ACCA After B.Com: Eligibility, Exemptions, Course Duration & Jobs

If you have completed BCom and are looking for a professional accounting course. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a better choice for you. The ACCA is a globally recognised professional course that leads you to better career opportunities in accounting, finance, and auditing.

What is ACCA?

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a globally accepted professional course in over 180 countries. The ACCAs are the most forward-thinking accounting professionals. The course equips students with in-depth knowledge of accounting, taxation, auditing, financial management, and business laws. 

ACCA provides a student with the skill and expertise to become a Global Chartered Accountant. The ACCA-qualified professional can work in various job roles, like accounting, advisory, auditing, management consulting, taxation, corporate finance, investment banking, and so on. ACCA members can also set up their own consultancy or work as independent financial advisors.

ACCA Exemptions After B.Com

The biggest advantage of studying ACCA after B.Com is that you get exemptions from some ACCA papers. B.Com covers fundamental accounting and finance subjects, and ACCA allows you to skip certain exams. After completing B.Com, you can get up to 5 exemptions from the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills level papers, depending on your university and syllabus.

The exemption papers are:

1. Business and Technology (BT)
2. Management Accounting (MA)
3. Financial Accounting (FA)
4. Corporate and Business Law (LW) (in some cases)
5. Taxation (TX) (in some cases)

This means you have a limited number of exams to clear, reducing your workload and time required to complete ACCA.

Eligibility Criteria for ACCA Post-B.Com

To register for ACCA after completing B.Com, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Minimum Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Educational Qualification:  B.Com degree from a certified university.
• English Fluency: Since ACCA is an international qualification, good fluency in English is required.
• Registration with ACCA: You need to register with ACCA through their official website and pay the required fees.

Duration of ACCA Course After B.Com

The duration of the ACCA course after B.Com depends on the number of exemptions you receive and how quickly you clear the exams. If you get 5 exemptions, you will have to pass 8 exams. On average, students take 2-3 years to complete ACCA after B.Com. The ACCA exams are conducted four times a year (March, June, September, and December), allowing flexibility in scheduling. You can study ACCA while working or following other studies, making it a convenient qualification.

Advantages of Pursuing ACCA After B.Com

Choosing ACCA after B.Com gives you multiple benefits that can advance your career prospects

1. Global Recognition

ACCA is accepted globally in over 180 countries, making it an exceptional qualification if you want to work abroad or in multinational companies.

2. Exemptions that Save Time and Effort

As a B.Com graduate, you can skip up to 5 exams, allowing you to complete ACCA faster than students from non-commerce backgrounds.

3. Wide Career Opportunities

With an ACCA qualification, you can work in diverse industries such as banking, financial services, audit firms, taxation, and consultancy. ACCA professionals are in high demand worldwide.

4. Higher Salary Packages

Employers highly value ACCA members, and they will get better salary packages compared to regular B.Com graduates.

5. Flexibility in Learning

ACCA allows you to study at your own speed. You can choose to study part-time while working or doing other courses.

6. Professional Development

ACCA provides you with practical skills, ethical knowledge, and critical thinking, which are essential for a successful career in accounting and finance.

7. Pathway to Further Qualifications

After completing ACCA, you can study additional certifications like CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), CPA (Certified Public Accountant), or MBA in Finance, further enhancing your qualification.

Conclusion

Pursuing ACCA after B.Com is a better decision if you want to build a valuable career in accounting and finance. With global recognition, exemptions, flexibility, and strong career prospects, ACCA gives you a lead in the competitive job market. If you are passionate about finance and accounting, this qualification can take you to better professional growth.

If you are a B.Com graduate wondering about your next career move, ACCA could be the perfect choice for you. Start your ACCA journey today and open doors to global career opportunities.

1. How many ACCA papers do I need to complete after B.Com?

After B.Com, you may need to complete as few as 4 papers if you get the maximum exemptions.

2. Can I do ACCA while working?

Yes, ACCA offers flexible study options so you can balance work and studies easily.

3. Is ACCA better than an MBA?

Both have different benefits. ACCA specialises in finance and accounting certification, while MBA covers a broader business perspective. If you want a career in finance and accounting, ACCA is a better option for you.

4. How do I check my ACCA exemptions?

By using the Exemptions Calculator, you can check your exemptions on the official ACCA website.

5. Is ACCA difficult to pass?

ACCA requires dedication, but with proper study planning, it is manageable, especially if you have a background in commerce.

6. When can I start ACCA after B.Com?

You can register for ACCA immediately after completing B.Com and start preparing for the exams.