMG, Grant Thornton

Check Now : ACCA Products

What is ACCA?

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, or ACCA as it is more often known, is a certification curriculum that is highly renowned. It has more than 200,000 members and 600,000 students in more than 180 countries.

The ACCA, one of the most esteemed credentials in the field, is highly prized by students who want to pursue a fruitful career in accounting.

Since ACCA is one of the most well-known degrees, it applies to all countries.

The ACCA is a high-level professional qualification that is equivalent to completing a full university degree and is based on international accounting and auditing standards.

The student may continue their degree programmes, such as B. Com, BBA, etc., while also taking the ACCA course. Even the degree programme itself could include it.

For applicants seeking or possessing a graduate degree, the ACCA test framework is a good option due to its considerable flexibility.

A maximum of 7 years may pass the 13 required ACCA examinations.

The ACCA certification covers financial statements, managerial accounting, business taxation and laws, audit, and business ethics.

The ACCA syllabus offers students an excellent opportunity to begin a career in accounting and finance because it is both industry-relevant and widely acclaimed.

ACCA Eligibility

The following criteria must be met in order to enrol in the ACCA course:

Students need to be at least 18 years old.

Students must at the very least have completed the 10+2 requirement in order to be eligible for an ACCA course.

The minimum passing grade for both English and Accounts/Mathematics is 65%.

All other subject grades need to be at least 50% in order for students to be qualified for the ACCA course.

ACCA Admission 2023

There are two modes for admission into ACCA Course, which are as follows:

  1. Merit-based
  2. Entrance Exam Based

ACCA Entrance Exams

ACCA frequently waives admission exams. On the other hand, several colleges conduct entrance exams to provide ACCA admittance. The tests needed to be taken in order to be admitted to ACCA courses are listed below:

ACCA exam Conducting Body Exam Mode
CUET Christ University Online
AIMA UGAT All India Management Association Online
SET Symbiosis University  Offline
SUAT Sharda University Online

Merit Based Admission Process

The following provides a full description of the admissions process followed by organisations like Apeejay Stya University in Gurgaon, which provides merit-based ACCA admissions:

Step 1 – Fill out the application form completely and submit it. Some universities only take online applications, while others allow both. Online or offline application forms must be completed by students.

Step 2: Upload documents: After completing the application form’s mandatory fields, students must scan and upload the essential paperwork to the admissions portal in order to be admitted and verified.

Paying the application fee, which varies from college to college, is the third step. They will then receive their application number via SMS or email.

Step 4: Reviewing applications and shortlisting applicants The university’s admissions staff will select applicants after reviewing student applications to see whether they meet the requirements. In order for these students to participate in group discussions and rounds of personal interviews (PI), they will now be contacted.

 Step 5: Individual interviews and group discussions (GD) make up.In order to learn more about a candidate’s past and character in relation to the expectations the university has for its students, some universities conduct GD and PI rounds.

Entrance Exam Based Admission Process

Below is a full description of the admissions process followed by institutions like Christ University, Bangalore, which accepts applicants for the ACCA through an entrance exam:

Start by filling out and submitting the application.

Step 2 – Upload the necessary files in step two.

Step 3 – Pay the application fee in step three.

Step 4 –  is to sign up for the admission exam. If the institution to which they have applied does not automatically register them, the student must do so before the deadline.

Shortlisting candidates in stage five: The results of the entrance tests will be used by the university to choose the students. For further confirmation, the people on the short list will be contacted.

Step 6: Only those candidates who have been selected for personal interviews and document verification will be contacted. Candidates who are deemed eligible will be allowed to enrol in the programme.

ACCA Syllabus

The syllabus for ACCA is divided into 13 exams and 3 course levels, which are:

  1. Knowledge
  2. Skills
  3. Professional

The detailed ACCA subjects for each level are given below:

ACCA Subjects: Knowledge Level

  • Business Accounting 
  • Financial Accounting
  • Management Accounting 

Check now : ACCA Knowledge Level

ACCA Subjects: Skills Level

  • Corporate and Business Laws
  • Performance Management
  • Taxation 
  • Financial Reporting 
  • Audit and Assurance 
  • Financial Management 

Read More : Skill Level 

ACCA Subjects: Professional Level

Compulsory ACCA Subjects

Optional ACCA Subjects (Any 2)

  • Strategic Business Leadership
  • Strategic Business Reporting
  • Advanced Financial Management
  • Advanced Performance Management
  • Advanced Taxation
  • Advanced Audit and Assurance

Read More : ACCA Professional Level

After passing all 13 ACCA exams, candidates must demonstrate that they have 36 months of relevant experience. Additionally, candidates should complete the Ethics and Professional Capabilities Module, which aids candidates in developing all of the skills that employers need.

