If you’re thinking of pursuing a career in the fields of accounting and finance, the ACCA course would be perfect for you, which is globally renowned and highly respected among employers. It is absolutely essential to obtain a recognized qualification in order to demonstrate your knowledge and increase the chances of getting employed.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the ACCA course details, including its structure, requirements, timelines for completion and the benefits you can reap from qualifying for it. We’ll also explore potential careers and salaries associated with ACCA holders. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants exam consists of three levels–Knowledge(K), Skills(S), and Professional(P) – each comprising several papers that need to be cleared within a certain time frame in order to qualify. It usually takes between 18-24 months to complete all three levels depending on your speed. Once you complete the exam successfully, you gain access to various prized opportunities such as a prestigious job or start your own business.

ACCA Course Qualification – Overview

The ACCA course qualification is an internationally recognized professional certification in the fields of accounting and finance, designed to develop the skills and knowledge of individuals who are keen to pursue a career in these areas.

The qualifications are broken down into two levels; the Fundamentals level, which consists of nine papers covering topics such as financial reporting, performance management and taxation, and the Professional level consisting of five papers including advanced financial management, advanced performance management and advanced taxation. In addition to completing the examinations, candidates must also demonstrate a minimum of three years relevant work experience in order to be eligible for the ACCA course.

The time it typically takes to complete the ACCA course can vary depending on an individual’s study pace and schedule. Some may be able to finish it within two years, while others may need more time. The ACCA course offers flexibility when it comes to studying options with students able to pick between full-time, part-time or online formats. Additionally, they provide study materials such as textbooks and other study materials.

What is ACCA, Syllabus, Eligibility Criteria and Exemption for ACCA course?

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a globally renowned body of professional accountants, boasting an impressive 219,000 members and 517,000 students in 179 countries. Established in 1974, it has been granted a Royal Charter that commits it to acting in the public interest. To ensure the highest standards of learning and development are achieved, ACCA works through a network of 110 offices and centres and 7,571 Approved Employers worldwide as well as 328 approved learning providers.

The association has earned recognition for its statutory audit services in numerous countries including the UK, Ireland and Zimbabwe. In addition, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants holds recognition for tax purposes in Australia and South Africa. As part of its global mission to elevate the profession of accounting to new heights, ACCA is represented on key regional forums such as the ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA), the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants (CAPA), Accountancy Europe, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Caribbean (ICAC), the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA), and is a member of CCAB in the UK and Ireland.

ACCA Course Syllabus

The ACCA course is structured over four levels, with each level containing a number of Association of Chartered Certified Accountants exams. In total, there are 13 examinations that must be completed in order to gain the ACCA course qualification. 

Beginning at the Applied Knowledge level there are three examinations:  Accountant in Business (AB), Management Accounting (MA) and Financial Accounting (FA). 

The Applied Skills level follows on from this, consisting of six exams – Corporate and Business Law (LW), Performance Management (PM), Taxation (TX), Financial Reporting (FR), Audit and Assurance (AA) and Financial Management (FM). 

The next stage is the Strategic Professional level – here, two compulsory papers must be taken: Strategic Business Leader (SBL) and Strategic Business Reporting (SBR). Alongside these two papers, it is necessary to select four optional papers from a choice of Advanced Financial Management (AFM), Advanced Performance Management (APM), Advanced Taxation (ATX) or Advanced Audit and Assurance(AAA). 

On completion of all the required exams, an individual will be awarded with the ACCA course qualification.

ACCA Course Eligibility

To be eligible for ACCA course Qualification, beginning at the Knowledge level, applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements, which include being at least 16 years of age. Additionally, students must have achieved a minimum of 60% marks in English, Mathematics and Accountancy in Class 12th. 

Alternatively, individuals can start ACCA course after completing Foundation in Accountancy (FIA). Graduates from a recognized university who have obtained a degree in Commerce (BCOM, BBA, BMS etc.) or B.A/B.SC without any specific marks restriction are also eligible to join the ACCA course.

Furthermore, those pursuing CA Final Exams can gain more exemptions if they score 40 or more marks in the relevant subject. Moreover, those who have not qualified for CA IPCC Exams but received more than 40 marks in the relevant subject of their previous attempt are also eligible to avail additional exemptions.

