Explore ACCA Subjects: 2024-2025 exams

ACCA subjects

Explore the diverse world of ACCA subjects, encompassing areas such as accounting, finance, taxation, auditing, and business management. Delve into each subject's intricacies and relevance in the professional accounting landscape

That is why we have compiled this comprehensive ACCA subjects list to help you understand what you need to know and how to prepare for the ACCA.

You can find out exactly what are the subjects and syllabus for the ACCA exams by reading this article. 

Lets start by explaining the ACCA exam levels.

ACCA Exam levels

The ACCA exams consists of three levels.  Each of these modules has its own subjects to master to pass the ACCA examinations.

1. The Knowledge Module focuses on knowledge and understanding,
2. The Skills Module focuses on application and analysis.
3. The Professional Module focuses on evaluation and synthesis.

Now lets look at the subjects under these three levels

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

ACCA Subjects List

There are fifteen ACCA subjects. You need to clear thirteen of these to clear the ACCA qualification.

We have grouped the papers by level as under

Watch a video instead

Papers by Level

• Knowledge level subjects- three papers F1- F3
• Skill level subjects - six papers F4- F9
• Professional level subjects - 4 papers (out of six) P1- P6

 

The ACCA subjects list 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) - P6

Read our blog on how much it the ACCA course costs

ACCA subject wise details

We will share a small write up of all subjects to give you an overview.

Everything You Need to Know About ACCA Course & Fees in India 

ACCA Applied Knowledge subjects

The Applied Knowledge exams are designed to provide students with a broad introduction to the world of finance and develop their essential understanding of accounting.  These subjects are designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of accounting and finance.

The Syllabus for the exams changes every September.

There are three exams at this level.

Business and Technology (BT)

Business and Technology will teach you how to be a better business person by understanding the different aspects that go into running an organization. You'll learn about ethical behaviour regarding employment practices and economic influences like competition law or tax codes; these classes cover what it takes for success and contain essential lessons on integrity too!

The broad syllabus areas encompass:

• Business organization and its external environment
• Organizational structure, culture, governance, and sustainability 
• Business functions, regulation, and technology 
• Leadership and management 
• Personal effectiveness and communication in business 
• Professional ethics

There have been no major syllabus changes in FBT for the Sep 24 to Aug 25 exams from the prior syllabus

Management Accounting (MA)

The course will teach you how to manage finances in an organization so that it can support businesses with their overall performance. You'll learn about different techniques for planning, controlling and monitoring business activities from finance professionals with years of experience leading companies worldwide into a success!. 

The broad syllabus areas encompass:

• Understanding the nature, source, and purpose of management information
• Utilizing data analysis and statistical techniques
• Applying cost accounting techniques
• Implementing budgeting strategies
• Employing standard costing methods
• Evaluating performance through measurement techniques

The MA/FMA syllabus will remain unchanged for the period from September 2024 to August 2025.

Financial Accounting (FA)

Upon completing this exam, you will be able to demonstrate technical proficiency in using and interpreting basic financial statements. You'll understand how double-entry accounting works with sole traders, partnerships, companies & simple groups alike by learning various required principles when preparing any type or size report!

Browse our collection of ACCA books for the knowledge level

The broad syllabus areas encompass:

• Understanding the context and purpose of financial reporting
• Applying accounting principles, concepts, and qualitative characteristics
• Implementing double-entry and accounting systems
• Recording transactions and events accurately
• Conducting reconciliations effectively
• Compiling a trial balance for review
• Generating financial statements accurately
• Crafting basic consolidated financial statements
• Interpreting financial statements for analysis

The syllabus for 24-25 exams has undergone grammatical and structural revisions; however, these alterations do not affect the knowledge necessary to achieve the learning outcomes. Additionally, references to specific IAS/IFRS have been replaced with "IFRS® Accounting Standards" to maintain consistency with Financial Accounting, Financial Reporting, and Strategic Business Reporting sections. Specific IAS/IFRS can still be found in the Examinable Documents.

ACCA skills level subjects

The Applied Skills exams will help you build on your existing knowledge and understanding of finance to develop solid and broad skills necessary for success in any industry.

The skills subjects are designed to test your ability to apply your knowledge and understanding to practical situations,

The Syllabus for the exams changes every September except Tax which changes every June.

There are six exams at this level, and they are.

F4 Corporate and Business Law (LW)

You'll develop knowledge and skills in understanding the general legal framework and specific areas that relate to your business. 

