ACCA Subjects List 2025: Your Guide to the 13 Papers in ACCA

ACCA subjects List 2025

ACCA subjects in 2025 is crucial for anyone pursuing the ACCA qualification. This globally recognized credential opens doors to various accounting and finance careers, but passing each exam paper requires a thorough understanding of the syllabus. In this blog, we’ll explore the ACCA syllabus, break down each paper, and provide tips on succeeding.

Introduction to ACCA Subjects

The ACCA qualification offers a globally recognized qualification. Students must complete 13 core ACCA subjects that cover a wide range of accounting and financial management skills. Divided into three main levels—Knowledge, Skills, and Strategic Professional—these subjects are designed to progressively build a solid foundation and advance expertise in financial and business management.

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

ACCA Subjects List

The ACCA qualification is structured around 15 core ACCA subjects to build a comprehensive understanding of accounting, finance, and business management. To achieve the ACCA designation, you must complete 13 of these 15 papers, divided into three levels: Knowledge, Skills, and Professional.

What Are the 13 Papers of ACCA?

The ACCA qualification is structured into 13 papers that cover various areas of accounting, finance, and business management. These papers are designed to equip students with the technical knowledge, analytical skills, and professional values needed for a successful career in finance and accounting.

The ACCA subjects list for 2025 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) Int or UK variant - P6

Read our blog on how much it the ACCA course costs

How the ACCA Qualification Is Divided into Three Levels

1. Knowledge Level

• Purpose: Introduces students to the core principles of accounting and business.
• Who It’s For: Beginners or those transitioning from non-accounting backgrounds.

2. Skills Level

• Purpose: Build intermediate technical and analytical skills in law, taxation, and management accounting.
• Who It’s For: Students aiming to gain professional-level knowledge for practical applications in business.

3. Strategic Professional Level

• Purpose: Focuses on advanced, strategic skills required for senior finance and business leadership roles.
• Who It’s For: Students preparing for specialized roles or leadership positions in global organizations.

How to Progress Through the Levels

1. Sequential Order:
   • Start with the Knowledge Level papers and progress through the Skills Level before tackling the Strategic Professional Level.
2. Exemptions:
   • Students with relevant qualifications (e.g., a degree in accounting) may claim exemptions for specific papers. Check our ACCA exemptions calculator to know which level you can start with.
3. Practical Experience:
   • To qualify as an ACCA member, students must complete three years of practical experience alongside the exams.

ACCA Subjects at the Knowledge Level

The Knowledge Level is the foundational stage of the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification. This stage introduces students to essential concepts and skills needed for a career in accounting, finance, and business. It consists of three core papers designed to build fundamental knowledge.

What Are the Knowledge Level Papers?

1. Business and Technology (BT)
   • Purpose: This paper focuses on the relationship between business operations and the technology that drives modern organizations.
   • Key Topics:
     • The structure of business organizations and their environments.
     • Governance, ethics, and social responsibility.
     • The impact of technology and information systems on business success.
   • Why It’s Important: Understanding the core principles of business and technology equips students with the ability to analyze how organizations operate in dynamic environments.
2. Management Accounting (MA)
   • Purpose: This paper introduces the principles and techniques of management accounting, focusing on planning, control, and decision-making processes.
   • Key Topics:
     • Costing techniques and cost behavior.
     • Budgeting and forecasting.
     • Performance measurement and decision-making tools.
   • Why It’s Important: Management Accounting develops the skills to provide financial insights that aid strategic business decisions.
3. Financial Accounting (FA)
   • Purpose: This paper provides the fundamental knowledge of preparing and interpreting financial statements for external reporting.
   • Key Topics:
     • The principles and standards of financial reporting.
     • Preparing basic financial statements for single entities.
     • Understanding qualitative characteristics of useful financial information.
   • Why It’s Important: A solid grasp of financial accounting principles ensures that students can accurately report and analyze an organization’s financial performance.

ACCA Subjects at the Skills Level

The Skills Level is the second stage of the ACCA qualification. It builds on the foundational knowledge gained at the Knowledge Level and focuses on developing advanced technical and analytical skills. This level consists of six key papers designed to enhance a student’s ability to manage real-world financial, accounting, and business challenges.

What Are the Skills Level Papers?

