Welcome to the complete guide on Studying ACCA Online, everything you need to know about studying with the ACCA all in one place, brought to you by SACOB South African College of Business.
What is the ACCA?
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, better known as ACCA, offers a variety of internationally recognised qualifications. These qualifications provide you with everything you need to build a successful career in accountancy, finance and management.
With over 7300 approved employers, 208 000 members and 503 000 students across the globe it shows that not only does ACCA believe they are the world’s most forward-thinking professional accountancy body, but so do employers, members and students.
What does the ACCA offer and who is it relevant for?
The ACCA has many qualifications and paths to choose from. With SACOB you have 5 routes to choose from. The one thing that is common amongst all the ACCA routes – no matter which one you enrol for, they all open doors both locally and internationally creating plenty of opportunities. So, either way, you’re choosing a path of success.
ACCA Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) Qualifications
This programme is perfect for anyone looking to gain knowledge and understanding in the accounting and finance field. Completing this programme allows you to continue climbing that corporate ladder and become a trainee accountant in a commercial organisation or accounting practice.
Which Qualifications are the ACCA FIA broken down into?
The ACCA FIA is broken down into 3 separate qualifications:
ACCA FIA Introductory Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting
ACCA FIA Introductory Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting
ACCA FIA Diploma in Accounting and Business
Having under 10 subject’s means that within a short time frame you can achieve this qualification and make your way up the corporate ladder as well as make your way on to the full ACCA qualification, which this programme provides access for.
How many subjects does ACCA Introductory Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting have?
The ACCA Introductory Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting has 2 subjects.
How many exam papers does ACCA Introductory Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting have?
The ACCA Introductory Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting has 2 exams.
How many subjects does ACCA Intermediate Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting have?
The ACCA Intermediate Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting is made up of 2 subjects.
How many exam papers does ACCA Intermediate Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting have?
The ACCA Intermediate Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting has 2 exams.
How many subjects does ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business have?
The ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business is made up of 3 subjects.
How many exams do you write for the ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business?
The ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business is assessed based on 3 exams.
How many subjects does ACCA Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) Qualification have?
The ACCA Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) Qualification consists of 9 subjects.
How many exams are written for the ACCA Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) Qualification?
The ACCA Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) Qualification is assessed based on 9 exams.
ACCA Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) Qualification
The main outcome of this qualification is to prepare students for work in an accounting technician and support role. Whether it be in public practice, industry, commerce or the public sector, either in South Africa or internationally.
With a total of 9 subjects (7 of which form part of the above Foundations in Accountancy qualification), you can get this under your belt within a short time frame.
What does ACCA FIA stand for?
Foundations in Accounting by The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
What is FIA in ACCA?
This is a set of training modules intended to provide you as the student with appropriate competencies in the field of accounting with consideration given to the ever-changing landscape of the modern workplace, business needs and technological innovations.
Aimed at producing internationally competent skilled individuals in the field of accounting, with a gateway to the full ACCA qualification. Students who complete the FIA ACCA set of certifications are competent and employable and meet many industry standards in the field of business and accountancy, they are equipped with international skillsets and proficiencies to make them highly desirable to would be employers. ACCA trained individuals are sought after in international business workplaces.
What do I need to study FIA ACCA?
If you are at least 16 years old and can read and write and do basic mathematics then you are eligible to study the FIA in ACCA certificates. No previous knowledge in accounting is required, just the ability to read and calculate, everything will be taught to you in these foundational models, by the end of them you would have developed an adequate skillset to set you off in the field of business and accountancy.
Do you need matric to study ACCA?
If you have Matric it is a definite advantage, but it is not a formal requirement of The ACCA in order to do the FIA ACCA programme. If you can read and do basic mathematic calculations you will be able to do the self study bridging courses set up by the ACCA in order to get you on the level of mathematics and English required to do the ACCA course.
What requirements are there to study FIA ACCA?
There are no formal academic requirements stipulated for FIA in ACCA. These set of certificates are set up to prepare you to do the ACCA Diploma in Accountancy. Students that complete the FIA certificates are statistically higher performing that students who enter the diploma without completing the FIA.
Do I need Matric to Study FIA ACCA?