Though it may seem daunting initially to pursue ACCA course due to its rigorous coursework and assessments; with proper time management and dedication it is possible to complete the program successfully and open many doors for professional growth in both personal and professional life.

ACCA Course Exemptions:

ACCA Course Exemptions are a great way to save time and money by allowing you to skip certain exams based on your current qualification. Depending on your educational background, the number of exams you need to take can vary drastically and so can the exemptions available. 

For example, if you have just passed 12th grade, then you will have to take all 13 ACCA exams with no exemptions; however, if you have a commerce degree then you can exempt 4 exams BT (Business Taxation), MA (Management Accounting), FA (Financial Accounting) and LW (Law). Similarly, if you are an IPCC qualified Chartered Accountant; then you will be able to exempt 5 exams including BT (Business Taxation), MA(Management Accounting), FA(Financial Accounting), TX(Taxation), AA(Audit & Assurance) etc. Lastly, if you are a CA qualified Chartered Accountant; then you will be able to exempt 9 exams.

It is important to note that while exemptions are great for reducing the number of exams one must take; they come at a cost as ACCA course charges an exemption fee for each exam exempted.

Why should I become an ACCA member?

Becoming an Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) member comes with a number of benefits, from having the highly sought-after letters ‘ACCA’ placed after your name to signify excellence and innovation to being recognised around the world. But these are not the only advantages that come with membership.

The benefits have been specifically designed to empower each member, both personally and professionally. From access to exclusive resources and events, to discounts on products and services, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants members are provided with a variety of opportunities to further their career prospects and personal development. Additionally, members can take advantage of all the support ACCA offers such as their mentoring scheme and tailored advice for accounting professionals. This is just one of the many reasons why individuals should become an ACCA member – so they can make the most out of their professional career.

The ACCA membership provides not only a great qualification to have under your belt, but also some extraordinary benefits that make it worthwhile for your personal and professional life. Here are some of the best things about being an ACCA member:

1 – International Opportunity: The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) offers many excellent advantages when you become a member. As an ACCA member, you can take advantage of international opportunities as the qualification is recognised globally by employers. With 188,000 members and 424,000 students in 170 countries, the ACCA membership is like having a passport to anywhere – 50% of employers surveyed rate it as the leading professional body in the world. As a result, you can work wherever you want, be it Blackpool or Belgium!

Furthermore, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has agreements with some highly respected accountancy bodies around the world. This includes the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada, The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, The Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants and The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore. These collaborations make it easier and more affordable for members to enjoy the benefits that these local organisations offer when they choose to explore international opportunities.

2 – Global Support: By joining the ACCA, you have access to one of the biggest online accountancy communities in the world. With over 500,000 ACCA students and members located across the globe, you will always have someone to reach out to for help and advice. The community is highly active on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, with regular updates from Association of Chartered Certified Accountants experts. 

3 – Shape Your Future: As an ACCA member, you are invited to contribute at regional and international levels. This provides you with a great opportunity to shape policies and help develop the accountancy industry. Furthermore, close relationships between Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and other membership bodies ensures that when members speak, they are heard. 

4 – Strengthen Professional Principles: In recent years there has been increased focus on accountability and corporate standards following financial scandals in the wake of recession. As an Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) member, you will have access to resources which will enable you to independently explore ethical judgements. Through their resource bank launch, members can benefit from a variety of articles, case studies, policies and even e-simulations which provide insight into how individual decisions can be impacted by peer pressure.

5 – Longevity and Security: 2020 has brought unprecedented setbacks and challenges to industries, but fortunately, accountancy is not one of them. In fact, with the world officially in recession and other countries on the brink, having an Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) membership can be a crucial step in helping people get back on their feet. Having the recognition as an experienced chartered accountant will help you stand out from the crowd to potential employers or clients and make a real difference. 

6 – Soar with ACCA: With an ACCA membership, you will have access to various resources that can help you soar in your accounting career. Whether you’re looking to work further afield or closer to home, being an Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) member can give you confidence

The ACCA membership comes with a host of perks, including a jam-packed calendar of events that are exclusively open to ACCA members. These events come in various forms, such as courses, round tables and ethics discussions – all providing invaluable insights into the field of accountancy. Networking opportunities are also available at these events, making them the perfect opportunity to meet other members and strengthen the community. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) also celebrates important milestones in its members’ professional lives by recognizing and acknowledging their accomplishments such as their membership and fellowship.

