Study accounting with ACCA

Accountancy is at the heart of how businesses grow, innovate and make decisions. It combines financial expertise, technology and strategic thinking to solve problems and shape what comes next. A career in accountancy puts you at the centre of business, with opportunities to make an impact and build a future in a fast-moving global profession.

You can start a career in accountancy at any stage, whether you're leaving school, graduating, changing career or already working in finance. The ACCA Qualification is a route to becoming a professional accountant, while Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) offers a starting point if you don't meet the ACCA Qualification entry requirements. You can also explore accounting through free ACCA-X courses.

The ACCA Qualification is a globally recognised professional accounting qualification. It develops the technical, professional and strategic skills you need for a successful career in accounting and finance, and can help you progress into senior and leadership roles.

Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) is a suite of accounting qualifications designed for people who want to develop their accounting knowledge and skills. It provides a flexible starting point for a career in accountancy and can also provide a pathway to the ACCA Qualification.

To start the ACCA Qualification, you typically need two A-levels and three GCSEs in five separate subjects, including English and maths, or equivalent qualifications. If you don't meet the minimum entrance requirements, you can start with Foundations in Accountancy (FIA), which has no formal entry requirements.

Yes. You can study accounting online through a range of flexible learning options. ACCA-X offers free and low-cost online courses for FIA and the first level of the ACCA Qualification. Many of our learning partners also offer fully online or blended tuition across all levels of the ACCA Qualification, which you can filter for in our learning partner directory. 

No. You don't need previous accounting experience to start studying accountancy. If you're new to accounting or don't meet the minimum entrance requirements for the ACCA Qualification, Foundations in Accountacy (FIA) can provide an accessible starting point. You can also use ACCA-X to learn the basics of accounting online and, if you decide a career in accountancy and finance is for you, prepare for your first ACCA exams.

The time it takes to become ACCA qualified depends on your previous qualifications, any exemptions you receive and how you choose to study. If you study while gaining relevant practical experience, you could become ACCA qualified in as little as three or four years.

Yes. ACCA-X offers free online accounting courses covering topics from the basics of bookkeeping and accounting through to more advanced subjects. The courses are flexible and can be studied online at your own pace, making them a good way to explore accountancy before starting a qualification.

The ACCA Qualification can take your career anywhere. From careers in audit, tax, risk and compliance to financial, management, and forensic accounting , you’ll have the skills to pursue opportunities across industries and around the world. Build your expertise, step into senior leadership and work towards roles such as finance partner or CFO – with the flexibility to shape a career that’s right for you.