You must have a basic mathematical ability. No subjects are required but accounting, mathematics and business studies are of great advantage. DO not count yourself out if you did not do these subjects in high school you are still just as applicable to study the FIA Foundations in Accounting modules with ACCA.
Will FIA in ACCA get me a Job?
Completing the ACCA FIA opens may doors to formal employment. This certification causes you as the student to become highly employable, not only because you are certified by an internationally recognised industry standard setter, but because this certification ensures you are competent and ethical in your business knowledge, ensuring both technical competency and practical relevant ability.
Which jobs can FIA in ACCA get me?
Completing the FIA in ACCA, is suitable for individuals who aspire to work or are already working in the following fields:
- Junior Accounts Clerk
- Junior Bookkeepers
- Accounting role in a small to medium enterprise
- Competency to pursue the same roles in a larger organisation or financial shared services centre.
If you are working in finance or are planning on working in the finance department at any small to medium business FIA in ACCA will equip you sufficiently to perform the job adequately to an international standard. Having this qualification makes you stand out against the crowd of nationally recognised accounting certificates. With ACCA certification you enter a new league of business professionals.
What can you do with FIA in ACCA?
If you have a goal of working permanently in the finance department of a large enterprise possibly with international reach and global application, the FIA in ACCA will prepare you for the job. If you are currently working in an accounting role or capacity at a SME then FIA in ACCA will further pave the way for you to be eligible to achieve the ACCA diploma in Accounting with ease. Whether you are currently working in the segment, just starting out or have your sights set on being promoted to the big leagues this certification will have you covered.
Employers are looking for competent individuals to handle their finances, having the ACCA certification is proof of this. This puts you that key step ahead of others in the job selection process, you now become a more eligible candidate for the job, displaying your proficiency and competency in the field in the way of your ACCA certificate.
How long does FIA in ACCA take to study?
Completing the entire ACCA FIA can take just under a year depending on your commitment to completing. It consists of 7 subjects and 7 exams. Each subject takes about a month to complete and then about 2 weeks of revision to be ready for each exam. These are estimates based on your learning providers scheduling and intensity regarding exam preparation.
Most learning tuition providers schedule each subject at 3-4 months to completion. This gives students a more gradual approach to learning the material and more time to fully grasp concepts for those who have never been exposed to the accounting and finance field of business.
With a background in accounting each subject can be completed in just over a month, with the extra time being allocated to gaining full comprehension of concepts that people experienced in the field do not require.
What subjects make up the ACCA FIA Study Programme?
- ACCA FA1 Recording financial transactions
- ACCA MA1 Management information
- ACCA FA2 Maintaining financial records
- ACCA MA2 Managing costs and finances
- ACCA FAB Accountant in business
- ACCA FMA Management accounting
- ACCA FFA Financial accounting
- ACCA Foundations in audit (FAU)
- ACCA Foundations in taxation (FTX)
- ACCA Foundations in financial management (FFM)
ACCA FA1 Recording financial transactions
This is the first subject in the ACCA FIA Introductory Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting Programme. On completion of this subject students will have the understanding of basic accounting systems that get used daily in the workplace. This subject develops the understanding of the operational aspects of maintaining accounting records and procedures and how to record these transactions in the books of the organisation. Included is an introduction to the principles of double entry and how a computerised and a manual accounting system work.
What are the learning outcomes for ACCA FA1 Recording financial transactions?
To introduce knowledge and understanding of the business and its environment and the influence this has on how organisations are structured
And on the role of the accounting and other key business functions in contributing to the Efficient, effective and ethical management and development of an organisation and its people and systems
ACCA MA1 Management information
This is the second subject in the ACCA FIA Introductory Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting Programme. On completion of this subjects students will have obtained the knowledge of basic cost information required for management accounting. This subject develops the knowledge and ability to recognise, collect and record basic cost and revenue information including the use of spreadsheets in management accounting.
What are the learning outcomes for ACCA MA1 Management information?
To develop knowledge and understanding of providing basic management information in an organisation to support management in planning and decision-making.
What will I learn in ACCA MA1 Management information?