In addition to the events calendar, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) members also benefit from receiving a bi-monthly magazine called Accounting and Business which contains up-to-date news related to accountancy along with advice on critical issues and articles about CPDs (Continuing Professional Development) and careers. This magazine is well regarded in the professional world as 66% of readers agree it is superior to other publications. As an extra bonus, ACCA also send out a weekly e-bulletin called AB Direct which contains even more news related to accountancy from around the world.

Why should I study ACCA Course?

Below are the 8 reasons why you should study ACCA course

1. Find support wherever you are

The ACCA course has a comprehensive, far-reaching infrastructure that is available in numerous countries worldwide. This means aspiring finance professionals can access the qualification and resources needed to succeed, right in their own home country.

In addition, this vast global network of members provides an invaluable community of peers that can offer guidance, advice and support throughout the qualification process. While obtaining a professional qualification is undeniably challenging and stressful at times, having a supportive community of like-minded peers can make all the difference in overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

2. Access international opportunities

Obtaining an ACCA course qualification gives you access to an array of international career opportunities, as well as providing a powerful global network for your professional development. Whether you qualify in Nigeria, Malaysia or Zambia – or elsewhere – this opens the door to potentially pursuing a successful career path in any number of cities around the world; from London to New York, Tokyo

3. Build a better career

When it comes to building a better career and increasing your earning potential, the ACCA course is the ideal qualification for anyone aspiring to reach senior strategic leadership roles. The ACCA course is well-recognized by employers worldwide due to its ability to equip you with the skills, thinking and judgement required in the workplace. This means that having the ACCA course on your CV will undoubtedly boost your chances of landing your dream job and make you more attractive to employers. 

4. Financial Benefits

In terms of financial benefits, the cost of taking the Association of ACCA course exams will be more than offset by the increased salary you can command once qualified. While it won’t double, triple or quadruple your earnings overnight, an ACCA course qualification will definitely help you earn much more than you would without it. That’s why investing in this qualification is definitely worth it.

5. Flexibility for your studies

One of the major benefits of studying the ACCA course is its flexibility. You can choose to pursue full-time or part-time study, allowing you to fit the exams into your current lifestyle. Even with a busy schedule, you can make progress towards achieving your qualification and still have time for other activities. Furthermore, with ACCA course you have the option of studying in a classroom, using online materials, or picking options papers that align with your chosen career path. With all these choices available, you can find the best way to approach and complete your studies. 

6. Support from employers

Not only are employers aware of how important it is to obtain this qualification, they may even be willing to financially support their employees through their ACCA course exams. This means that they could cover some or all of the cost associated with attaining this qualification – making it a great option if money is an issue. Even when companies are unable to sponsor their employees, they will still provide emotional support on this journey – recognizing how beneficial this qualification can be for both individual and business success.

7. If you stop halfway, the ACCA course is still worth it

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) recognize that sometimes life can throw curveballs and individuals may not be able to complete the full qualification. Therefore, they have introduced milestone qualifications along the way so that students who start but then stop can still benefit from their efforts. Even if they do not attain the full qualification, they will have achieved diplomas which can enhance their career prospects.

For example, if a student passes the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills exams as well as their Ethics and Professional Skills module, they will gain an Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business. In other words, even if they decide to discontinue their studies or are unable to complete them due to changing circumstances, they have not wasted their time. 

8. You’ll feel great about yourself

Completing the ACCA course is a major accomplishment which should be celebrated! It shows that you are one of the elite accounting and finance professionals in the world who have put in the hard work and dedication needed to achieve something special. This feeling of accomplishment cannot be underestimated!

How much is the ACCA salary in India?

The remuneration for ACCA course certified professionals in India usually ranges from INR 4 lakhs to INR 10 lakhs per annum depending on the level of experience, expertise and qualifications. A fresher with an ACCA course certification can usually start at a salary of around INR 4 lakhs annually, while those with more experience and advanced qualifications may earn up to INR 10 lakhs or more per year. Additionally, the job profile and industry sector also plays a role in determining the salary for an ACCA professional in India.

How much will you earn after completing ACCA?

If you’re wondering whether an ACCA course qualification is worth it, one of the most important things to consider is the potential salary increase it can provide. To help you decide, let’s dive into the expected earnings after completing the ACCA course. 