ACCA Exams

Given below is the list of the ACCA papers, which candidates must clear to earn ACCA certification:

  1. Audit and Assurance (AA)
  2. Taxation (TX) 
  3. Performance Management (PM)
  4. Financial Reporting (FR)
  5. Financial Management (FM)
  6. Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
  7. Advanced Taxation (ATX)
  8. Advanced Performance Management (APM)
  9. Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) 
  10. Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
  11. Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
  12. Advanced Taxation (ATX)
  13. Corporate and Business Law (LW)

ACCA Exemptions

Depending upon the qualifications, there are certain exemptions for ACCA Exams for students, which are listed below:

Qualification

Number of Exams

ACCA Exemptions

12th Pass 13 None
Commerce Graduate 9 BT, MA, FA, LW
CA IPCC (both) 8 BT, MA, FA, TX, AA
CA 4 BT-FM (9 subjects)

 

ACCA Course Comparison

This section contrasts the requirements, duration, price, eligibility, admission, and other key features of the ACCA course with those of related programmes like CA, CS, and CPA.

  • ACCA vs CA

The ACCA is a certification for accounting education that is widely regarded. The ICAI’s Chartered Accountancy (CA) programme in India grants comparable accounting qualifications. You can choose which is preferable for you by understanding the distinctions between ACCA and CA.

Features

ACCA  (Association of Certified Chartered Accountants)

CA (Chartered Accountant)

Qualification Type Professional Professional
Aim Provides technical expertise in accounts and finance for superior management roles in the domain of accountancy It prepares students to work in taxation and auditing firms by educating them on the concepts of accounts and taxation.
Certifying Agency Association of Certified Chartered Accountants provides ACCA certification. Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) administers CA certification.
Course Duration 1-7 years 5 years
Course Fees INR 65,000 to 2,50,000 INR 20,000 to 2,50,000
Examination Type 13 exams in CBE mode 3 exams
Eligibility 10+2 with minimum 65% in Accounts/Maths and English, 50% in other subjects 10+2 with 4 months study period, or

BCom with minimum 50% marks

Admission Process Merit and entrance based Entrance Exams
Top Colleges Christ University, Symbiosis College of Art and Commerce, Apeejay Stya University Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Noida, Indian Institute of Finance and Accounts, Pune, International School of Financial Studies, Secunderabad, etc.
Career Options Accountant, internal auditor, compliance officer, business analyst, risk manager, treasurer, business consultant, chief financial officer (CFO), etc. Accountants, Auditors, Financial Officer, Finance Manager, Taxation Expert, Investment Advisor, etc
Average Salary INR 3.5-4 LPA INR 6-8 LPA

 

ACCA vs CS

 

While the ACCA course trains students to become financial officers and accountants, the Company Secretary (CS) degree concentrates solely on the legal and financial aspects of a firm. Here, the two courses are carefully compared with regard to prerequisites, duration, cost, entrance requirements, and other factors:

Features

ACCA  (Association of Certified Chartered Accountants)

CS (Company Secretary)

Qualification Type Professional Professional
Aim Provides technical expertise in accounts and finance for superior management roles in the domain of accountancy It prepares students for the top-level jobs in the company. It trains the students in taxation, legal laws, regulations, banking, etc.
Certifying Agency Association of Certified Chartered Accountants Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)
Course Duration 1-7 years 3 years
Course Fees INR 65,000 to 2,50,000 INR 10,000 to INR 50,000
Examination Type 13 exams in CBE mode 3 exams
Eligibility 10+2 with minimum 65% in Accounts/Maths and English, 50% in other subjects 10+2
Admission Process Merit and entrance based Entrance Exam
Top Colleges Christ University, Symbiosis College of Art and Commerce, Apeejay Stya University ICSI
Career Options Accountant, internal auditor, compliance officer, business analyst, risk manager, treasurer, business consultant, chief financial officer (CFO), etc. Company Secretary, Legal Manager, Executive Officer, Director, etc
Average Salary INR 3.5-4 LPA INR 4-8 LPA

 

ACCA vs CPA

 

The tabled form below provides specific information about the differences between the ACCA and Certified Public Accountants (CPA) programmes in the USA based on requirements, exams, duration, fees, typical incomes, and more: 

Features

ACCA (Association of Certified Chartered Accountants)

CPA (Certified Public Accountant)