- The nature, source and purpose of management information
- Cost accounting techniques
- Budgets for planning control
- Actual costs with standard costs and variances
- Ability to analyse, interpret and monitor business performances
ACCA FA2 Maintaining financial records
This is the second subject in the ACCA FIA Intermediate Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting Programme. On completion of this course the student would have gained the knowledge and understanding of the principles and techniques used in recording, analysing and reporting costs and revenues for internal management purposes. This subject allows the student to develop applicable cost concepts in making short term decisions and the application of spreadsheets in management accounting.
What are the learning outcomes for ACCA FA2 Maintaining financial records?
To develop knowledge and understanding of the underlying principles and concepts relating to maintaining financial records and technical proficiency in the use of double-entry accounting techniques including the preparation of basic financial statements
What will I learn in ACCA FA2 Maintaining financial records?
- The role of casting within the organisation and classification of costs
- Cost accounting techniques
- Management accounting techniques to make and support decision management
- Principles of cash management
- Application of computer spreadsheets in Microsoft excel
ACCA MA2 Managing costs and finances
This is the second course in the ACCA FIA Intermediate Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting Programme. On completion of this course the student would have gained the knowledge and understanding of the principles and techniques used in recording, analysing and reporting costs and revenues for internal management purposes. This course allows the student to develop applicable cost concepts in making short term decisions and the application of spreadsheets in management accounting.
What are the learning outcomes for ACCA MA2 Managing costs and finances?
To develop knowledge and understanding of how to prepare, process and present basic cost information to support management in planning and decision-making in a variety of business contexts.
What will I learn in ACCA MA2 Managing costs and finances?
The role of casting within the organisation and classification of costs
- Cost accounting techniques
- Management accounting techniques to make and support decision management
- Principles of cash management
- Application of computer spreadsheets in Microsoft excel
ACCA FAB Accountant in business
This is the first subject in the ACCA FIA Diploma in Accounting and Business Programme. On completion of this subject the student will have the understanding of business and its environment, including economic, legal, and regulatory influences such as governance, employment, health and safety, data protection and security.
This course introduces further topics such as the regulatory framework, auditing and governance, the roles of internal and external auditors and introducing the importance of internal control.
What are the learning outcomes for ACCA FAB Accountant in business?
To introduce knowledge and understanding of the business and its environment and the influence this has on how organisations are structured
And on the role of the accounting and other key business functions in contributing to the Efficient, effective and ethical management and development of an organisation and its people and systems.
What will I learn in ACCA FAB Accountant in business?
- The purpose and types of business and how they interact with key stakeholders and the external environment
- Business organisation structure, functions and the role of corporate governance
- The function of accountancy and audit in communicating, reporting and assuring financial information and effective financial control and compliance
- The principles of authority and leadership and how teams and individuals are recruited, managed, motivated and developed
- Importance of personal effectiveness as the basis for effective team and organisational behaviour
- All aspects of business and finance should be conducted in a manner which complies with accepted professional ethics and values
ACCA FMA Management accounting
This is the third subject in the ACCA FIA Diploma in Accounting and Business Programme. On completion of this subject the student would have the knowledge and ability to apply management accounting concepts and foundations in accountancy techniques for decision making and planning and control.
This subject includes forecasting techniques, budgets and standard costs and performance measurement.
What are the learning outcomes for ACCA FMA Management accounting?
To develop knowledge and understand of providing basic management information in an organisation to support management in planning and decision making.
What will I learn in ACCA FMA Management accounting?
- The nature, source and purpose of management information
- Cost accounting techniques
- Budgets for planning control
- Actual costs with standard costs and variances
- Ability to analyse,interpret and monitor business performances
ACCA FFA Financial accounting
This is the second subject in the ACCA FIA Diploma in Accounting and Business Programme. This subject develops the knowledge and understanding of the principles and concepts relating to financial accounting as well as the technical proficiency in the use of double entry techniques and the preparation and interpretation of basic financial statements for sole traders, companies and simple groups of companies.
What are the learning outcomes for ACCA FFA Financial accounting?
To develop knowledge and understanding of the underlying principles and concepts relating to financial accounting and technical proficiency in the use of double-entry accounting techniques including the preparation of basic financial statements.
What will I learn in ACCA FFA Financial accounting?
