The ACCA Qualification equips financial professionals with the technical expertise, ethical foundation and international reputation to work in more than 180 countries. As one of the world’s most renowned credentials, it not only confirms your expertise in accountancy, finance and ethics but also links you with a network of 227,000 members and 544,000 students around the world. Whether you want to work for a Big 4 firm in London, counsel multinationals in Dubai or oversee treasury in Sydney, an ACCA offers the reputation and adaptability to achieve your goals.
Apart from exams, ACCA encourages a community dedicated to ongoing professional development. Through its online learning platform, global live events and local chapters, you stay up to date with regulatory changes, technological innovations and best practices. In a world where senior finance positions can command packages over ₹20 LPA, ACCA membership indicates to employers that you have the expertise and ethical rigour to produce high-value outcomes across borders.
What is the ACCA Qualification?
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants: International accounting body established in 1904.
- Syllabus: Three levels—Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, Strategic Professional.
- Practical Experience: 36 months supervised, recorded through ACCA’s PER tool.
- Ethics Module: Online Ethics & Professional Skills development.
- Recognition: Full practising rights in 180+ countries through mutual recognition agreements (MRAs).
What is the ACCA Qualification?
The ACCA Qualification is managed by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, a professional organisation founded in 1904 with its headquarters in London. The mission of ACCA is to promote the global finance profession through challenging exams, ethical behaviour and open learning routes. Students give 13 exams from basic accounting concepts to sophisticated strategic reporting and risk management. In addition to the exams, candidates undertake the Ethics and Professional Skills module—a self-study online module—and document 36 months’ on-the-job experience in audit, tax, financial management or consulting roles.
ACCA Eligibility 2025: Who May Register for ACCA?
To qualify for ACCA eligibility 2025, future students should select the best entry route:
School-leavers
Minimum three GCSEs and two A-Levels (or equivalent) in five distinct subjects, including Maths and English.
Degree graduates
Holders of recognised degrees may be granted exemptions for a maximum of 9 exams. Work out your exemptions using ACCA’s exemption calculator.
Mature students
No formal qualifications? Begin with the Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) diplomas, which map onto the core ACCA syllabus.
English proficiency
If earlier education was not taught in English, confirmation of competence (IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent) is necessary.
Minimum age
You are required to be at least 16 years old on the day of your first exam entry.
ACCA Course Prerequisites and Routes
The ACCA Qualification consists of five core elements:
Applied Knowledge (3 papers)
- Business and Technology
- Management Accounting
- Financial Accounting
Applied Skills (6 papers)
- Corporate and Business Law
- Performance Management
- Taxation
- Financial Reporting
- Audit and Assurance
- Financial Management
Strategic Professional
- Compulsory: Strategic Business Leader; Strategic Business Reporting
- Options: Take two from Advanced Financial Management, Advanced Performance Management, Advanced Taxation or Advanced Audit and Assurance
Ethics and Professional Skills module
A dynamic online module, encompassing ethical decision-making, leadership, communication and stakeholder management.
Practical Experience Requirement (PER)
36 months of qualifying work experience recorded and signed off by managers.
Numerous universities collaborate with ACCA to offer bundled degree programmes, allowing you to study for a BSc in Accounting while taking four ACCA exams, thus cutting overall time to qualification.
Global Recognition of ACCA: ACCA Certification Global Value
The international acceptance of ACCA arises from its MRAs with national accountancy organisations:
CPA Australia: Waiver from membership.
CPA Canada: Membership direct entry following qualification by ACCA.
ICAEW (England & Wales): Associate membership for ACCA members.
ICAS (Scotland): Reciprocal membership schemes.
This extensive network allows you to register locally, abide by audit rules and practice with full authority in jurisdictions in Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East.
Work Overseas with ACCA: ACCA International Opportunities
Working overseas with ACCA provides access to career opportunities in audit, tax, advisory, risk management, consulting, and treasury. The main benefits are:
- Simple local registration in 180+ countries through MRAs.
- Improved visa applications: Acknowledged professional status enhances work visas and immigration matters.
- Exclusive career portal: View ACCA’s international job board, including positions with established employers.