The broad syllabus areas encompass:

F5 Performance Management (PM)

The course will teach management accounting principles and how they can be applied in different aspects such as planning, decision making for performance evaluation or control. This exam requires an underpinning knowledge from the Management Accounting exam at the Knowledge level.

The broad syllabus areas encompass:

• Exploring management information systems and data analytics
• Applying specialist cost and management accounting techniques
• Utilizing decision-making techniques effectively
• Implementing budgeting and control strategies
• Evaluating performance measurement and control methods
• Enhancing employability and technology skills for the modern workplace

F6 Taxation (TX)

The course will help you develop your knowledge and skills relating to the tax system as it applies to individuals, single companies or groups of companies. The syllabus changes every June unlike other ACCA subjects which changes every September. TX follows FA 23 for exams Jun 24 to March 25

The broad syllabus areas encompass:

• Understanding the UK tax system and its administration
• Calculating income tax and National Insurance contributions (NIC)
• Assessing chargeable gains for individuals
• Examining inheritance tax implications
• Analyzing corporation tax liabilities for businesses
• Understanding Value Added Tax (VAT) regulations
• Enhancing employability and technology skills for tax professionals

The TX ACCA syllabus has been updated for FA 23 with the following changes:

1. Comprehensive computation of corporation tax liability.
2. Computation of VAT liabilities.
3. Calculation of taxable total profits, including computing capital allowances.

These revisions are intended to enhance and clarify the curriculum in these specific areas of tax accounting

F7 Financial Reporting (FR)

You will develop knowledge and skills in understanding accounting standards and the theoretical framework of financial statements preparation, including groups' analysis & interpretation.

The broad syllabus areas encompass:

• Understanding the conceptual and regulatory framework for financial reporting
• Accounting for transactions in financial statements accurately
• Analyzing and interpreting financial statements of single entities and groups effectively
• Preparing financial statements in compliance with standards
• Enhancing employability and technology skills for financial professionals

The ACCA FR syllabus for September 2024 to June 2025 has undergone significant updates. Key changes include:

1. A new section describing the objective, scope, and core content of IFRS® Sustainability Standard 1, which focuses on General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information.
2. A revision in terminology from "Account for the effects in the financial statements of intragroup trading" to "Account for the effects of intra-group transfer of assets and intra-group dividends."

These amendments aim to reflect current developments and ensure clarity in the curriculum

F8 Audit and Assurance (AA)

The course will teach assurance engagements and how to apply them in your professional regulatory framework. (click here to read passing tips on F8)

The broad syllabus areas encompass:

• Understanding audit framework and regulation
• Planning and conducting risk assessments
• Evaluating internal control systems
• Gathering audit evidence efficiently
• Reviewing findings and reporting results
• Enhancing employability and technology skills for auditors

F9 Financial Management (FM)

As a finance manager in the investment, financing and dividend policy decisions, you will develop knowledge of all aspects of these fields.

Browse our collection of ACCA books for the Applied Skills level

The broad syllabus areas encompass:

• Understanding the financial management function
• Analyzing the financial management environment
• Managing working capital effectively
• Conducting investment appraisals for decision-making
• Securing business finance and funding sources
• Performing business valuations accurately
• Implementing risk management strategies

The FM ACCA syllabus for the 2024-2025 period remains unchanged, with no additions or deletions

ACCA professional level papers

These subjects test your ability to evaluate and synthesize information to make decisions. You need to write 4 papers to clear this level.

You will need to write the two essential papers and write any of the two optionals.

The Strategic Professional Level Exams will help you to develop your unique blend of technical, ethical and professional skills.

And if that's not enough, there are also four different options for specialization, which means no two people take these exams the same way!

For students who have completed their CA, the ACCA subjects after CA are the same as the professional level papers

The ACCA course subject exams are

Essentials: 

Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)

The Strategic Business Reporting exam requires you to demonstrate your ability to make strategic business reporting decisions and on concepts and theories of how these work within the corporate environment. You will be tested mainly based on knowledge about different types of reports which can lead an organization towards success- so make sure that when taking this test knows exactly what information they need!

The broad syllabus areas encompass:

• Upholding fundamental ethical and professional principles
• Understanding the financial reporting framework
• Reporting financial performance for various entities
• Preparing financial statements for groups of entities
• Interpreting financial statements for diverse stakeholders
• Assessing the impact of changes in accounting regulation

The SBR syllabus for 24-25 has undergone significant revisions, particularly in the following areas:

1. Sustainability Standards: Introduction and integration of IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards.
2. Sub-lease Accounting: Detailed adjustments in how sub-lease transactions are accounted for under IFRS.
3. Amended Learning Outcome C10 d) (24/25): Modifications to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements to explicitly state that the features, structure, and content of financial statements are examinable.
4. Comparison of Sustainability Reporting Standards: Candidates are now required to understand the high-level differences between IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards as they relate to the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) reporting requirements. These key differences are specified in the list of examinable documents.