The benefits of becoming a chartered accountant are undeniable; from higher salaries to enhanced CVs and professional respect, there is potential for long-term career growth and opportunities. But how much can you expect to earn with an ACCA course qualification?

We’ve looked at ACCA salary in the UK here, so exact figures might differ for you. However, the journey is similar in most places worldwide.

ACCA Salary Expectations

The salary of an Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) accountant can vary greatly depending on their location, the size of their employer and the type of organisation they work for. Generally speaking, a UK accountant’s salary can range anywhere from £25,000 or less to £100,000 or more. However, it is important to note that obtaining the ACCA course qualification itself does not automatically mean a large salary increase – rather it is through your continuing learning and development that you are able to add more value to your employer and therefore increase your salary accordingly. Becoming an accountant is a journey, with each milestone resulting in a further increase in your salary as you gain more knowledge and experience.

Those employed by larger firms such as the Big 4 tend to have higher salaries than those employed by smaller organisations such as SMEs, however this should not be considered a golden ticket to riches – it is only through hard work and dedication that you are able to progress in your career

ACCA Salary Milestones

Aspiring accountants can take heart in the fact that the ACCA course qualification offers a significant salary increase, albeit one that takes time and effort to achieve. According to Hays Accounting and Finance, entry-level accountants without ACCA course qualifications can expect a salary of £14,000+ in Wales and £24,000 in London. 

Robert Half conducted a survey of part-qualified accountants across Ireland and the UK and found salaries to range around £33,000 depending on location; Hays suggests this is closer to £31,000 for typical London-based part-qualified accountants but can reach up to £34,000. Upon achieving ACCA course qualification status, employers recognize employees’ up-to-date and advanced technical skills which is reflected in their salary.

Hays suggests ACCA course finalists based in London typically earn between £35,000 and £42,000. While progress from unqualified to fully qualified accountant may take several years to complete, the shift can nearly double an individual’s salary – making the ACCA course well worth it for aspiring accountants.

As your time in the accounting profession increases, you will begin to take on more responsibility and become more proficient in handling projects. Your evolving skillset may also open up the opportunity to mentor other younger accountants, all of which should be rewarded with a salary increase. Although it is difficult to give an accurate estimate due to the wide variety of employers, locations and roles, the Stott and May salary survey provides a helpful guideline. According to this survey, chartered accountants with two years of post-qualification experience typically earn an average of £48,000 plus bonuses.

Once you have garnered several years of experience in the field of accounting, you can expect to be handsomely rewarded for your expertise with a competitive salary commensurate with your skills and experience. This figure will depend on various factors such as your role, company, location and years of experience but could even reach beyond £100,000 for those at the top end of the industry. For instance, using the Robert Half Salary Calculator as a reference point reveals that an Internal Audit Manager working in London in a large company could potentially earn up to £102,900 while a Group Accountant in the same city could make between £60,600 and £97,400 depending on their employer.

Is ACCA course different from CA course?

Let’s explore the major differences between the ACCA course and the CA course to determine which one is better.

1. Course

The CA course is divided into three levels – Foundation, Intermediate and Final – and each of these levels has a specific curriculum. The Foundation course comprises 4 subjects, while the Intermediate and Final courses have 8 subjects each. The topics covered in this course are Accounting, Auditing, Indian Taxation, Finance and Company law.

On the other hand, the ACCA course consists of two levels – Fundamentals and Professionals. The Fundamentals level involves 9 papers while the Professional level covers 4 papers. This course majorly focuses on Accounting and Finance but also includes international laws from countries such as the UK, Singapore etc., which is not taught in the CA syllabus. Both courses require students to have cleared 10+2 examinations to be eligible for enrollment. 

2. ACCA course vs CA course Scope in India

The scope of a CA degree is limited to India and some other countries whereas an ACCA course can open up opportunities in more than 180 countries around the world.

3. Membership

After completing the CA Course, students become a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). Similarly, those who complete the ACCA course have the expertise to work in the areas of international accounting law and become members of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

4. Credibility 

Although both CA course and ACCA course are viewed as being at a similar level, a CA has more authority when it comes to signing off an audited balance sheet; something only a qualified Chartered Accountant is authorised to do.

5. ACCA vs CA Salary in India

The salary for a Chartered Accountant in India typically ranges from 8-9 lakhs per annum and can reach up to 50-60 lakhs per annum depending on experience. However, an ACCA qualified individual would normally earn around 6-7 lakhs per annum. 