- Continuous Professional Development: Participate in webinars, conferences and seminars across the world to achieve 40 CPD hours per year.
ACCA Jobs Overseas and Countries that Accept ACCA
The following is a summary of countries that accept ACCA and its corresponding practice rights:
| Region | Recognition Status | Notes |
| United Kingdom | Full chartered status | Audit and practice rights under UK rules |
| Middle East | Broad recognition | MRAs in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar |
| Asia Pacific | Registered accountant status | Agreements with Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore |
| Africa | Exemptions and MRAs | South Africa, Nigeria reciprocal recognition |
| Americas | State-by-state approach | US CPA reciprocity differs by state |
Senior finance positions and Big 4 roles can command packages over ₹20 LPA, demonstrating the premium value of the ACCA Qualification.
A Fresh Perspective: The Remote-Ready Accountant
In today’s digital economy, finance functions are increasingly becoming virtual. As a remote-ready accountant, you can:
- Work with international audit teams that work remotely online.
- Provide online management accounting services to time-zone-based clients.
- Oversee digital transformation initiatives, where RPA and data analytics are applied to finance.
ACCA’s dynamic syllabus features courses in digital technologies and sustainability reporting, keeping you ahead in hybrid and remote settings.
How to Apply for the ACCA Qualification with Imarticus Learning
Imarticus Learning’s ACCA program, licensed as an authorised prep provider by ACCA UK, provides a structured route:
Online Registration
Go to https://imarticus.org/association-of-chartered-certified-accountants-uk/ and fill out the form.
Eligibility Submission
Upload academic certificates and English proficiency proof.
Fee Payment
Pay the registration fee for ACCA (£89) and the initial exam fee.
Batch Selection
Select flexible weekend or weekday evening batches, live online or face-to-face through Imarticus centres.
Learning & Mentorship
Get exclusive mentors, mock exams and customised feedback.
Exam Booking & Preparation
Utilise ACCA’s Exam Planner to book papers; work on the Ethics module at the same time.
Practical Experience Recording
Log PER entries on ACCA’s online portal; receive instructions from workplace managers.
Apply today to start a finance career that can move around the world with ACCA Course
PER overview
Frequently Asked Questions
What sets ACCA apart from other accounting bodies?
ACCA’s global breadth, coupled with flexible entry points and an emphasis on ethics, differentiates it from qualifications targeted at regions.
How long does it usually take to qualify?
Most finish all exams and practical experience in 3–4 years, though exemptions and study pace impact this.
Can I work full-time and study?
Yes. ACCA’s modular approach and Imarticus Learning’s flexible timing cater to busy professionals.
Are scholarships or funding available?
Yes. Numerous local ACCA chapters, schools and private sponsors offer scholarships; contact your regional office and Imarticus.
How many times can I sit exams?
Applied levels are issued quarterly; Strategic Professional papers are issued twice a year (June and December).
What practical experience do I need?
At least 36 months in applicable jobs, evidenced through ACCA’s PER tool, signed off by an employer mentor.
Is remote learning accepted?
Yes—ACCA supports live-online, recorded and blended learning formats, to provide wide access.
How do I retain ACCA membership?
Complete 40 CPD hours annually and renew your yearly subscription.
Can members of ACCA specialise?
Yes. Choose optional Strategic Professional papers (e.g. Advanced Taxation) based on your career aspirations.
Where can I access ACCA job opportunities abroad?
Use the ACCA careers portal, LinkedIn, and international finance job boards like Indeed and Glassdoor.
Conclusion
Getting the ACCA Certification is a life-changing move towards a career in global finance. You acquire recognised knowledge, get high-grade salary jobs and have unmatched mobility in 180+ countries. From aspiring auditor to CFO roles, ACCA’s flexible routes, ethics focus, and digital emphasis prepare you for the future of finance.
Key Takeaways
- Global Mobility: ACCA is accepted in over 180 countries, facilitating seamless career transitions.
- Flexible Pathways: Several entry points, exceptions, and blended learning streamline qualification.
- Premium Value: Senior positions, particularly in the Big 4, can fetch packages of over ₹20 LPA.
Ready to take your career to the next level? Enroll in the Imarticus Learning ACCA Certification Preparation program today.