- Financial reporting
- Qualitative characteristics of financial information
- Use of double-entry and accounting systems
- Recording transactions and events
- Preparation of a trial balance and correcting errors
- Basic financial statements for incorporated and unincorporated entities
- Simple consolidated financial statements
- Interpretation of financial statements
What are the Specialist Subjects of ACCA FIA?
- ACCA Foundations in audit (fau)
- ACCA Foundations in taxation (ftx)
- ACCA Foundations in financial management (ffm)
ACCA Foundations in audit (fau)
What are the learning outcomes for ACCA Foundations in audit (fau)?
To develop knowledge and understanding of the principles of external audit and the audit process and technical proficiency in the skills used for auditing financial statements.
What will I learn in ACCA Foundations in audit (fau)?
- Purpose and scope of an audit and its regulatory framework
- Assessment of risk and plan of audit
- Principles of internal control and features of information systems
- Description of audit evidence and audit procedures
- Application of International Standards of Auditing
- Completion of audit and report
ACCA Foundations in taxation (ftx)
What are the learning outcomes for ACCA Foundations in taxation (ftx)?
To develop the ability to prepare computations of tax liability for both individuals and businesses resident in the UK for the purposes of income tax, corporation tax, capital gains tax and value
Added tax. In addition, to develop knowledge and understanding of the manner in which dealings must be conducted with HM revenue and customs, including knowledge of the statutory timescales for the submission of claims and returns and the due dates for the payment of tax liabilities.
What will I learn in ACCA Foundations in taxation (ftx)?
- Basic operation and scope of the UK tax system
- Profit and loss computations for trades and professions
- Calculation of income tax liability of individuals and preparation of income tax returns
- Calculation of capitals gain tax
- Calculation of tax liability of a company
- Effects of value added tax on incorporated and unincorporated businesses
- Preparation of returns
ACCA Foundations in financial management (ffm)
What are the learning outcomes for ACCA Foundations in financial management (ffm)?
To develop knowledge and understanding of the way organisations finance their operations, plan and control cash flows, optimise their use of working capital and allocate resources to capital expenditure projects.
What will I learn in ACCA Foundations in financial management (ffm)?
- Principles of working capital management
- Accounting techniques used to forecast cash
- Methods and procedures for managing cash balances
- Principles in making medium to long term financing decisions
- Principles in making capital investments decisions
- Credit management methods and procedures
How much does it cost to study FIA in ACCA?
Consisting of 7 subjects. Each subject will cost roughly 200 GBP, which is about 4000 ZAR, this is depending on the additional support features you purchase with your study package.
7 subjects costing roughly 200GBP, will set you back 1400GBP excluding registration and admin fees.
Learning providers like SACOB the South African college of business provide affordable interest free payment plans making it possible to pay your studies off monthly at manageable rates. It’s a pay as you study system.
Can I finish FIA ACCA in 2 years?
It is entirely possible to finish your FIA in under 1 year, this depends on your commitment to studying hard and focus on the study material. With a reputable learning provider this goal is easily achieved with face to face classes, webinars and live online resources. Check out SACOBS online offerings here.
If you are unsuccessful in your exams, you can rebook them after 2 weeks which may cause a slight delay in your timeline, studying hard with competent lecturers however lessens this risk and saves you time ensuring you pass on your first attempt. Adequate exam preparation is the name of the game here, SACOB hosts live online webinars specifically focused don exam preparation are scheduled before your exams, ensuring your full preparation as you complete all of the online interactive sessions.
Does ACCA require maths?
The FIA in ACCA is open access meaning there are no specific entry requirements set by the ACCA.
If you are still unsure about your ability to be able to pursue the certification you can take the English and Maths self-check modules available from the ACCA. These will give you a benchmark of your basic ability and help you improve your maths and English ability to give you the ability to complete the Foundations in accounting certificates.
What are the different ways to study an ACCA Qualification?
You can either opt for self-study or online assisted learning. With SACOB you have 2 study packages to choose from.
Can you self-study ACCA?
Self-studying the ACCA with online resources is entirely possible, with many online resources available on our online learning website, it is possible to study on your own and ask your lecturer for help if you need assistance on understanding certain concepts.
