What is ACCA?
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a globally recognized professional accounting body offering the Chartered Certified Accountant qualification. Founded in the UK, it has a strong reputation worldwide and is recognized in over 180 countries. ACCA focuses on developing a well-rounded finance professional with skills in accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management, preparing them for a wide range of roles.
Course Details (2025)
The ACCA qualification is structured into three levels, which must be completed along with practical work experience:
- Applied Knowledge Level: This level covers the fundamentals of business and finance with three papers:
- Business and Technology (BT)
- Management Accounting (MA)
- Financial Accounting (FA)
- Applied Skills Level: This level builds upon foundational knowledge with six papers that cover more advanced skills:
- Corporate and Business Law (LW)
- Performance Management (PM)
- Taxation (TX)
- Financial Reporting (FR)
- Audit and Assurance (AA)
- Financial Management (FM)
- Strategic Professional Level: This final level includes four papers, two of which are compulsory and two are optional:
- Compulsory Papers:
- Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
- Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
- Optional Papers (Choose 2):
- Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
- Advanced Performance Management (APM)
- Advanced Taxation (ATX)
- Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
- Compulsory Papers:
To become an ACCA member, you must also complete a Practical Experience Requirement (PER) of 36 months (3 years) and an Ethics and Professional Skills Module. The qualification can typically be completed within 3 to 4 years.
Salary & Career Prospects (2025)
In Pakistan, the salary of an ACCA professional varies significantly based on their experience and industry. An ACCA affiliate in Pakistan can expect a starting salary ranging from PKR 90,000 to PKR 150,000 per month. With experience, individuals can advance to senior management roles and earn significantly more.
Globally, ACCA’s recognition opens doors to careers in finance hubs like the UAE, UK, Singapore, and Canada, where annual salaries can range from $50,000 to $120,000. The demand for ACCA professionals is high across various sectors, including banking, telecommunications, and multinational corporations.
Comparison: ACCA vs. CA vs. CIMA vs. CFA
Choosing the right qualification depends on your career goals. Here’s a brief comparison of ACCA with other popular finance and accounting qualifications:
- ACCA: Ideal for those seeking a globally recognized qualification that provides a broad foundation in accounting, auditing, and financial management. Its flexibility in exams makes it accessible to a wide range of students.
- CA (Chartered Accountant): A country-specific qualification (e.g., administered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan – ICAP). It is highly regarded within its specific country, particularly for roles in auditing and taxation. It is often considered more challenging than ACCA but holds significant local prestige.
- CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants): This qualification focuses on management accounting and business strategy. It is best suited for those aspiring to work in corporate finance, business planning, and strategic decision-making roles.
- CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): The CFA program is the premier qualification for investment management professionals. It is a great choice for those interested in portfolio management, equity research, and investment banking.
