If you’re planning to become an ACCA, one question that’s probably running through your head is:
“What exactly will I be learning?”
“How many papers are there?”
“Is the ACCA syllabus really that tough?”
We get it. The idea of 13 papers can sound overwhelming. You might be in college right now, doing your BCom, or maybe you’ve already graduated and are trying to figure out the next step.
But here’s the good news — you don’t have to do it all at once.
The ACCA syllabus is designed to build your knowledge step by step. You start with the basics, move to skill-based subjects, and finally master strategic decision-making.
And that’s what this blog is here for.
We’ll break down each paper, guide you through the ACCA paper list, and give you a clear picture of what to expect.
We’ll also help you understand which ACCA subjects to prioritize, and how platforms like Stride Edutech can help you pass them confidently.
Let’s get started, one step at a time.
How Many Papers Are There in ACCA?
The full ACCA syllabus consists of 13 papers, divided into three levels:
- Applied Knowledge (3 papers)
- Applied Skills (6 papers)
- Strategic Professional (4 papers – 2 compulsory + 2 optional)
If you’re a BCom graduate, you may get exemptions for the first 4 papers, depending on your university and subjects. That’s already a head start!
Let’s now walk through the ACCA subjects level by level.
1. Applied Knowledge Level (Basics)
These are the foundation papers. If you’re from a commerce background, these will feel familiar.
1a: BT – Business and Technology
Learn how businesses operate.
Basics of business structure, governance, and internal control.
Great for understanding how accounting fits in the business world.
Tip: It’s like the “Business Studies” of ACCA.
1b: MA – Management Accounting
- Learn how to manage costs and budgets.
- Covers decision-making techniques, cost classification, variance analysis.
Good to Know: This helps you understand internal financial planning, not just record-keeping.
1c: FA – Financial Accounting
- Learn how to prepare financial statements.
- Covers double entry, trial balance, income statement, and balance sheet.
Stride Tip: Even if you get an exemption, revising the basics through a crash course can really help in later papers.
2. Applied Skills Level (Core Skills)
Now you start learning how to apply accounting knowledge in real-world situations
2A: LW – Corporate and Business Law
- Learn about legal systems and business laws.
- Covers contract law, company law, employment law.
Note: Different versions available (like UK, India, or Global) depending on your career path.
2b: PM – Performance Management
- Learn how to improve business performance using numbers.
- Includes budgeting, standard costing, decision analysis, and KPIs.
2c: TX – Taxation
- Learn the principles of taxation in your chosen country.
- Includes income tax, corporate tax, VAT, and capital gains.
Tip: Choose the TX version that aligns with where you want to work (like India or UK).
2d: FR – Financial Reporting
- Learn to prepare and interpret financial statements using IFRS.
- Strong focus on accuracy, ethics, and transparency.
2e: AA – Audit and Assurance
- Learn how auditing works, from planning to reporting.
- Covers audit procedures, risks, evidence collection, and ethics.
2f: FM – Financial Management
- Learn how businesses make finance-related decisions.
- Topics include working capital, investment appraisal, cost of capital, and risk management.
Stride Insight: This is where you start feeling like a real financial professional.
3. Strategic Professional Level (Advanced)
You’re now preparing for leadership roles in finance. These are in-depth, challenging papers — but they’re also the most rewarding.
Essential Papers (Mandatory)
3a: SBL – Strategic Business Leader
- Learn how to lead a business at the highest level.
- Integrates strategy, risk, ethics, governance, and decision-making.
- A case-study-based paper that tests your overall business acumen.
Reality Check: It’s like being the CEO in an exam scenario. You’ll need strong communication, analysis, and leadership skills.
3b: SBR – Strategic Business Reporting
- Learn to analyze, interpret, and communicate financial reports to stakeholders.
- Heavy focus on IFRS, ethics, and professional judgment.
- Optional Papers (Choose Any Two)
- Choose based on your career goals — taxation, auditing, financial strategy, or performance.
3c: AFM – Advanced Financial Management
- Ideal for future CFOs and investment professionals.
- Covers international finance, mergers, risk management, and strategic investment.
3d: APM – Advanced Performance Management
- Ideal for strategy consultants or business analysts.
- Deep dive into strategic performance and management control systems.
3e: ATX – Advanced Taxation
- Focuses on complex tax issues and strategic tax planning.
3f: AAA – Advanced Audit and Assurance
- Builds on the AA paper to cover complex audit cases, ethics, and real-life scenarios.
Stride Suggestion: Not sure which optional paper to choose? Talk to a mentor. At Stride Edutech, students get career counseling to match their goals with the right subjects.
What Skills Do You Gain from the ACCA Syllabus?
Across the 13 ACCA subjects, here’s what you’ll master:
- Technical skills – in finance, audit, tax, and reporting
- Strategic thinking – to take big-picture decisions
- Ethics & professionalism – a core part of ACCA’s values
- Global business understanding – especially helpful if you want to work abroad
- Problem solving – using real-world case studies
And these aren’t just “exam topics” — companies actually look for these skills when hiring.
Career Impact of Completing the ACCA Syllabus
Once you finish all the ACCA subjects, you become a full ACCA member, and that’s when the real magic starts.
- You can apply for jobs in 180+ countries
- Start earning ₹6–9 LPA in India (even higher abroad)
- Work with top firms like PwC, Deloitte, EY, and multinational companies
- Even launch your own consultancy or accounting firm
But remember: it’s not about rushing. It’s about learning the concepts deeply, and building a strong foundation.
How Stride Edutech Supports You Through the ACCA Syllabus
The ACCA journey can feel long — but it doesn’t have to feel lonely.
At Stride Edutech, we’ve helped 1000s of students across India complete their ACCA syllabus with confidence.
Here’s how we support you:
- Personalized coaching for every paper
- Expert faculty (including qualified ACCAs)
- One-on-one mentorship
- Flexible batches (weekend, weekday, online/offline)
- Placement support after completion
Whether you’re just starting with BT or preparing for SBL, Stride helps you prepare smartly, not just study hard.
We know every student is different. That’s why our approach is personalized. Like a study partner, not a classroom.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the ACCA syllabus is your first step toward becoming a global finance professional.
Yes, it takes effort. Yes, there are 13 papers. But with the right strategy — and the right support — you can clear each one with confidence.
So if you’ve been wondering how to tackle the ACCA paper list, or which ACCA subjects to start with — take it one paper at a time.
And whenever you feel stuck, remember: Stride is here to help.
Ready to start your ACCA journey?
Let Stride Edutech guide you from your first paper to your dream career.
Talk to a mentor today and get a free personalized ACCA roadmap based on your background.