A notable credential for aspiring accountants and finance professionals globally is the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). However, selecting the appropriate undergraduate degree program is an essential first step before starting your ACCA exam adventure. The two most common choices—the Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) and the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)—are examined in detail in this blog post. We’ll explore the strengths of each program and how they align with the demands of the ACCA exams, ultimately helping you make an informed decision for a successful start to your accounting career.
ACCA with Bcom | How does it Stand?
Because of the exemptions you get, pursuing the ACCA certificate in addition to your BCom degree might be quite beneficial. Since you probably studied these subjects during your degree, finishing your BCom first enables you to bypass some ACCA subject exams, including:
- Business and Technology (BT)
- Accountant in Business (AB)
- Management Accounting (MA)
- Financial Accounting (FA)
- Corporate and Business Law (LW)
- Taxation (TX)
Many choose this combination, beginning their ACCA preparation while still completing their degree, or planning to take the examinations after receiving their BCom. When taking into account the time required for both the BCom program and the ACCA preparation at the same time, this dual strategy usually takes three to four years to finish. You won’t have as many things to worry about when preparing for the ACCA because part of the program combines with BCom courses.
Some colleges even have combined degree programs that allow you to complete your BCom coursework and ACCA preparation at the same university. Nevertheless, compared to earning a stand-alone BCom degree, these combined programs are frequently more expensive.
Comprehensive knowledge of fundamental accounting systems, procedures, and topics, including taxation, management accounting, IFRS, financial reporting, and auditing, is provided by the ACCA program. Similar topics are covered by BCom, but typically not to the same depth as ACCA. For instance, whereas ACCA provides a more thorough understanding of IFRS, including real-world applications, BCom does not cover it.
To put it simply, some students take BCom alongside ACCA as their major course. By taking this strategy, you’re effectively studying BCom with an intense focus on ACCA subjects, which will maximize the depth of your understanding and get you ready for a future in finance and accounting.
ACCA and Bcom Exam Structure
The previous section outlined the subjects for which you receive exemptions in the ACCA exam if you have a BCom degree. But to become an ACCA-certified professional, you need to study for and pass the following subjects:
- Financial Reporting (FR)
- Audit and Assurance (AA)
- Financial Management (FM)
- Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
- Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
- Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
- Advanced Performance Management (APM)
It’s crucial to remember that earning an ACCA professional certification can greatly improve your chances of landing a job. The scope of your knowledge and abilities is the foundation for job growth. While BCom offers in-depth knowledge of a variety of topics, ACCA dives deeper into the core of the accounting field.
Therefore, since you would be missing out on important foundational knowledge, it might not be useful to request an exemption from these subjects. This could cause difficulties at work because you might not have the ability to handle difficult financial situations and solve problems efficiently.
ACCA with BBA | How does it Stand?
It is generally accepted that obtaining both an ACCA certification and a BBA degree is a wise strategic choice for anyone hoping to succeed in the field of accounting. This combination provides a special combination of highly complementary abilities and expertise. While the BBA adds a deeper understanding of business management, language, and administrative ability, the ACCA provides you with extensive expertise in auditing, accounting, and financial management.
Combining ACCA and BBA improves your technical skills while also sharpening your strategic business sense. Imagine going into an interview equipped with administrative and business management skills from your BBA and technical expertise from your ACCA. This combination makes you stand out as a valued asset and facilitates the hiring process. The benefits of pursuing a BBA + ACCA are comparable to those of pursuing a BCom + ACCA combination, despite the possibility of more demanding coursework.
The combination of ACCA and BBA can provide doors to fast professional growth in established organizations or entrepreneurial ventures after work experience is gained.
Subjects covered by ACCA include:
- Advanced Financial Management
- Advanced Audit and Assurance
- Advanced Taxation
- Advanced Performance Management
- Business and Technology
- Financial Accounting
- Management Accounting
- Corporate and Business Law
- Taxation
- Financial Reporting
- Performance Management
- Financial Management, Audit and Assurance
- Strategic Business Reporting
- Strategic Business Leader
- Advanced Performance Management
While the BBA program covers a wide range of topics, some of the more notable ones are as follows:
- Principles of Marketing
- Quantitative Techniques
- Environmental Management
- Human Resource Management
- Strategic Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Business Plans
Which Combination is Better, BBA + ACCA or Bcom + ACCA?
Combining these courses increases your chances of obtaining high-paying jobs by increasing your skill set and making you a useful asset to potential employers. Which combination is better, BBA + ACCA or BCom + ACCA, ultimately depends on your interests and ambitions. BCom + ACCA is a strong option for anyone looking to gain knowledge of accounting and associated topics; it’s perfect for positions in multinational companies. On the other hand, BBA + ACCA offers a comprehensive combination of technical and managerial abilities, making it beneficial for those looking to pursue leadership roles or entrepreneurial ventures.
CICA: Your Pathway to ACCA Success
In summary, the ACCA certification offers significant career advancement potential and is a recognized certification. Adding to it with a degree program such as a BCom or BBA broadens your knowledge, enhances your skill set, and provides access to a variety of options.
Set out on a rewarding path to a rewarding career in finance and accounting. CICA provides you with the globally recognized qualifications and the knowledge, skills, and abilities to accomplish your goals.
To accommodate your unique needs and learning preferences, CICA provides a range of ACCA preparation solutions. Get in touch with us right now to discuss your options and see how the ACCA qualification can open up a world of opportunities.