Choosing accountancy as a career is a strategic move for anyone who wants a job that will let them find a place in any industry and work anywhere in the world. Manufacturers, transport companies, logistics firms, advertising agencies, network operators — all types of enterprises — all operate using money and work to generate income.

Thus, all business organizations have finance functions, and where there are finance functions, there will always be a need for accountants and other finance professionals.

There are many possible paths toward a career in accountancy. However, one of the best is earning the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) professional designation.

ACCA is a professional accountancy qualification recognized worldwide. It's a sure way to advertise your credibility, broaden your career options and gain the opportunity to win a good finance and accounting role.

How to Earn the ACCA Designation

The ACCA qualification from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants is a professional accounting qualification earned after going through a rigorous program of study, passing multiple exams, and fulfilling strict work experience requirements. The ACCA program cultivates knowledgeable accounting professionals proficient in applied and strategic accounting.

There are multiple entry routes available depending on the candidate's educational background:

       Standard entry route: Requires at least three GCSEs and two A Levels in five subjects, including English and math. Post-16 completers, senior high school (Grade 12) graduates, and undergraduate-level students can use this route.

       Graduate entry route: You can enter the ACCA program directly if you have a bachelor's degree. Those who graduated with a relevant degree can receive exemptions for some modules, accelerating their qualification process.

       Foundations entry route: The foundations in accountancy entry route is designed for school leavers and anybody else who does not meet the minimum requirements for standard ACCA program entry. The foundation-level qualifications in this program are a stepping stone toward fulfilling the minimum requirements for entry into the ACCA program.

To earn the professional ACCA qualification, candidates must complete the following:

       The exams: Candidates must pass 13 exams unless they qualify for exemptions based on their academic background or professional experience.

       The ethics & professional skills module (EPSM):This module focuses on developing professional ethics, integrity and the soft skills any accountant needs. The EPSM helps candidates deal with ethical dilemmas and equips them with the demands of their profession.

       Practical experience requirement (PER): ACCA candidates must complete 36 months of relevant work experience in a finance-related role. This experience must be documented and verified by a qualified supervisor. This requirement ensures ACCA professionals have indeed developed and acquired the competencies required by the accounting profession.

The ACCA Modules

The theoretical part of the ACCA course, the part tested by sitting for exams, consists of 15 modules. These lessons are structured around three categories: applied knowledge, applied skills, and professional strategy.

The individual papers build on each other, helping ACCA program participants progress from foundational knowledge to strategic skills, developing and adding to their knowledge and expertise over time. Every module is marked by an exam to assess the candidates' understanding and practical abilities in real-world scenarios.

Applied Knowledge

The following are required applied knowledge modules:

       Business technology

       Management accounting

       Financial accounting

The required applied skills modules include the following:

       Corporate and business law

       Performance management

       Taxation

       Financial reporting

       Audit and assurance

       Financial management

Strategic Professional Essentials

The following are the required strategic professional essentials modules:

       Strategic business leader

       Strategic business reporting

Strategic Professional Options

There are four optional strategic professional modules. To complete the ACCA program, you must complete two of the following:

       Advanced financial management

       Advanced performance management

       Advanced taxation

       Advanced audit and assurance

Specializations, Diploma, and Enhanced Qualifications

The ACCA program allows candidates to specialize in financial management, performance management, taxation, and audit and assurance, as indicated by the choices in the strategic professional options category. This flexibility lets candidates tailor their learning paths to match their career aspirations.

Additionally, the path to ACCA provides a way to earn adjunct qualifications, which can further enhance employability and allow you to progress career-wise even before you reach the ultimate ACCA designation. These include:

       ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business: A regulated qualifications framework (RQF) Level 4 qualification, the diploma in accounting and business is awarded to candidates who successfully complete the three applied knowledge papers or exams and complete the foundations in professionalism module.

       Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business: After you complete all applied knowledge and applied skills exams – that's a total of nine papers – and the ethics & professional skills module, you can get the advanced diploma in accounting and business. It's essentially the ACCA qualification minus the four strategic professional exams and the professional experience requirement.

       BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting: Until May 2026, ACCA candidates who have passed all 13 exams and completed the ethics & professional skills module can submit a research and analysis project to earn an honors degree in applied accounting.

       MSc in Professional Accountancy: While working toward your ACCA, you may also get on the fast track to a master's degree in professional accountancy at the University of London.

ACCA: An Excellent Path to a Career in Accountancy

The ACCA qualification is a potential pathway for individuals who want a career in accountancy and finance. It's an excellent option because it lets you earn adjunct credentials and academic qualifications as you work towards your professional accountancy designation, and there's a way in, whatever your level.