ACCA Syllabus 2024: Your Essential Subject Guide

ACCA Syllabus 2024: A Complete Study Guide 

Are you ready to hop on the bandwagon and join one of the highest-paying qualifications globally: ACCA? The Synthesis Learning team congratulates you on this great decision. The ACCA has developed a robust framework to cultivate strategic thinking, and ethically minded, and knowledgeable financial professionals worldwide. But we have a comprehensive guide if you are wondering where to start with the  ACCA course subjects and what the ACCA syllabus will be in 2024.

To know the ACCA Qualification updates, check out the video below:

Table of Contents

• Introduction to ACCA

• ACCA Eligibility Criteria

• Unveiling the ACCA Syllabus: Detailed Guide

• Knowledge Level

• Skills Level

• Professional Level

• Excel ACCA Syllabus with Synthesis Learning

• Conclusion

• Get In Touch

Please read the ACCA papers list here: 

Business and Technology (BT)

Business and Technology teach how businesses operate effectively, efficiently, and ethically, showcasing finance professionals’ critical role. You’ll understand business in the context of its environment with the economic, legal, and regulatory influences on aspects like governance, employment, health and safety, data protection, and security.

Management Accounting (MA)

Acquire skills in management accounting to effectively support businesses in planning, controlling, and monitoring performance. Here, you will explore diverse financial management strategies to optimise business performance.

Financial Accounting (FA)

Learn the underlying principles and concepts of financial accounting, accounting techniques, and the preparation of basic financial statements. Demonstrate technical proficiency in double-entry techniques. This will include preparing and interpreting basic financial statements for sole traders, partnerships, companies, and simple groups of companies.

Skills Level

Skills Level exam modules or papers build upon the knowledge gained during the previous level. They help you understand applications, develop a solid financial understanding, and develop the ability to be a business and finance professional across industries or sectors globally.

ACCA Subject List Under Skill Level:

Please read the ACCA papers list here: 

Corporate and Business Law (LW)

You will gain proficiency in understanding general legal frameworks and specific business-related legal areas. You will also master the importance of seeking specialised legal advice as needed.

Performance Management (PM)

With this exam, you will master management accounting techniques, seamlessly integrating quantitative and qualitative information. These will help you plan better, enhance your decision-making skills, build more robust performance evaluations, and take control whenever required.

Taxation (TX)

You’ll develop knowledge and skills related to the tax system as it applies to individuals, single companies, and groups of companies.

Financial Reporting (FR)

Gain proficiency in understanding accounting standards and theoretical frameworks. Learn how to effectively prepare financial statements for entities, including groups, and master the analysis and interpretation of these statements.

Audit and Assurance (AA)

You’ll develop knowledge and understanding of the assurance engagement process and its application in the professional regulatory framework.

Financial Management (FM)

Develop the knowledge and skills expected of a finance manager with investment, financing, and dividend policy decisions.

Professional Level

Now, let us understand what’s in store for you at the Professional Level of the ACCA course structure! The professional level in the ACCA course syllabus includes two main categories: Essentials and Options. This module closely mirrors the structure of post-graduation degrees and focuses on augmenting your technical skills. It also provides exposure to advanced professional skills, values, and techniques by professional accountants with advisory roles at a senior executive level.

To excel in leadership roles, you need more than the foundational knowledge provided by the Knowledge & Skill Level modules. With a well-designed curriculum, the Strategic Professional Level exams prepare you for future leadership positions by enhancing your technical, ethical, and professional skills. This level in the ACCA course structure includes six papers, two being compulsory and four optional. Students select specialisations from FM, PM, TX, and AA that align with their career goals.

Essential Papers

Strategic Business Leader (SBL)

You will demonstrate your technical, ethical, and professional skills in evaluating, synthesising, and presenting a case study.

Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)

This program elevates reporting to a new level. You will gain the skills needed to confidently speak the language of business and explain reports to various stakeholders.

Optional Papers (any 2)

Advanced Financial Management (AFM):

Develops advanced skills in financial management, including investment decision-making, risk management, and strategic financing options.

Advanced Performance Management (APM):

It focuses on advanced performance management techniques and strategies, making it ideal for management accounting, performance optimisation, and consultancy roles.

Advanced Taxation (ATX):

It covers complex taxation issues, corporate tax planning, international taxation, and the tax implications of business decisions. It is suitable for roles in tax advisory and senior compliance.

Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA):

Deals with high-level auditing practices, including strategic analysis and critical auditing standards within a global framework.

EPSM Module

After clearing modules at both levels, you must dedicate 20 hours to the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM). This module in the ACCA course syllabus, featuring case studies and exposure to real-world business situations, aims to enhance the trustworthiness and credibility of ACCA candidates.

