An ACCA qualification is ideal for those who are interested in working in accounting practice, as the qualification aims to prepare students for professional accounting practice and equips them with the skills and the knowledge that they will need to enter practice. However, the qualification is also suitable for those who want to work in a corporate environment, as the ACCA qualification provides a solid foundation in technical accounting and finance, and combines theory with practical experience.

How to obtain an ACCA qualification:

In order to become a fully qualified member of ACCA, there are 3 requirements:

1. Pass all 14 exams (unless you have been granted exemptions – you will then have fewer exams to complete).

2. Complete the compulsory module in Professional Ethics.

3. Fulfil the Practical Experience Requirement (PER).

Structure of the ACCA qualification:

The ACCA qualification is set out as follows:

It is possible for students to be granted exemptions from up to 9 of the Fundamentals exams, but no exemptions will be granted at the Professional level. You can apply for exemptions if you have previously obtained qualifications that are relevant to the topics covered in the ACCA exams.

The Practical Experience Requirement:

In order to obtain your ACCA qualification, you need to gain three years of relevant work experience. During this time, you will need to keep a record of what you have learned and achieved, and you will need to achieve 13 of the performance objectives listed below. You need to achieve all of the “Essentials” objectives as well as four of the “Options” objectives. The purpose behind the performance objectives is to give you a good idea of what you are expected to be able to do and what you are supposed to learn while you are doing your practical training. It also sets a standard that needs to be maintained by all who earn the ACCA qualification.

The Performance Objectives for the PER are as follows:

ESSENTIALS:

• Professionalism, Ethics and Governance

  • Demonstrate the application of professional ethics, values and judgment

  • Contribute to the effective governance of an organisation

  • Raise awareness of non-financial risk

• Personal Effectiveness

  • Manage self

  • Communicate effectively

  • Use information and communications technology

• Business Management

  • Manage ongoing activities in your area of responsibility

  • Improve departmental performance

  • Manage an assignment

OPTIONS:

• Financial Accounting and Reporting

  • Prepare financial statements for external purposes

  • Interpret financial transactions and financial statements

• Performance Measurement and Management Accounting

  • Prepare financial information for management

  • Contribute to budget planning and production

  • Monitor and control budgets

• Finance and Financial Management

  • Evaluate potential business/investment opportunities and the required finance options

  • Manage cash using active cash management and treasury systems

• Audit and Assurance

  • Prepare for and collect evidence for audit

  • Evaluate and report on audit

• Taxation

  • Evaluate and compute taxes payable

  • Assist with tax planning

ACCA | CIMA

Last updated: December 13th, 2016