6. Articleship Training 

Under ICAI regulations, all aspirants must clear at least 1 group of CA Inter exams before they can begin their articleship training period which lasts three years. Furthermore, they must complete this training period before being eligible to take the CA Final exams. On the other hand, ACCA course students have more flexibility when it comes to their training period which also lasts three years; they can start this before or after their course or even during it if desired by the student. 

7. Duration 

The duration required for someone to become a qualified Chartered Accountant is minimum 5 years if all exam levels are passed on the first attempt; however it usually takes 6-7 years for most people to complete the full course. In comparison, an Association of Chartered Certified Accountants student will usually take 2-3 years to finish their ACCA course as well as having to complete their three year training period too.

Which is Tougher Between ACCA Course and CA Course?

The debate of which course is tougher between the ACCA course and CA course is a highly contested one. While both courses require intense studying and dedication to pass, there are certain aspects which make the CA Course more difficult than its counterpart.

For starters, the passing percentage for the CA Course is much lower than that of ACCA course, making it an extremely challenging endeavour. As a result, students usually have to take multiple attempts before they are able to clear their exams, which significantly increases the duration of their studies.

However, this isn’t to say that doing the ACCA course is easy – far from it in fact. The curriculum, subjects and versatility of the course are still considered challenging by many who attempt it. The only main benefit offered by ACCA course is that students may be eligible for exemptions depending on their educational qualifications and if they fail a particular subject, they can simply retake that specific exam instead of having to redo all modules as with the CA Course. 

Furthermore, if you combine both courses together you will be highly sought after in top Indian Chartered Accounting firms due to your dual qualification; thus increasing your chances of selection for a job even more so than just having one or the other alone.

ACCA Course after CA Course

For those who have already completed their studies in Chartered Accountancy (CA), the ACCA course offers an excellent opportunity to further develop their skills and expertise. This course is highly advantageous as it recognizes all qualifications previously attained, including graduation, post-graduation, CA Inter and CA Final Qualification. 

In terms of exam papers, the total number of papers required for the ACCA course is 14. However, if a student is already a graduate or has passed CA Inter they must only sit 9 papers while those who are already a Chartered Accountant must appear in just 5 papers. This offers an ideal pathway for those looking to build upon their existing knowledge into a more comprehensive qualification.

In conclusion, these are the major differences between the CA and ACCA course. If a student is looking to work in India, then it is beneficial for them to pursue a CA course as this will provide them with the necessary skillset and qualifications to do so. However, if you are looking to work internationally or abroad, then we would highly recommend taking an ACCA course instead.

It is important to note that one can also opt for both courses; in this instance we suggest starting with the CA course first as it enables one to only have to give 5 papers rather than 14 papers after completion. This allows students to gain a wider range of skills and qualifications while also saving time and resources in the long run.

ACCA Course Duration, ACCA Subject List and ACCA Exam Centers in India

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Exam Pattern and Structure is comprised of two parts: Computer-based and Paper-based. The Computer-based Papers, from F1 to F9, are all composed of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Scenario-based questions. Specifically, Papers F1, F2, F3 and F4 involve two sections with 50 MCQs each for a total of 100% MCQs. For Papers from F5 to F9 the exam structure consists of 60% MCQs divided into two sections: Section A containing 2× 15 questions and Section B containing 3 scenario questions with 15 numbers each, along with 5 MCQs under each scenario. The remaining 40% is composed of Long Answer Questions which require answering a series of questions based on a given scenario. 

ACCA SBL paper comprises only a single question worth 100 marks which gets sub divided into various questions with varied marks. This is 100% scenario-based with Section A consisting of a case study worth 50 marks with 4-5 associated questions and Section B consisting of 3 cases worth 25 marks each, out of which candidates must answer two. 

The exams are conducted every March, June, September and December in a six-month cycle; in this time frame an individual can take four examinations or eight examinations in a year culminating to 13 examinations needed to qualify for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Exam Pattern and Structure.

On Demand And Regular CBEs

On-demand CBEs provide a convenient and flexible way of taking exams, as they can be taken at any time of the year. With this type of exam, you will receive your results immediately after completing it and it will be uploaded to your account within 72 hours. To book an on-demand CBE, you can contact an exam center directly to arrange a time and date that suits your schedule. ACCA course offers these types of exams for papers up to F4.