Qualification Type Professional Diploma
Aim Provides technical expertise in accounts and finance for superior management roles in the domain of accountancy Recognized globally to offer numerous opportunities in accountancy.
Certifying Agency Association of Certified Chartered Accountants American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Course Duration 1-7 years One year or less
Course Fees INR 65,000 to 2,50,000 INR 3,75,000 to 4,00,000
Examination Type 13 exams in CBE mode 4 exams in online mode
Eligibility 10+2 with minimum 65% in Accounts/Maths and English, 50% in other subjects MCom or equivalent degree
Admission Process Merit and entrance based Merit based
Top Colleges Christ University, Symbiosis College of Art and Commerce, Apeejay Stya University EduPristine, IIKMFE Financial Education, PIRON School of Business and Management, Academy of Commerce, etc
Career Options Accountant, internal auditor, compliance officer, business analyst, risk manager, treasurer, business consultant, chief financial officer (CFO), etc. Management accountant, budget analyst, financial analyst, internal auditor, comptroller, professor, VP of Finance, and Chief Financial Officer, etc.
Average Salary INR 3.5-4 LPA INR 6.3 LPA

 

ACCA Scope 

Both domestically and abroad, notably in India, ACCA professionals are in high demand.

Employing graduates with an ACCA degree are renowned organisations like Ernst & Young, PricewaterhouseCoopers, KPMG, HSBC, Standard Chartered, and others.

Accounting advisory, risk advisory, corporate finance, audit and assurance, internal audit, taxation, and investment advisory are just a few of the careers offered to ACCA-qualified students in India.

The job offers given to Indian CAs with the same title, profile, and pay are comparable to those made to foreign CAs.

Higher Studies after ACCA Course

Students can continue their education in India or overseas after completing their ACCA course. The following higher education choices are available to students after they complete the ACCA course:

“Chartered Financial Analyst” (CFA USA) is a postgraduate degree in finance that is available anywhere.

With a focus on accountants who are already employed in the field, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA UK) offers training and certification in management accountancy and related fields. It also offers members continual training and assistance.The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) test is regarded by many as the world’s most challenging finance exam. It is the only formally recognised professional body in the UK whose sole mission is to educate, advance, and oversee actuaries working both domestically and abroad.

The most prestigious certification for risk managers, Financial Risk Management (FRM US), is sought after by practically every major bank and enterprise in the world. It is only given to individuals who can show that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to foresee, manage, and adapt to urgent risk situations.

ACCA Careers

  • Students who obtain an ACCA-accredited chartered account are prepared for senior management positions and can swiftly rise to more senior posts like Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
  • Initial ACCA salaries may range from INR 3.5 to 4 LPA, and there is a great deal of opportunity for future financial reward.
  • One can select from up to 18 different employment profiles after completing an ACCA course, each of which offers a variety of positions. Nevertheless, there are numerous employment options in the accounting industry.

ACCA Jobs and Salary

ACCA Salary in India

Given below is a list of ACCA job profiles and ACCA salary in India in a tabular form:

ACCA Jobs

Job Description

Average Salary

Auditor The role of an auditor is to review and verify the accuracy of financial records of the company. INR 3 LPA
Financial Accountant Financial Accountants are responsible for keeping financial statement records, maintaining accounts, and supervising tax payments. INR 3 LPA
Finance Officer Finance Officer manages activities related to accounting which involve bank reconciliations, receivable and payable accounts.   INR 3 LPA
Account Executive Account Executive responsibilities include advertising, marketing, and financing with close comprehension of client requirements. INR 3.5 LPA
Account Manager Accounting Managers creates and implements systems for collecting, reviewing, confirming, and reporting specific categories of financial data. INR 5.5 LPA
Chief Financial Officer CFO is a senior level positions that is responsible for handling the financial activities of the firm. INR 3.5-4 LPA
Business Analyst Business Analysts analyses a company or industry, records its operations, systems, and procedures, and evaluates the business model and how it integrates with technology. INR 3.5 LPA

ACCA: Top Recruiters

Here is a list of the top recruiters that hire ACCA course graduates:

  • Ernst & Young (EY)
  • Deloitte
  • Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG)
  • Pricewaterhousecoopers (PwC)
  • Grant Thornton
  • BDO

Conclusion

In addition to being an accountant, an ACCA professional can operate as a management consultant, financial planner, and in other roles. Aspects of Chartered Accountancy including Accounting, Financial Reporting, Auditing, Taxation, Business Finance, and Financial Management are covered in the ACCA course.

For ACCA Courses, you can also get in touch with Lecture Kharido. You can get their lectures at the lowest costs. Additionally, they offer live classes and Google Drive with the finest discounts and India’s top professors. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the fullform of ACCA ?

