What is ACCA?

what is acca

ACCA stands for ‘Association of Chartered Certified Accountants’, a global body of successful professionals in the finance and accounting field. The organisation has over half a million members and students in 170 countries around the world, and it only continues to grow.

ACCA Eligibility Criteria 

  • Students must have passed their 10+2 exams with an overall score of 65% in Mathematics/Accounts and English, and a minimum of 50% in other courses, in order to be eligible to register for the ACCA qualification.
  • Students who have recently passed their class 10 exams or who do not meet the requirements listed above can still sign up for the ACCA Course via the Foundation in Accountancy (FIA) route.

Advantages of an ACCA Accreditation

Acquiring an ACCA accreditation gives you a lot of advantages and perks in your career. Being a member of the esteemed organization can provide you with the following:

  • Opportunities for senior roles – being an ACCA member means that you’re qualified for advanced roles in the financial and accounting industry.
  • Updated skills – Getting an ACCA qualification enables you to learn the latest skills and competencies relevant to your field.
  • Prestigious academic accolades – You can also earn degrees from prestigious institutions while being an ACCA member.
  • An extensive alumni network – Be exposed to a worldwide network of ACCA alums of over 200,000 members.
  • Established international recognition – Gain access to job opportunities in over 180 markets and recognition from 80 international bodies.
  • Best rates – Enjoy affordable educational packages from various institutes across the globe.

Professionals with an ACCA qualification are highly sought-after by employers because the certificate represents integrity, business acumen, and financial knowledge – all of which are valuable traits for any company. It is also recognised by the European Union and the United Nations, so this certificate can help you travel all over the world.

ACCA Syllabus

There are a total of 13 papers that you must complete. There are up to nine papers in the Fundamentals level and four papers for the Strategic Professional level.

The 9 papers in the Fundamentals level include:

  1.  Accountant in Business
  2.  Management Accounting
  3.  Financial Accounting
  4.  Corporate and Business Law
  5.  Performance Management
  6.  Taxation
  7.  Financial Reporting
  8.  Audit and Assurance
  9.  Financial Management

The two required papers for the Strategic Professional level include:

  1.  Strategic Business Reporting
  2.  Strategic Business Leader

While the choices for the other two optional papers are:

  1.  Advanced Financial Management
  2.  Advanced Performance Management
  3.  Advanced Taxation
  4.  Advanced Audit and Assurance

The following order must be followed when taking the exams:

Applied Knowledge > Applied Skills > Strategic Professional (Essentials + Options)

To join their ranks, you need to take a series of written exams which prove you have a deep understanding of the accounting sector. The fourteen papers cover a range of topics, from business ethics and the law to technical subjects like auditing and financial reporting. They are split into four main areas: Knowledge, Skills, Essentials, and Options.

You can also study other subjects alongside your ACCA certificate. Many institutions who offer ACCA also allow you to combine it with a BSc or MSc in a similar subject, giving you a dual qualification at the end of your studies.

The exams are known to be tricky, but you have ten years to pass them all – and most people do it in under three years. With the right tutors and a focused mind, you can do it even quicker.

Once you’ve qualified, you’ll also gain a network of other accountancy professionals who can offer you support and advice throughout your studies and career, as well as forums and resources to help you progress.

An ACCA certificate is a fantastic asset to have on your Resume, and can open the door to a flourishing career in accountancy.

Career Opportunities Post-ACCA Qualification

ACCA Certifications provide a variety of opportunities in numerous organizations as the ACCA qualification is well known among multinational organizations, including the Big 4 accounting firms (Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers) and a significant number of captives/KPOs.

Your education will prepare you for a variety of responsibilities that can help you pursue prestigious corporate positions such as a CFO or CEO. You can also pursue a career in a variety of roles such as business advisor, management consultant, forensic accountant, and more.

FAQ:

  1.  How many papers can a student finish per session?
    Students are permitted to take a total of 4 tests at the most within each exam cycle per year.
  2.  How much would it cost me to take an ACCA qualification exam?
    For an accurate estimate, please visit the ACCA website here.
  3.  Is it advisable to pursue ACCA in Canada?
    Yes. Canada is abounding in ACCA-related career opportunities and institutions like TSoM, which provide excellent preparatory courses, to help you capitalize on the demand for ACCA-accredited professionals.
  4.  Can I take the examinations in any order?
    The ACCA examinations must be taken in the following order: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, Strategic Professional.
  5.  How much does a preparatory course for ACCA cost?
    For 2023, tuition fees for TSoM’s Preparatory Course for ACCA Examinations are $18,350 CAD. For a more specific cost breakdown, send an email to [email protected].

Why Choose TSoM as Your ACCA Preparation Provider?

TSoM holds the distinguished status of ACCA Gold Learning Partner. To be recognized as a Gold Learning Partner, institutes must adhere to ACCA’s rigorous performance criteria, which includes mock exams, facilities, instructors, and student reviews. This level of approval signifies TSoM’s ability to meet the ACCA’s global best practice benchmarks relating to institution management, course delivery, and student support.

You can also enjoy these benefits while studying at TSoM:

  • Experienced instructors
  • 24/7 online support
  • Academic route to a Bachelor of Science in Applied Accounting with Oxford Brookes University
  • Pathway to University Canada West’s (UCW) MBA program (terms and conditions apply)
  • Free ACCA paper re-sit

For more information about our Preparatory Course for ACCA Examination, click here.

At the Toronto School of Management, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve success with industry-relevant education. See how we can help you begin your journey to ACCA with our Preparatory Course for ACCA Examination.

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