Regular CBEs are held every three months, with bookings made via our online booking system. Depending on the exam paper, you may be asked to use programs such as word processing, spreadsheet, or slide presentation tools – developing valuable skills to make yourself more employable in the future. For F5-P7 papers, ACCA conducts exams four times a year (March, June, September, and December). Additionally, both F5-F9 and the professional papers can be given in any order once you have completed the fundamental exams.

Quarterly Exams Plan

Planning for quarterly exams is an important part of preparing for professional level Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) papers. By studying one paper every three months, students have the opportunity to focus on one subject at a time. This can be especially beneficial when progressing to higher-level papers as some of these are harder or require a larger syllabus to be covered.

It is important to note that if students wish to have the optimum amount of time for preparation, they will need to start studying for their next paper before receiving their results from the most recent exam. In contrast, if students prefer to wait until they receive their results before beginning their studies, they will face a challenging seven weeks where intense study is required.

Creating a well-thought out study plan can help make this process easier and more efficient. To ensure success, it should include: 1) Studying little and often while focusing on both the available time and ACCA syllabus topics; 2) Limiting study sessions to around an hour in length which should cover recapping questions from previous sessions, learning new syllabus areas with simple illustrations and completing past paper questions; and 3) Allowing flexibility in expectations as rigidness or unrealistic goals can prove demotivating.

Professional Level Exams

The six papers in total which form the professional level exams of ACCA course consist of two strategic level papers (SBL, SBR) as compulsory elements and any two from four other papers (AFM, APM, ATX, AAA). Currently these exams are all paper-based.

ACCA Course Exam Registration

Registering for an Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Exam is a straightforward process. To get started, you must first find a centre that offers on-demand Computer-Based Exams (CBEs). It is important to book your examinations well in advance, as this will enable you to take advantage of lower fees. Once you have made the arrangements to take the exam directly at the CBE centre, you must pay the corresponding fee directly to the centre.

On the day of the exam, your identity will be verified by an invigilator and further checks will be conducted to ensure your eligibility. The invigilator will then read out their instructions before the exam commences. After completion of the exam, a provisional result will be displayed on screen, which will be transferred to your My ACCA records within 72 hours. 

If for any reason you need to make changes or cancellations to an exam booking after it has been made, this must be done before the standard entry deadline so that your exam fee is credited back into your account. Changes and cancellations made after this point are not permitted and no fee refunds can be issued.

Also, Accredited Learning Partners (ALPs) are invaluable resources for students preparing to take their exams. They help them determine if they are adequately prepared and can provide guidance on booking dates, as well as taking care of the booking process itself if needed. 

Exam Centers in India

In India, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) exams are held in a variety of cities across the country, including New Delhi, Chennai, Pune, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Ernakulam, Kannur, Secundarabad, Mumbai, Thane, Panchkula, Kochi, Calicut, Kottayam, Thrissur, Tirur Malappuram , Trivandrum , Andheri , Udaipur , Dehradun , Baroda , Hyderabad & Ahmedabad.

How Much is ACCA Course Fees?

The total cost of doing the ACCA course can vary depending on the country you study and your starting level. We break down the cost basis the educational background to give you a realistic estimate.

Break up of Cost is given as table for the following

• If you start after 12th
• If you start after B.com
• If you start after CA IPCC
• if you start after CA

Generally speaking, the cost will include 

• Initial registration and exemption fees
• Tuition and registration fees
• Study materials
• Exams and assessment fees

The costs will vary if you get exemptions from certain subjects. Exemptions help save time and effort in taking exams. If you are eligible for exemptions, you may need to pay exemption fees in place of exam fees. An approved partner can help save you costs on the exemption fees.

The below tables provide an approximate estimate of costs, starting from India, for four different levels of knowledge – Applied Skills, Strategic Professional and after 12th grade, B.com, IPCC and CA. Initial registration and exemption fees is applicable only for Applied Skills and Strategic Professional courses. 

For the course after 12th grade, the estimated course fees amount to INR 314,000 comprising of a 3K Initial Registration/Exemption Fees (applicable only for Applied Skills/Strategic Professional), 22K Tuitions and Study Materials, 26K Exams and Assessment Fees and 12K Other Fees. 

