ACCA Subjects List 2025: Your Guide to the 13 Papers in ACCA

ACCA subjects List 2025

ACCA subjects in 2025 is crucial for anyone pursuing the ACCA qualification. This globally recognized credential opens doors to various accounting and finance careers, but passing each exam paper requires a thorough understanding of the syllabus. In this blog, we’ll explore the ACCA syllabus, break down each paper, and provide tips on succeeding.

Introduction to ACCA Subjects

The ACCA qualification offers a globally recognized qualification. Students must complete 13 core ACCA subjects that cover a wide range of accounting and financial management skills. Divided into three main levels—Knowledge, Skills, and Strategic Professional—these subjects are designed to progressively build a solid foundation and advance expertise in financial and business management.

ACCA Books: Your Passport to Acing the Exams and Outsmarting the Competition

ACCA Subjects List

The ACCA qualification is structured around 15 core ACCA subjects to build a comprehensive understanding of accounting, finance, and business management. To achieve the ACCA designation, you must complete 13 of these 15 papers, divided into three levels: Knowledge, Skills, and Professional.

What Are the 13 Papers of ACCA?

The ACCA qualification is structured into 13 papers that cover various areas of accounting, finance, and business management. These papers are designed to equip students with the technical knowledge, analytical skills, and professional values needed for a successful career in finance and accounting.

The ACCA subjects list for 2025 under these three levels is listed below, we describe them in detail under the heading ACCA subject details below.

1. Business and Technology (BT) - F1
2. Management Accounting (MA) - F2
3. Financial Accounting (FA) - F3
4. Corporate and Business Law (LW) - F4
5. Performance Management (PM) - F5
6. Taxation (TX) - F6
7. Financial Reporting (FR) - F7
8. Audit and Assurance (AA) - F8
9. Financial Management (FM) - F9
10. Strategic Business Leader (SBL) - P1
11. Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) - P2
12. Advanced Financial Management (AFM) - P3
13. Advanced Performance Management (APM) - P4
14. Advanced Taxation (ATX) - P5
15. Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA) Int or UK variant - P6

Read our blog on how much it the ACCA course costs

How the ACCA Qualification Is Divided into Three Levels

1. Knowledge Level

• Purpose: Introduces students to the core principles of accounting and business.
• Who It’s For: Beginners or those transitioning from non-accounting backgrounds.

2. Skills Level

• Purpose: Build intermediate technical and analytical skills in law, taxation, and management accounting.
• Who It’s For: Students aiming to gain professional-level knowledge for practical applications in business.

3. Strategic Professional Level

• Purpose: Focuses on advanced, strategic skills required for senior finance and business leadership roles.
• Who It’s For: Students preparing for specialized roles or leadership positions in global organizations.

How to Progress Through the Levels

• Sequential Order:
  • Start with the Knowledge Level papers and progress through the Skills Level before tackling the Strategic Professional Level.
• Exemptions:
  • Students with relevant qualifications (e.g., a degree in accounting) may claim exemptions for specific papers. Check our ACCA exemptions calculator to know which level you can start with.
• Practical Experience:
  • To qualify as an ACCA member, students must complete three years of practical experience alongside the exams.

What are the 13 ACCA subjects

The ACCA qualification consists of 13 exams divided into three main levels, each designed to build your expertise progressively.

Level 1: Applied Knowledge (Fundamentals)

These are your foundation subjects - think of them as building the base of your accounting skyscraper!

1. Business and Technology (BT)

This subject introduces you to the business environment and how technology impacts modern organizations. You'll learn about:

• Organizational structures and functions
• Information systems and technology
• Professional ethics and corporate governance

💡 Fun Fact: The first computer used for business accounting was the UNIVAC I in 1951. Today, artificial intelligence and blockchain are revolutionizing accounting practices!

2. Management Accounting (MA)

Here's where numbers start telling stories! This subject covers:

• Cost classification and behavior
• Budgeting and variance analysis
• Performance measurement techniques

3. Financial Accounting (FA)

The backbone of accounting! You'll master:

• Recording financial transactions
• Preparing financial statements
• Understanding accounting standards

🎲 Trivia Time: The double-entry bookkeeping system was invented by an Italian monk, Luca Pacioli, in 1494. His method is still used today - talk about standing the test of time!

Level 2: Applied Skills (Professional)

Now we're getting into the exciting stuff! These subjects dive deeper into specialized areas.

4. Corporate and Business Law (LW)

Not just for lawyers! This subject teaches:

• Legal frameworks affecting businesses
• Contract law essentials
• Employment and company law

⚖️ Legal Trivia: The oldest known legal code is the Code of Hammurabi from ancient Babylon (circa 1750 BC). It contained 282 laws carved in stone!

5. Performance Management (PM)

Transform data into strategic insights:

• Advanced costing techniques
• Planning and operational variances
• Performance analysis and control

6. Taxation (TX)

Everyone's favorite topic (or is it?):

• Personal and corporate taxation
• Tax planning strategies
• International tax considerations

💰 Tax Trivia: Ancient Egypt had one of the first known tax systems around 3000 BC. Tax collectors were called "scribes" and were highly respected (unlike today's perception!).

7. Financial Reporting (FR)

The art of financial storytelling:

• Advanced financial statement preparation
• Group accounts and consolidations
• Accounting standards application

8. Audit and Assurance (AA)

Become a financial detective:

• Audit planning and procedures
• Risk assessment techniques
• Professional ethics and independence

🔍 Audit Fun Fact: The word "audit" comes from the Latin word "auditus," meaning "a hearing." In medieval times, accounts were literally read aloud to ensure accuracy!