The official name of the international accounting organisation that grants the “Certified Chartered Accountant” designation is Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

2. What is ACCA?

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants is referred to as ACCA. Aspects of chartered accountancy such accounting, auditing, financial reporting, taxation, business finance, and financial management are covered in the 13 exams that make up the ACCA programme.

3. What is ACCA qualification?

For those interested in finance, the ACCA certification is the most esteemed and widely recognised certification. It equips students with the information, abilities, and morals necessary for fulfilling careers in accountancy and finance.

4. What is the eligibility criteria for ACCA ?

According to the ACCA eligibility requirements, applicants must be at least 18 years old, have finished the 10+2, and have an overall grade point average of 65% in Math/Accounts and English and 50% in all other disciplines.

5. What is ACCA salary?

The average ACCA pay in India is 8 LPA, and it can go up according on your experience and level of skill.

6. How many papers are in ACCA?

The 13 tests of the ACCA course are broken down into Knowledge, Skills, and Professional exam levels.

7. Is ACCA worth it?

Yes. Accounting professionals who want to enhance their careers in the field should take the ACCA tests. Employers all across the globe value the ACCA certification since it is a globally recognised credential. The best firms, including EY, Deloitte, and KPMG, employ ACCA-qualified applicants. Therefore, taking the ACCA professional examinations is a smart option to advance your accounting and finance career.

8. Is ACCA hard?

Yes, ACCA tests are difficult and demanding, but this is what gives the certification a high level of respect around the globe. Employers are aware of the level of commitment and seriousness needed from applicants to get the qualification, which shows how dedicated you are to your line of work.

9. Which is better CPA or ACCA?

On a global basis, ACCA and CPA are both quite well-known. Students can choose which is a better alternative for them based on their future plans, background, job interests, jurisdiction, chosen nation, and other important aspects.

10. Can I do MBA and ACCA together ?

Yes, you can combine your MBA studies with an ACCA course. In fact, ACCA preparation combined with may enable students to hone their managerial abilities as well. Students can therefore broaden their employment options to include commercial management and executive positions.

11. Does ACCA have scope in India?

Yes. The scope of ACCA is expanding quickly in India. Professionals with an ACCA degree are getting high-profile jobs abroad and being hired by MNCs in India. Candidates who are ACCA qualified have a variety of professional opportunities both domestically and abroad.

12. Is ACCA a certificate or degree?

A professional degree that is acknowledged all around the world is the ACCA. It is offered by a company that has a long history of dependable service and is well-known on a global level. ACCA Certificates are awarded at official convocation ceremonies that take place all around the world.

13. What are the 13 subjects in ACCA?

Business accounting, management accounting, financial accounting and management, corporate and business law, performance management and analysis, taxation, financial reporting, audit, and assurance are some of the advanced topics covered by ACCA courses.

14. Can I finish ACCA in 2 years ?

Yes. All ACCA tests can be passed in two years. The ACCA holds four exam sessions each year. A maximum of four exams per session are allowed, for a total of eight exams per year. As a result, passing all of the ACCA exams in two years is feasible.

15. How often are ACCA exams conducted?

Exams F1, F2, F3, and F4 are popular and can be taken at any time during the year. Four times a year, in the months of March, June, September, and December, tests for grades F5 to P7 are given.

16. How many exams can a candidate take in each session?

Students are allowed to take a maximum of 4 tests over the course of an academic year, dispersed over a maximum of 8 separate exam cycles. Any mix of computer-based and paper-based tests is available to students.

17. How many exemptions can one get for ACCA exams ?

A maximum of nine applied knowledge and applied skills tests can be granted, according to ACCA global. For the strategic professional tests, there are no exceptions, though.

18. How many papers of ACCA are exempted after MBA?

Candidates are exempt from nine examinations, which make up the first two levels of the ACCA course, if they complete an MBA. For ACCA qualification, MBA applicants just need to show up for Professional Exams.

19. Is ACCA better than a degree?

Comparatively to a degree, ACCA covers advanced accounting techniques and methodologies. Furthermore, ACCA is superior to a degree because it is an internationally recognised professional accounting qualification.

20. Is ACCA a high paying job?

ACCA gives you the opportunity to make significant professional advancement whether or not your organisation is among the most well-known in the sector. Even as a recent ACCA graduate, you may count on earning between INR 4 and 6 LPA in compensation.

21. Is ACCA recognized in Canada?

Direct recognition of the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is not yet available in Canada. Prior to April 2021, CGA Canada and ACCA had a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), which permitted ACCA members to be admitted to CPA Ontario. The same did, however, expire in April 2021.