The estimated course fees for B.com amounts to INR 257,000 which includes a 9K Initial Registration/Exemption Fees (applicable only for Applied Skills/Strategic Professional), 38K Tuitions and Study Materials, 70K Exams and Assessment Fees and 13K Other Fees. 

The approximated cost of IPCC stands at INR 213,000 consisting of a 9K Initial Registration/Exemption Fees (applicable only for Applied Skills/Strategic Professional), 22K Tuitions and Study Materials, 42 K Exams and Assessment Fees and 13 K Other Fees. 

Finally the estimated course fees for CA amounts to INR 149,000 involving a 22 K Initial Registration/Exemption Fee (Strategic Professional), 32 K Tuitions & Study Materials , 75 K Exams & Assessment Fees & 20 K Other fees respectively.  

It should be noted that the exam & assessment fees & tuition fees have been assumed that you will pass the exams in one attempt.

What to do after ACCA Course?

After all the hard work of completing an ACCA course, you’ll likely be wondering what your next steps should be. Besides taking some time to celebrate, of course! This blog post outlines some potential options for those who have achieved their ACCA course qualification: from further studies to self-employment.

Continue Your Studies

For those with ambitions to reach the top, pursuing a master’s degree could be the ideal next step. An MBA focuses on business aspects and could land you a role such as Chief Financial Officer or Senior Financial Analyst. Alternatively, an MSC covers more maths, science and technology and can open up managerial or analyst roles. What’s more, there are even universities that offer combined law and accounting degrees – so if you want to combine two areas of expertise, this could be an ideal option for you. It’s worth bearing in mind that it is advisable to have a few years’ working experience before enrolling on courses like these.

CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)

If you’re looking to take your career further then it may be worth considering becoming CFA certified (Chartered Financial Analyst). This globally recognised qualification is very common amongst accountants who have completed an ACCA course and can lead to roles such as Asset Management, Risk Management, Consulting and Corporate Banking. 

Become Self Employed

The beauty of accounting roles is that they give you the freedom to work on your own terms – and with an Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification under your belt along with relevant experience, you can feel confident about setting up your own business and working in all kinds of industries around the world.

Work in Industry

With an Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification, you can open the door to a wide range of career options in the finance industry. Whether you want to work for a large corporate or a small business, these qualifications will give you the skills and recognition to start your job search. On average, an associate or accounts clerk with an ACCA qualification can expect to earn up to £23,000 per annum. With three to five years of experience, this salary can increase exponentially up to £90,000 per annum. 

When it comes to job titles, the opportunities are varied and depend on the company and role that you choose. Some positions available for Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualified professionals include Management Accountant, Financial Accountant, Corporate Treasurer, Financial Controller, Finance Manager, Fund Accountant, Finance Director, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Forensic Accountant, Auditor and Tax Specialist. 

Additionally, as a full ACCA member you will be able to use the letters after your name in 179 countries worldwide; this is a great way to demonstrate your professional credibility and experience wherever you choose to work. Furthermore by becoming a member of ACCA you also have access to CPD materials which help develop your professional skills further.

Still unsure about the best course of action for you? Weighing up your options is a great way to help you decide which path could be best suited to your needs, ambitions, and interests. To get started on this process, consider these three important questions:

1. Where do you realistically see yourself in 5 to 10 years time?
2. What topics and activities are you particularly passionate and/or curious about?
3. Do you want to gain expertise in the finance sector or would you prefer to try something completely different? 

Our advice is to take your time researching all of the options available to you and make sure that the decision you reach is one that will help set you up for success in both the short-term and long-term future. Keeping abreast of job market trends during your studies can also be highly beneficial in helping to determine which avenue may ultimately be right for you. Don’t forget that there is no rush; take a step back, take some deep breaths, and make sure that whatever route you choose, it’s one that really resonates with what it is that makes YOU truly happy.

If ACCA’s centre-based exams are something that interests you, then don’t forget to check out their 2023 exam timetable online.

Conclusion

To sum it up, I would highly recommend considering taking the ACCA course exam as it is a great way to open yourself up to various opportunities and career paths. Earning an ACCA qualification will demonstrate your professional competency in the areas of accounting, auditing, taxation and financial management.

Completing this certification is sure to make you a more desirable candidate for prospective employers and provides you with the ability to specialize in certain areas of accounting that you are passionate about. Furthermore, having an ACCA course certificate on your resume will give you an edge in the competitive job market.