9. Financial Management (FM)

Master the money game:

• Investment appraisal techniques
• Working capital management
• Financial risk management

Level 3: Strategic Professional (Advanced)

The pinnacle of your ACCA journey! Choose your specialization path.

Essential Exams (Must Take Both):

10. Strategic Business Leader (SBL)

Leadership meets strategy:

• Strategic analysis and planning
• Leading and managing people
• Governance and ethics

11. Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)

Advanced reporting mastery:

• Complex financial reporting issues
• Current developments in reporting
• Professional judgment application

📊 Strategy Trivia: The concept of "strategy" originated from the Greek word "strategos," meaning "the art of the general." Business strategy borrows heavily from military tactics!

Options (Choose 2 from 4):

12. Advanced Financial Management (AFM)

For future CFOs:

• Advanced investment decisions
• Acquisitions and mergers
• Risk management strategies

13. Advanced Performance Management (APM)

Performance optimization experts:

• Strategic performance measurement
• Environmental management accounting
• Information systems strategy

14. Advanced Taxation (ATX)

Tax specialist track:

• Advanced personal taxation
• Corporate tax planning
• Inheritance and capital gains tax

15. Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)

Senior audit professionals:

• Advanced audit techniques
• Quality control procedures
• Professional ethics at senior levels

🎯 Career Trivia: ACCA members work in over 7,400 approved employers worldwide, including 82 of the top 100 global brands. Talk about career mobility!

How to Choose the Right Optional Papers for ACCA?

Selecting the proper optional papers is crucial for aligning your ACCA qualification with your career goals. Consider the following factors:

1. Career Aspirations:
   • Choose papers that align with the role you aspire to, such as audit, taxation, or financial management.
   • For example, AFM suits those aiming for corporate finance roles, while ATX is ideal for tax specialists.
2. Interests and Strengths:
   • Select papers that align with your interests and areas of strength. Enjoying the subject matter makes studying more manageable.
3. Future Job Market Demand:
   • Research industry trends to identify in-demand specializations. Roles like financial analysts, tax advisors, and audit professionals are consistently sought after.
4. Flexibility for Global Careers:
   • Papers like AFM and SBR are globally recognized and provide flexibility for international career opportunities.
5. Guidance from Peers and Mentors:
   • Seek advice from colleagues, ACCA alums, or mentors about the career impact of specific optional papers.
6. Integration with Previous Studies or Roles:
   • Build on that foundation if you have prior experience or education in areas like performance management or audit.

Career Opportunities for Each Specialization

• AFM (Advanced Financial Management):
  • CFO, Financial Controller, Treasury Manager, Investment Analyst.
• APM (Advanced Performance Management):
  • Business Consultant, Strategy Manager, and Performance Analyst.
• ATX (Advanced Taxation):
  • Tax Advisor, Compliance Manager, International Tax Consultant.
• AAA (Advanced Audit and Assurance):
  • External/Internal Auditor, Forensic Accountant, Risk and Compliance Manager.

The Strategic Professional Level prepares you for senior roles and equips you with the skills to excel in a competitive and dynamic global business environment.

ACCA is updating its Strategic Level syllabus Discover key changes in SBR, SBL, AAA & more. Don’t get left behind—prepare now

ACCA Study Resources and Tips

Using the right study resources and strategies is essential for ACCA's success. Below is a concise guide to the best tools and where to find them.

Best Resources to Study ACCA Subjects

BPP Learning Media

• Overview: ACCA-approved provider offering exam-focused and regularly updated materials.
• Books Offered:
  • Course Book: In-depth syllabus coverage.
  • Exam Kit: Past papers, mock exams, and practice questions.
• Where to Buy:
  • BPP ACCA Study Text & Revision Kit on Eduyush  (authorized reseller).

Kaplan Publishing

• Overview: Student-friendly materials with clear explanations and real-world examples.
• Books Offered:
  • Study Text: Comprehensive coverage with checkpoints.
  • Exam Kit: Packed with practice questions and answers.
• Where to Buy:
  • Kaplan ACCA Books on Eduyush

BPP ECR (Enhanced Classroom Resources)

BPP ECR (Enhanced Classroom Resources) offers online recorded lectures to complement the BPP Study Text and Revision Kit. These recorded lectures provide a flexible and self-paced learning experience, making them ideal for students balancing studies with work or other commitments. Expert tutors deliver the content and aligns with ACCA’s syllabus, ensuring exam-focused preparation.

• Features of BPP ECR:
  • High-quality recorded video lectures for all ACCA subjects.
  • Interactive quizzes and progress tracking tools.
  • Practical insights and examples to reinforce learning.
• Where to Buy:
  • BPP ECR Online Courses on Eduyush – Eduyush offers these resources at over 50% discounts globally.

Incorporating BPP ECR into your study plan ensures a comprehensive and flexible learning experience, combining the depth of textbooks with the accessibility of expert-led video lessons.

Why Buy from Eduyush?

1. Cost-Effective Pricing: Over 50% discounts for all students.
2. Authorized Reseller: Guarantees authenticity and updated editions.
3. Combo Offers: Save more with Study Text + Revision Kit bundles.

Conclusion

Mastering the ACCA subjects is crucial for anyone qualifying as a certified accountant. The ACCA syllabus is comprehensive and demanding, but you can successfully navigate each level with the right approach. Whether you are just beginning your journey at the Applied Knowledge level or preparing for the Strategic Professional exams, studying with dedication, discipline, and a clear strategy is essential.

We hope this information proves helpful as you begin your journey to becoming a certified accountant! If you would like to pass the ACCA exams in one go, do browse our ACCA online courses or ACCA approved books.