Sequentially attempt the exam modules, starting with Applied Knowledge, progressing to Applied Skills, and concluding with the Strategic Professional modules. The Ethics and Professional Skills Module becomes available after completing the Applied Knowledge exams.

ACCA Exam Pattern

The ACCA exam pattern is structured to assess both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through three progressive levels. This ACCA exam pattern ensures that candidates receive comprehensive preparation for a global finance and accounting career. By following the ACCA exam pattern, students can build a solid foundation and advance effectively in their professional journey.

Three Levels of Exams:

The ACCA course syllabus is structured into three levels: Knowledge, Skills, and Professional. Each level must be completed sequentially, building your knowledge progressively.

Computer-Based 

All ACCA exams are conducted in a computer-based format. This applies to every level, including Knowledge, Skills, and Professional levels, ensuring a consistent and modern approach to assessment across the entire qualification spectrum.

Objective and Subjective Questions:

The exams include a mix of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), objective test questions (OTQs), and longer, written questions that require detailed answers, particularly at the Professional level.

Four Exam Sessions Per Year:

ACCA offers four exam sessions annually—March, June, September, and December—allowing students to plan their studies and exams flexibly.

Pass Marks:

A minimum score of 50% is required to pass each exam. This consistent pass mark applies across all levels and exams within the ACCA course.

Strategic Professional Level Exams:

At the Strategic Professional level, students must complete two compulsory exams—Strategic Business Leader (SBL) and Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)—along with two optional exams from a choice of four, such as Advanced Financial Management (AFM) and Advanced Audit & Assurance (AAA).

Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM):

Before attempting the Strategic Professional exams, students must complete the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM), which is crucial for developing the skills required at this advanced level.

ACCA Subjects After CA 

A Chartered Accountant (CA) can claim 9 paper exemptions out of 13 ACCA exams and directly take the professional-level ACCA exams. These include:

Essentials ACCA Subjects:

• Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
• Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)

Optionals ACCA Subjects:

• Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
• Advanced Performance Management (APM)
• Advanced Taxation (ATX)

To get ACCA certification, CAs need to pass the professional level: 2 Essentials and 2 Optionals.

Excel ACCA Syllabus With Synthesis Learning

At Synthesis Learning, we pride ourselves on the best ACCA coaching to learn the ACCA syllabus with our innovative approach to education. We’ve designed a precise four-step process to ensure that our ACCA students not only master the syllabus but also excel in their professional careers. Here’s how we do it:

Counselling:

We start with personalised sessions to understand your career goals and educational needs.

Mentoring:

You’ll receive guidance from experienced professionals who’ve been where you want to go.

Coaching:

Our targeted coaching methods ensure you grasp complex concepts effectively.

Placements:

We don’t just educate; we also help place you in roles that fit your new qualifications.

How Does Synthesis Learning Help You Study For ACCA Subjects? 

As an ACCA Platinum Approved Learning Partner, Synthesis Learning is dedicated to helping students achieve their accounting certification goals. With a track record of success, Synthesis Learning provides a comprehensive ACCA preparation program for understanding the ACCA syllabus led by experienced tutors who are also distinguished experts in the accounting field. Our approach combines innovative teaching methods with practical training, ensuring students are well-prepared for the certification exams and the professional world.

Highlights of Synthesis Learning’s ACCA Prep Course:

Flexible Learning Options:

Choose between online and offline courses tailored to meet the needs of students nationwide.

Extensive Learning Resources:

Benefit from a variety of resources including practice papers, mock tests, and instructional videos.

Career Advancement:

Gain access to our exclusive placement portal upon program completion, connecting you with top recruiters and career opportunities across leading companies.

Synthesis Learning’s ACCA program is specifically designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to excel as full-fledged accounting professionals in today’s competitive industry.

Why Choose Us as Your Learning Partner?

Platinum Approved Learning Partner:

Synthesis Learning is recognised as a Platinum Approved Learning Partner, the highest accreditation by ACCA, signifying our commitment to delivering exceptional education standards.

Highest Accreditation by ACCA:

Being a Platinum Rated partner means we meet the rigorous standards of ACCA for educational excellence.

High Student Outreach:

Our programs are designed to reach many students, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in learning.

Exceptional Pass Rates With Global Rankers:

We boast impressive pass rates and have a history of our students achieving global ranks, demonstrating the effectiveness of our teaching methods.

Conclusion

The ACCA qualification offers guidance towards becoming a seasoned professional capable of making solid impacts in the finance world. Each step of the ACCA journey builds upon the last, culminating in a robust understanding of finance and business’s technical and ethical aspects. With Synthesis Learning’s support, get equipped to achieve your ACCA qualifications with the best results and make way for a successful and fulfilling career in accounting and finance.

Get In Touch

Looking to accelerate your career in ACCA? Connecting with us is super easy and hardly takes a minute! Call 9320007893/96, and we will help you design a comprehensive ACCA journey.