What is ACCA? A Complete Guide for Aspiring Finance and Accounting Professionals 

Have you ever dreamed about launching a finance or accounting career with job prospects that are not only in India but also in other countries? The ACCA qualification could be your ideal starting point. 

The ACCA is a professional accounting body that the UK government recognizes worldwide having over 241,000 members and 542,000 students in 180+ countries. 

One of the best ways to complete ACCA alongside your degree in India is through BCom (Professional) with ACCA provided by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) via Online Manipal. This joint program enables learners to receive a UGC-approved degree while studying for ACCA with a maximum of 9 paper exemptions, thus facilitating the journey to global certification faster and more cost-effective. 

ACCA Full Form and Benefits 

ACCA Full Form: Association of Chartered Certified Accountants 

ACCA is much more than just a certification, it’s a professional passport to global career opportunities. 

Key Benefits of ACCA 

• Global Recognition – The Universally Recognized in 180+ countries, that include the UK, Canada, Australia, UAE, and Singapore. 

• Diverse Career Opportunities – Sets you up for positions in auditing, taxation, financial analysis, consulting, and management accounting. 

• Industry-Relevant Curriculum – Provides in-depth knowledge of IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards), ethics, law, and taxation, and also advanced management topics. 

• Flexibility – Exams are offered quarterly, and you can attempt them at your own pace. 

• Exemptions – Students with a background in commerce and those who are undertaking certain degrees can get up to 9 papers exemption if they apply. 

• High Earning Potential – ACCA experts are highly sought after among the consulting firms of the Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) and multinational corporations. 

Tip: It can be an inexpensive way to get most of the ACCA syllabus done during the BCom (Professional) degree by integrating with an ACCA program through Online Manipal. 

Who Should Pursue ACCA? 

The ACCA course is ideal for: 

• Commerce students whose primary intention is to carry out a professional qualification besides their degree. 

• BCom graduates who are aiming at getting accounting, finance, or auditing jobs. 

• Finance industry professionals with the focus on updating their skills and have the opportunity of a career at the global level. 

• CA candidates that accept a globally recognized alternative or complement to the CA qualification. 

• Students who dream of working abroad in the finance, accounting, or management fields. 

ACCA Exam Structure 

The ACCA qualification consists of 13 papers, divided into three levels: 

Level	Papers	Description
Applied Knowledge	– Business and Technology (BT)   – Management Accounting (MA)   – Financial Accounting (FA)	Builds a foundation in business and accounting principles.
Applied Skills	– Corporate and Business Law (LW)   – Performance Management (PM)   – Taxation (TX)   – Financial Reporting (FR)   – Audit and Assurance (AA)   – Financial Management (FM)	Develops technical skills for accounting and business roles.
Strategic Professional	Essentials:   – Strategic Business Leader (SBL)   – Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)   Options (choose any two):   – Advanced Financial Management (AFM)   – Advanced Performance Management (APM)   – Advanced Taxation (ATX)   – Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)	Focuses on strategic decision-making and leadership skills.

Pass Criteria: Minimum 50% in each paper. Exams are computer-based and held quarterly. 

ACCA Course Duration in India 

The ACCA course timeline in India is typically 3–4 years, and it can vary based on the previous qualifications: 

• After 12th: Approximately 3 years (can also be done alongside a BCom degree). 

• Graduates in Commerce: Approximately 2 years (due to exemptions). 

• Students enrolled in the BCom (Professional) with ACCA program at Online Manipal complete the degree and cover 9 ACCA papers during the program by reducing the study time 

ACCA Eligibility Criteria 

To enroll for ACCA in India, you must meet the following requirements: 

For 12th Pass Students 

• Minimum 65% marks in Accounts/Mathematics and English. 

• At least 50% marks in other subjects. 

For Graduates 

• A degree in commerce or a related field from a recognized university. 

• Eligible for up to 9 exemptions depending on your degree. 

Other Pathways 

• Students who don’t meet the criteria can start with the Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) route. 

Open Doors to Opportunities Worldwide 

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification is well known and trusted all over the world and hence a perfect option for students who dream of working in the finance and accounting sectors across the globe. 

Globally Accepted Qualification 

• Accepted in 182 countries worldwide 

• Offers unmatched mobility and credibility for finance professionals 

Fully Recognized (Ideal for employment, practice, and regulatory roles)	Recognized & Approved for Key Roles (Particularly suited for accountancy and auditing careers)	Partially Recognized (May require additional certifications or approvals)	Recognition in the United States
United Kingdom  European Union Member States  Australia  New Zealand  Middle East & Gulf Countries	South Asian Countries   Southeast Asian Nations	Select African Countries  Russia  Turkey  Japan  Central and South American Nations	Widely recognized by major employers State-specific licensing requirements may apply for practicing as a CPA or similar roles

Job Roles and Industries 

Key Job Roles	Industries Hiring ACCA Professionals
Corporate Finance Manager	Professional Services
Pricing Analyst	Banking and Financial Services
Financial Accountant	Public Sector
Cost Accountant	Retail
Financial Reporting Manager	Media
Financial Analyst	Telecommunication
Financial Planning & Budgeting Manager	Transport, Travel and Leisure
Tax Consultant	Engineering, Manufacturing, and Exploration
Chartered Advisor	Information Technology
Managing Director	Logistics and Supply Chain
CEO	Legal and Compliance Services
CFO	Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

Why Opt for Online Manipal’s BCom (Professional) with ACCA? 

Online Manipal’s BCom (Professional) integrated with ACCA is the best course to take if you want a degree program that goes way beyond the traditional commerce education. 

This program is offered by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) which is a perfect blend of academic excellence and professional credentials from global markets. 

You will get the 9 paper exemptions from ACCA that cover both (Applied Knowledge + Applied Skills), while the course of study also prepares you for the 4 Strategic Professional papers—ACCA all within your degree. 

ACCA-approved study materials, expert trainer-led sessions and flexible online keep you on study while work and family commitments are still around. 

On the one hand, affordable fees, EMI options, and a dedicated placement team are ready to help, and on the other hand, a globally recognized qualification that prepares you for high-demand finance careers in India and abroad is the perfect combination. 

Final Thoughts 

The ACCA credential is a guarantee of your international career in the areas of accounting, finance, and management. You can quickly complete your journey by picking a BCom (Professional) with ACCA from Online Manipal ( MAHE)—getting a degree, applying for exemptions, and getting ready for the last papers all in one course. This is not only a time and money saver but also provides you with a competitive edge in job markets at home and abroad.