1. Corporate and Business Law (LW)
   • Purpose: This paper focuses on understanding the legal framework within which businesses operate.
   • Key Topics:
     • Essential elements of contract law.
     • Company law, including incorporation, administration, and liquidation.
     • Employment law and the legal responsibilities of businesses.
   • Why It’s Important: Knowledge of corporate and business law ensures compliance and helps understand the legal implications of business decisions.
2. Performance Management (PM)
   • Purpose: This paper equips students with the skills to analyze and improve business performance using advanced management accounting techniques.
   • Key Topics:
     • Advanced costing methods and decision-making tools.
     • Budgeting, performance measurement, and control systems.
     • Risk management and behavioral aspects of performance.
   • Why It’s Important: Performance Management develops critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, essential for effective business strategy implementation.
3. Taxation (TX)
   • Purpose: This paper covers principles of taxation and the practical application of tax regulations in various jurisdictions.
   • Key Topics:
     • Income tax for individuals and businesses.
     • Corporate tax, VAT, and capital gains tax.
     • Tax planning and compliance.
   • Why It’s Important: Understanding taxation enables professionals to guide organizations and individuals in optimizing their tax positions while adhering to regulations.
4. Financial Reporting (FR)
   • Purpose: This paper focuses on preparing, presenting, and interpreting financial statements.
   • Key Topics:
     • International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
     • Consolidated financial statements for group entities.
     • Analysis and interpretation of financial performance.
   • Why It’s Important: Mastering financial reporting ensures accuracy and transparency in external reporting, fostering stakeholder trust.
5. Audit and Assurance (AA)
   • Purpose: This paper introduces the principles and practices of external auditing and assurance engagements.
   • Key Topics:
     • The audit process includes planning, risk assessment, and evidence gathering.
     • Internal controls and their evaluation.
     • Ethical considerations and professional responsibilities.
   • Why It’s Important: Audit and Assurance equips students to evaluate financial statements and provide critical reliability assurance.
6. Financial Management (FM)
   • Purpose: This paper focuses on the strategies and techniques required to manage an organization’s finances effectively.
   • Key Topics:
     • Investment appraisal and risk management.
     • Capital structure, financing options, and cost of capital.
     • Working capital and foreign exchange management.
   • Why It’s Important: Financial Management provides the tools to make strategic financial decisions that drive business success.

Why the Skills Level Is Critical

• Practical Applications: Each paper focuses on real-world scenarios, ensuring students are prepared for dynamic business environments.
• Technical Expertise: These subjects build technical skills for accounting, auditing, and financial decision-making roles.
• Global Relevance: The topics are aligned with international business and accounting standards, making the ACCA qualification globally recognized.

ACCA Strategic Professional Level Subjects

The Strategic Professional Level is the final stage of the ACCA qualification. It focuses on equipping students with the advanced skills, strategic thinking, and professional judgment needed for senior roles in accounting, finance, and business management.

What Are the Strategic Professional Core Papers?

1. Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
   • Purpose: This integrated case study-based exam tests students' ability to lead and manage at a senior level by applying business and management concepts.
   • Key Topics:
     • Leadership, governance, and ethics.
     • Strategy formulation and implementation.
     • Risk management and decision-making.
     • Communication and stakeholder management.
   • Why It’s Important: The SBL paper develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for strategic decision-making in complex business environments.
2. Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
   • Purpose: This paper enhances students' ability to analyze and interpret financial statements by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
   • Key Topics:
     • The application of IFRS is to prepare and evaluate financial statements.
     • Ethical considerations in financial reporting.
     • Analysis and communication of financial and non-financial information to stakeholders.
   • Why It’s Important: SBR builds the expertise required to provide transparent and reliable financial insights, a key skill for leadership roles in accounting and finance.

What Are the Optional Papers in ACCA?

Students must choose two optional papers from the following to complete the Strategic Professional Level:

1. Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
   • Focus: Advanced financial strategy, risk management, and investment appraisal skills.
   • Key Topics:
     • Corporate financing strategies and valuations.
     • Treasury and risk management techniques.
     • Global financial management and foreign exchange risks.
   • Ideal For: Aspiring financial strategists, CFOs, and investment analysts.
2. Advanced Performance Management (APM)
   • Focus: Advanced management accounting techniques to improve organizational performance.
   • Key Topics:
     • Performance evaluation and strategic planning.
     • Data analysis and decision-making models.
     • Behavioral, ethical, and risk aspects of performance management.
   • Ideal For: Professionals aiming for strategy, consultancy, or performance improvement roles.
3. Advanced Taxation (ATX)
   • Focus: In-depth knowledge of tax regulations and their applications in complex scenarios.
   • Key Topics:
     • Tax planning for individuals and corporations.
     • International tax frameworks and compliance.
     • Managing tax disputes and ethics in taxation.
   • Ideal For: Future tax advisors, consultants, and specialists.
4. Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
   • Focus: Advanced planning, managing, and reporting skills on audits and assurance engagements.
   • Key Topics:
     • Ethical and regulatory frameworks.
     • Audit strategy and risk assessment.
     • Forensic auditing and reporting.
   • Ideal For: Professionals pursuing careers in external or internal auditing, forensic auditing, or regulatory roles.

