Embarking on the journey to become an ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Affiliate is a significant and rewarding endeavor. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an aspiring accountant, the ACCA qualification can open doors to a world of opportunities in finance, audit, taxation, and more. To help you navigate this journey effectively, here’s a roadmap to becoming an ACCA Affiliate:
1. Eligibility Check:
It all begins with ensuring you meet ACCA’s eligibility criteria. Typically, this involves having a high school diploma or equivalent educational qualification. The flexible entry requirements of ACCA make it accessible to a wide range of individuals who,
- Have completed 10th and 12th grades
- Are pursuing or have completed an undergraduate degree
- Post-graduates
- Even employed professionals
At SOE Global, we’ll help you determine if you meet the basic requirements, making sure nothing stands between you and your ACCA dreams.
2. Register with ACCA:
Create Your Account:
Visit ACCA’s official website and create your MyACCA account. This step opens the door to a world of resources, exam registrations, and membership updates. Make the initial registration payment. This formalizes your status as an ACCA student member.
Exemptions Calculation:
Check if you’re eligible for exemptions based on your prior qualifications. ACCA may exempt you from certain exams if you’ve completed relevant degrees or certifications. You can use the ACCA Exemptions Calculator to get an accurate list of exemptions you are eligible for.
In order to benefit from exemptions in India, candidates are required to pay a nominal exemption fee. For each paper in the knowledge level, the fee amounts to 84 pounds, while for each paper in the skill level, it is 111 pounds. However, by registering through SOE Global, student’s exemption fee is reduced to ZERO.
For more information on exemptions, check out our blog – Understanding Exemptions in ACCA (India).
3. Plan Your Studies:
Understand the ACCA Structure:
Familiarize yourself with the ACCA qualification structure, consisting of Knowledge, Skills, and Professional levels. This understanding helps you map your journey.
Craft a Study Plan:
Create a personalized study plan that aligns with your schedule. ACCA offers various study options to cater to your unique learning style. Consider whether you’ll study independently, with a tuition provider, or through online resources like the ACCA Study Hub.
At SOE Global, our expert advisors will guide you to thoroughly understand the qualification structure. We’ll seamlessly assist you in crafting a personalized study plan that precisely aligns with your schedule and learning preferences.
4. Start with the Knowledge Level:
The Knowledge level comprises three foundational papers: Business and Technology, Management Accounting (MA), and Financial Accounting (FA). These papers provide a strong grounding in essential accounting and business concepts. Consider these papers as building blocks for your ACCA journey. They lay the groundwork for more advanced topics you’ll encounter later.
| Papers involved |
| Business & TechnologiesManagement AccountingFinancial Accounting |
As you kick off your studies, SOE Global provides comprehensive support at the Knowledge level. Our resources and experienced faculty will lay the groundwork for your journey with these papers.
5. Progress to the Skills Level:
The Skills level introduces you to more advanced topics by building on existing knowledge and understanding and developing strong, broad, and practical finance skills required of a future strategic professional accountant in any sector or industry.
| Papers involved |
| Corporate Business LawPerformance ManagementTaxationFinancial ReportingAudit & AssuranceFinancial Management |
6. Prepare for the Professional Level:
The professional level is divided into two modules: Essentials and Options.
(Essentials) Advanced Topics:
The Professional level involves more advanced topics. You’ll encounter papers such as Strategic Business Leader, and Strategic Business Reporting.
(Options)Specialization:
In the Options module, you have the flexibility to choose two papers from a list of four. Your choices should align with your career aspirations.
At this stage, you have the opportunity to specialize further by selecting two papers from a list of four, depending on your career goals. Your choices might include papers like Advanced Audit and Assurance (P7) or another specialization.
| Papers involved | |
| Essentials | Optional |
| Strategic Business LeaderStrategic Business Reporting | Advanced Financial ManagementAdvanced Performance ManagementAdvanced TaxationAdvance Audit & Assurance |
Remember, your choice of specialization should align with your career aspirations. Consider which area of accounting or finance you’re most passionate about and which is most relevant to your desired role.