Strategic Business Leader (SBL)

SBL exams assess strategic decision-making and leadership skills. Candidates tackle real-world scenarios, applying business acumen to solve complex problems, demonstrating proficiency in strategic thinking and effective communication."

The broad syllabus areas encompass:

• Leadership: Developing effective leadership skills
• Governance: Understanding corporate governance principles
• Strategy: Formulating strategic plans for organizational success
• Risk: Identifying and managing risks effectively
• Technology and data analytics: Harnessing technology for data-driven insights
• Organizational control and audit: Implementing controls and auditing processes
• Finance in planning and decision-making: Utilizing financial information for decision-making
• Enabling success and change management: Facilitating organizational change initiatives

The SBL ACCA syllabus for the upcoming examination period remains unchanged, with no amendments.

Options:

Advanced Financial Management (AFM)

You will be expected to exercise financial management skills as a Senior Financial Executive or Advisor in the private and public sectors. These include understanding industry trends and managing risk through sound judgemental practices such as budgeting for future growth.

The broad syllabus areas encompass:

• Role of the senior financial adviser in multinational organizations
• Conducting advanced investment appraisals
• Managing acquisitions and mergers effectively
• Overseeing corporate reorganization and reconstruction
• Implementing treasury and advanced risk management techniques
• Developing professional skills for effective leadership

The ACCA AFM syllabus for the 2024-2025 period has not undergone any additions or deletions

Advanced Performance Management (APM)

You'll learn how to apply relevant knowledge and skills and exercise professional judgement in selecting the proper techniques for different business contexts while contributing your expertise towards evaluating performance or development strategies within organizations.

The broad syllabus areas encompass:

• Strategic planning and control: Developing strategic plans and overseeing their execution
• Performance management information systems and technology advancements: Implementing and adapting performance management systems to leverage technological developments
• Strategic performance measurement: Evaluating performance against strategic objectives
• Performance evaluation: Assessing the effectiveness of performance management initiatives

The ACCA APM syllabus for the 2024-2025 period remains unchanged, with no additions or deletions

Advanced Taxation (ATX)

With significant taxes on financial decisions and situations, you will provide relevant information to individuals about how these affect them. You'll also exercise professional judgement in giving advice that is best for your clients based on the knowledge they have given us so far! The syllabus changes every June unlike other ACCA subjects which changes every September. ATX follows FA 23 for exams Jun 24 to March 25

The broad syllabus areas encompass:

• Advanced Study of UK Tax System: Explore complex topics and stamp taxes.
• Tax Impact Analysis: Assess relevant taxes on various situations and actions.
• Tax Liability Management: Minimize or defer tax liabilities through standard planning.
• Professional Skills Development: Enhance skills for effective tax planning and compliance.

Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)

The Advanced Audit and Assurance exam test your skills to see if you are up for the challenges of an assurance engagement. You will be asked questions about what it takes to prepare well and assess the risks involved with different projects/clients. And analyze changes within industries to keep ourselves informed!

The broad syllabus areas encompass:

• Regulatory Environment: Understanding accounting and auditing regulations.
• Professional Ethics: Adhering to ethical standards in accounting practices.
• Quality and Practice Management: Managing accounting firm operations effectively.
• Audit Planning and Execution: Planning and conducting historical financial audits.
• Completion, Review, and Reporting: Completing audits and preparing reports.
• Other Assignments: Handling diverse accounting tasks.
• Current Issues and Developments: Staying updated on industry trends

The ACCA AAA Int syllabus for 2024-25 has been updated with the following changes:

1. Clarification on Quality Management: It has been clarified that students may still be asked to consider quality management issues related to specific engagements within a given scenario.

2. Audit of Social, Environmental, Sustainability, and Integrated Reporting: This addition emphasizes the growing importance of non-financial reporting and the need for auditors to be proficient in these areas.

3. Developments in Sustainability Assurance: This update reflects the evolving field of sustainability assurance, highlighting the latest practices and methodologies in assuring sustainability information.

Browse our collection of ACCA books for the Strategic Professional level.

Conclusion

In order to sit the ACCA exam and become a qualified accountant, you must choose from various ACCA subjects. This blog post has outlined the ACCA Subjects list in detail so that you can make an informed decision about which ones to focus on.

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.