How to Choose the Right Optional Papers for ACCA?

Selecting the proper optional papers is crucial for aligning your ACCA qualification with your career goals. Consider the following factors:

1. Career Aspirations:
   • Choose papers that align with the role you aspire to, such as audit, taxation, or financial management.
   • For example, AFM suits those aiming for corporate finance roles, while ATX is ideal for tax specialists.
2. Interests and Strengths:
   • Select papers that align with your interests and areas of strength. Enjoying the subject matter makes studying more manageable.
3. Future Job Market Demand:
   • Research industry trends to identify in-demand specializations. Roles like financial analysts, tax advisors, and audit professionals are consistently sought after.
4. Flexibility for Global Careers:
   • Papers like AFM and SBR are globally recognized and provide flexibility for international career opportunities.
5. Guidance from Peers and Mentors:
   • Seek advice from colleagues, ACCA alums, or mentors about the career impact of specific optional papers.
6. Integration with Previous Studies or Roles:
   • Build on that foundation if you have prior experience or education in areas like performance management or audit.

Career Opportunities for Each Specialization

• AFM (Advanced Financial Management):
  • CFO, Financial Controller, Treasury Manager, Investment Analyst.
• APM (Advanced Performance Management):
  • Business Consultant, Strategy Manager, and Performance Analyst.
• ATX (Advanced Taxation):
  • Tax Advisor, Compliance Manager, International Tax Consultant.
• AAA (Advanced Audit and Assurance):
  • External/Internal Auditor, Forensic Accountant, Risk and Compliance Manager.

The Strategic Professional Level prepares you for senior roles and equips you with the skills to excel in a competitive and dynamic global business environment.

ACCA Study Resources and Tips

Using the right study resources and strategies is essential for ACCA's success. Below is a concise guide to the best tools and where to find them.

Best Resources to Study ACCA Subjects

BPP Learning Media

• Overview: ACCA-approved provider offering exam-focused and regularly updated materials.
• Books Offered:
  • Course Book: In-depth syllabus coverage.
  • Exam Kit: Past papers, mock exams, and practice questions.
• Where to Buy:
  • BPP ACCA Study Text & Revision Kit on Eduyush  (authorized reseller).

Kaplan Publishing

• Overview: Student-friendly materials with clear explanations and real-world examples.
• Books Offered:
  • Study Text: Comprehensive coverage with checkpoints.
  • Exam Kit: Packed with practice questions and answers.
• Where to Buy:
  • Kaplan ACCA Books on Eduyush

BPP ECR (Enhanced Classroom Resources)

BPP ECR (Enhanced Classroom Resources) offers online recorded lectures to complement the BPP Study Text and Revision Kit. These recorded lectures provide a flexible and self-paced learning experience, making them ideal for students balancing studies with work or other commitments. Expert tutors deliver the content and aligns with ACCA’s syllabus, ensuring exam-focused preparation.

• Features of BPP ECR:
  • High-quality recorded video lectures for all ACCA subjects.
  • Interactive quizzes and progress tracking tools.
  • Practical insights and examples to reinforce learning.
• Where to Buy:
  • BPP ECR Online Courses on Eduyush – Eduyush offers these resources at over 50% discounts globally.

Incorporating BPP ECR into your study plan ensures a comprehensive and flexible learning experience, combining the depth of textbooks with the accessibility of expert-led video lessons.

Why Buy from Eduyush?

1. Cost-Effective Pricing: Over 50% discounts for all students.
2. Authorized Reseller: Guarantees authenticity and updated editions.
3. Combo Offers: Save more with Study Text + Revision Kit bundles.

Conclusion

Mastering the ACCA subjects is crucial for anyone qualifying as a certified accountant. The ACCA syllabus is comprehensive and demanding, but you can successfully navigate each level with the right approach. Whether you are just beginning your journey at the Applied Knowledge level or preparing for the Strategic Professional exams, studying with dedication, discipline, and a clear strategy is essential.

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.