Understanding the structure and content of ACCA subjects is essential for new students planning their qualification journey. This comprehensive breakdown provides clarity on what to expect from each paper across the three main levels of ACCA.

Applied Knowledge Level

This foundational level introduces core concepts and establishes the fundamental principles of accounting and business.

Business and Technology (BT)

• Business organisational structures and stakeholder relationships
• Business environment factors and economic principles
• Role of technology in modern business operations
• Business ethics and professional values

Examination Format: 2-hour computer-based assessment with objective test questions

Management Accounting (MA)

• Cost classification and behavioural analysis
• Budgeting techniques and principles
• Performance measurement methods
• Decision-making tools for management

Examination Format: 2-hour computer-based assessment with objective test questions

Financial Accounting (FA)

• Double-entry bookkeeping principles
• Preparation of basic financial statements
• Control account reconciliations
• Conceptual framework of accounting

Examination Format: 2-hour computer-based assessment with objective test questions

Applied Skills Level

This intermediate level develops technical proficiency across key accounting disciplines.

Corporate and Business Law (LW)

• Essential legal frameworks for business
• Company formation and regulation
• Employment and contract law principles
• Corporate governance and ethical considerations

Examination Format: 2-hour computer-based assessment with objective test questions

Performance Management (PM)

• Advanced costing techniques
• Budgetary control systems
• Decision-making techniques under uncertainty
• Performance measurement systems

Examination Format: 3-hour computer-based assessment with objective and constructive response questions

Taxation (TX)

• Income tax principles and computations
• Corporate tax frameworks
• Value added tax mechanics
• Tax planning considerations

Examination Format: 3-hour computer-based assessment with objective and constructive response questions

Financial Reporting (FR)

• International Financial Reporting Standards
• Group financial statements preparation
• Analysis and interpretation of financial statements
• Conceptual and regulatory frameworks

Examination Format: 3-hour computer-based assessment with objective and constructive response questions

Audit and Assurance (AA)

• Audit framework and regulation
• Planning and risk assessment procedures
• Internal control evaluation
• Gathering audit evidence and forming opinions

Examination Format: 3-hour computer-based assessment with objective and constructive response questions

Financial Management (FM)

• Financial management function
• Investment appraisal techniques
• Business financing options
• Working capital management

Examination Format: 3-hour computer-based assessment with objective and constructive response questions

Strategic Professional Level

This advanced level develops strategic thinking and professional skills essential for leadership roles.

Essentials Module (Mandatory)

Strategic Business Leader (SBL)

• Integrated case study examining leadership capabilities
• Organisational control and governance
• Strategy formulation and implementation
• Risk identification and management
• Technology and data analytics

Examination Format: 4-hour case study-based examination with professional skills marks

Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)

• Complex corporate reporting issues
• Financial statements for specialist entities
• Current developments in reporting frameworks
• Ethical considerations in financial reporting

Examination Format: 3-hour scenario-based examination with professional marks

Options Module (Choose Two)

Advanced Financial Management (AFM)

• Financial strategy formulation
• Advanced investment decisions
• Corporate restructuring strategies
• Treasury and advanced risk management

Examination Format: 3-hour case study-based examination with professional marks

Advanced Performance Management (APM)

• Strategic performance measurement systems
• Performance evaluation in complex business environments
• Strategic planning and control models
• Performance improvement approaches

Examination Format: 3-hour case study-based examination with professional marks

Advanced Taxation (ATX)

• Complex taxation issues for individuals and corporations
• Tax planning strategies
• Cross-border taxation principles
• Ethics in taxation practice

Examination Format: 3-hour case study-based examination with professional marks

Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)

• Complex audit assignments
• Professional and ethical considerations
• Quality control in audit engagements
• Current issues and developments in auditing

Examination Format: 3-hour case study-based examination with professional marks

Ethics and Professional Skills Module

Situated between Applied Skills and Strategic Professional levels, this online module develops:

• Ethics and professional behaviour
• Commercial awareness
• Innovation and scepticism
• Communication and interpersonal skills

Completion of this module is mandatory before attempting any Strategic Professional examinations.

Understanding this paper structure helps new students plan their ACCA journey effectively, allowing for strategic selection of optional papers aligned with career aspirations and personal strengths.