7. Gain Practical Experience:
To become an ACCA Affiliate, you’ll need to gain three years of relevant work experience. This experience must be recorded and signed off by an ACCA-approved mentor. This Practical experience is where you apply the knowledge gained through your studies to real-world scenarios. You will work hand in hand with your peer professionals, and in India, ACCA students earn average salary packages up to Rs. 5 to 6 Lakhs per annum.
ACCA allows you the flexibility to start your PER anytime after completing your Knowledge level or after clearing all your ACCA papers. Your practical experience is the bridge between theory and real-world application. And if you are a student at SOE Global, you will be seamlessly connected with mentors and relevant working opportunities in top companies to fulfill your ACCA’s Practical Experience Requirement (PER). SOE Global will provide students with 100% placement assistance, ensuring they are well-prepared and supported on their PER journey.
8. Take the Ethics and Professional Skills Module:
The Ethics and Professional Skills Module prepares you for the workplace, emphasizing ethical conduct, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities. This module is essential to becoming an ACCA Affiliate. It focuses on enhancing your ethical and professional skills, which are crucial in the accounting and finance professions.
Along with the module, SOE Global’s state-of-the-art learning environment enhances your skills in ethics, communication, and problem-solving, preparing you for the workplace.
9. Pass Your Exams:
Prepare rigorously for all your ACCA exams at the Professional level. These exams test your knowledge and application of advanced accounting concepts. Passing your exams is a significant accomplishment on your ACCA journey. It signifies your readiness to take on challenging roles in the field of accounting.
10. Becoming an ACCA affiliate:
Once you’ve successfully passed your exams, you have achieved ACCA Affiliate status. This designation recognizes your commitment to the profession. Becoming an ACCA Affiliate is a significant milestone in your career. Take a moment to celebrate your hard work and dedication to reaching this point.
When you’re ready, SOE Global will guide you through the application for ACCA Membership status, recognizing your dedication to the profession.
11. Submit Your PER:
Ensure that all your practical experience is accurately recorded and signed off by your ACCA-approved mentor. This step verifies your professional competence.
12. Apply for ACCA membership:
Becoming an ACCA Affiliate is a notable achievement, but your journey doesn’t stop there. Take the next step and become an ACCA member. This prestigious status opens the door to a world of opportunities and benefits:
– Access to a Global Network:
ACCA members belong to a global community of finance professionals. Networking with peers and experts from around the world can lead to valuable connections, mentorships, and career opportunities.
– Enhanced Career Prospects:
ACCA membership is a mark of professional excellence and commitment. Employers often prefer or require ACCA members for senior roles, which can translate into better job prospects and increased earning potential.
– Continuing Professional Development (CPD):
As an ACCA member, you’ll have access to a wide range of CPD resources. Stay updated with industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging practices to maintain your professional edge.
– Leadership Opportunities:
ACCA members often serve in leadership roles within organizations and professional bodies. Your membership opens doors to positions of influence where you can contribute to industry development and best practices.
– Social Responsibility
ACCA places a high value on social responsibility and consistently encourages its members to incorporate social responsibility into their work and make a difference in their communities.
When applying for ACCA membership, our advisors at SOE Global ensure that your application is complete, accurate, and submitted in a timely manner, increasing your chances of a smooth approval process.
13. Continue Your Professional Development:
As an ACCA Affiliate, your journey of learning continues. Engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities to stay updated with industry trends and regulations.
CPD helps you advance in your career by enhancing your skills and knowledge, making you a valuable asset to employers.
15. Secure Your Dream Career:
At SOE Global, we’re not just guiding you; we’re shaping your success story. Your journey from student to ACCA Affiliate and, ultimately, to an ACCA member is an inspiring one, and we are here to make it as smooth and rewarding as possible.
We’re proud of our 100% placement record at prestigious firms, including the Big 4. Our career services team will help you prepare for your dream job, providing guidance on interviews, CV building, and networking. With our personalized mentorship program and our unparalleled placement services, your dream career is now an achievable reality.
Your journey from a student to an ACCA Affiliate is marked by dedication, education, and practical experience. It’s a path that opens doors to a world of opportunities in the ever-evolving field of accounting and finance. Embrace each step of the journey and stay committed to your professional growth.
If you’re ready to start this transformative journey, contact SOE Global today, and let’s get started on your path to success in the world of accounting.
Veryy good article. I am going through a few of these issues aas well..