SACOB offers the Home Study package
All study materials couriered to your door.
You can study from the convenience of home and tutor support is available 24/7 through your student account – study from home and get tutor advice anytime.
Suggested Study Time:
4 months per subject
Can you study FIA ACCA Online?
Yes, most learning providers offer FIA in ACCA exclusively online, supported by live lecturer feedback and your physical textbooks, this is an efficient and convenient route to take.
My Kaplan provides learning materials online to support you when studying, these come directly from the publishers to ensure total alignment with the current study material which changes as regulation in the world of finance and accounting is always updated and revised.
SACOB offers the Online Classroom
Everything that you receive in Home Study and More!
Additional videos to help clarify concepts and important sections in each module. Progress quizzes to review your work and assistance with assignments.
Suggested Study Time:
3 months per subject
What do you get when you study ACCA online?
When you study ACCA FIA online you receive access to MyKaplan online resources, an online study resource portal made by the publishers of the study materials.
This access includes:
- Consolidation Tests
- Progress Tests
- Past Exam Questions and Answers
- Recap Videos
- Mock Exams
Is ACCA worth doing?
FIA in ACCA is an international certification which means global recognition. This means that your knowledge in accounting and business finance can be applied globally and not just within the borders of the country you currently reside in. What does this mean?
Basically this certification programme stands above nationally recognised qualifications, it ensures that if migration is ever in your career path, you will be able to continue in the field of accountancy with recognition of your current experience.
Nationally recognised certificates cannot afford you this ability without further scrutiny by would be international employers. With ACCA you are internationally recognised, and you can operate within the field of accounting in your national capacity.
This makes the FIA in ACCA a valuable package which opens the way to further diplomas and even global membership to the ACCA governing body. With this behind your name it will be hard for employers to overlook your CV in a stack of nationally recognised certifications.
Is ACCA difficult to pass?
The exams in FIA in ACCA can be taken together within the same timetable. This means that within 7 examination days you can complete all of your subjects. This means that the overall difficulty is relatively low. The knowledge learned in one subject builds onto the concepts covered in the other with specialisation being the only differing factor within each subject.
There are no restrictions on the amounts of times you may attempt an exam, just a delay between in which you may re-register to write again, which increases the overall time taken to achieve your Certificate. It is recommended to complete 4 subjects and exams at a time, this is the moderate approach to taking the exams and ensuring adequate preparation time for your next set of papers.
The ACCA Complete Qualification
This is the complete ACCA Qualification. It focuses on accounting knowledge and skills as well as professional values. Completing this qualification will allow you to build a successful career as a finance professional. It addresses professional values, ethics and governance.
This is essential as the profession is moving towards strengthening codes of conduct, regulation and legislation. Professionalism and ethics is examined at the highest level in the ACCA Qualification.
It does require you to have your matric though, but if you do not, don’t worry – you can start with the other entry level qualifications.
Do any of the ACCA Qualifications overlap?
If you do not happen to meet the entry requirements for the full ACCA qualification then you would start with the Foundations in Accountancy and work your way from there.
The great thing is that once you have completed the Foundation Level subjects you will receive a qualification, then by moving on to the other subjects that form part of the ACCA qualification you are on your way to adding another qualification to your name.
How do the ACCA FIA exams work?
Exams are made up of both Computer Based Exams as well as written exams, depending on the subject being written.
The first 4 subjects are Computer Based and have no set period in which you can write exams.
The next 5 subjects are also Computer Based however they take place during specific times of the year only – namely March, June, September and December.
Exams have registration cut-off dates, so make sure you register early.
Why should you be studying an ACCA Qualification with SACOB?
Being an ACCA Gold Provider means that we have jumped through many hoops, have crossed many T’s and have certainly dotted many I’s. This means that with SACOB you are in very good hands as ACCA have very strict guidelines on becoming an accredited tuition provider. At SACOB we are committed to getting you the results that sees you pass and achieve the end goal…your qualification.
If you have started your studies at another college but would like to move across to SACOB, no problem – let us help you make the move across and welcome you to SACOB.
Need to know all the costs involved? Feel free to chat to one of our well-informed course advisors who will happily answer all your questions.