The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a globally recognized professional accountancy qualification. ACCA Zambia operates under this international body to provide accountancy education, training, and professional development to individuals in Zambia.
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Here's a breakdown of the key details (Fees, courses, Exam centers, and qualifications ) about ACCA in Zambia:
1. About ACCA
- Global Qualification: ACCA is one of the largest and fastest-growing international accountancy bodies. Members are recognized globally and can work in different sectors such as finance, accounting, auditing, and management.
- ACCA in Zambia: ACCA is one of the most popular accounting qualifications in Zambia, with a strong presence and a growing number of students enrolling each year.
2. Why Choose ACCA in Zambia?
- Global Recognition: ACCA is accepted in over 180 countries, making it a prestigious qualification for Zambians aiming to work internationally or in multinational companies.
- Career Opportunities: Completing ACCA opens up numerous career paths in accounting, auditing, finance, taxation, and management consultancy. Many Zambians pursue ACCA to work with top firms or start their own practices.
- Support from Employers: Many employers in Zambia, particularly large corporations and audit firms, support ACCA candidates by offering tuition support, study leave, and paying for exam fees.
3. Structure of the ACCA Qualification
The ACCA qualification has three major components:
- Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills (9 exams):
- Business and Technology (BT)
- Management Accounting (MA)
- Financial Accounting (FA)
- Corporate and Business Law (LW)
- Performance Management (PM)
- Taxation (TX)
- Financial Reporting (FR)
- Audit and Assurance (AA)
- Financial Management (FM)
- Strategic Professional (4 exams):
- Essential Papers:
- Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
- Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
- Optional Papers (2 from 4):
- Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
- Advanced Performance Management (APM)
- Advanced Taxation (ATX)
- Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
- Essential Papers:
- Professional Ethics Module: ACCA includes a mandatory ethics module that develops candidates' understanding of ethical behavior in business.
- Practical Experience Requirement (PER): Candidates must complete at least 36 months of relevant work experience in finance, accounting, or management to become an ACCA member.
4. Registration and Entry Requirements
- Minimum Requirements: To enroll in ACCA, you typically need a grade 12 certificate with credits in mathematics and English. However, there are other pathways such as foundation-level qualifications for those who do not meet these standards.
- Graduate Entry Route: Individuals with a relevant degree from a recognized institution may receive exemptions from some exams, making the process quicker.
- Registration: Prospective students in Zambia can register online via the ACCA Global website or through local accredited training providers.
5. Study Options in Zambia
- Study Methods: Zambian students can choose between self-study, enrolling in classes at ACCA-accredited tuition providers, or using online study resources.
- Tuition Providers: Several institutions in Zambia offer tuition support, such as ZCAS University, Cavendish University, and the University of Zambia. These institutions often provide part-time and full-time options for students.
- Exams: ACCA exams are computer-based and are held four times a year. Students in Zambia can sit for exams at designated ACCA exam centers in major cities like Lusaka, Kitwe, and Ndola.
6. Fees and Scholarships
- Fees: ACCA students must pay registration fees, exam fees, and annual subscription fees. The exact amount can vary but is available on the ACCA Global website.
- Scholarships: Some local institutions or employers may offer scholarships or financial assistance to students pursuing ACCA in Zambia. ACCA itself also provides global financial aid to deserving students.
Scroll down for More information about fees
7. Career Prospects in Zambia
- Local Demand: Zambia has a growing economy, and the demand for qualified accountants and finance professionals is high. ACCA graduates are in demand across sectors such as mining, banking, government, and NGOs.
- Professional Recognition: ACCA members in Zambia are respected and often occupy high-level positions in both the private and public sectors.
- Path to Self-Employment: After completing ACCA, many Zambians choose to become consultants or start their own accounting and auditing firms.
8. Networking and Professional Development
- ACCA Zambia Chapter: ACCA Zambia has a local office that supports students and members with resources, events, and networking opportunities.
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD): ACCA members in Zambia are required to complete CPD annually to maintain their membership. This can include attending seminars, workshops, or completing online courses.
9. Challenges
- Cost: The ACCA qualification can be costly, especially for students who are self-funding. However, the return on investment is usually high, given the career opportunities it offers.
- Exam Difficulty: ACCA exams are known to be challenging, requiring dedicated study and commitment, but with proper preparation, success is achievable.
ACCA fees in Zambia
The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) fees are structured to cover various stages of the qualification process, including registration, exam entries, annual subscriptions, and other associated costs. Below is a detailed breakdown of the ACCA fees as of the latest available data. These fees are subject to change, so it's always recommended to check the ACCA Global website for the most current information. Go to >>>ACCA fees in Zambian Kwacha
1. Initial Registration Fees
- Initial Registration Fee: £89 (one-time fee paid when you first register as an ACCA student).
- Re-registration Fee: £89 (for those who have been inactive for some time and wish to resume their studies).
2. Annual Subscription Fee
- Annual Subscription: £122 (paid every year by students to maintain their student status, due each January).
- Discounted Subscription: For students registering late in the year, ACCA may reduce the annual subscription fee for that year.
3. Exam Fees
ACCA exam fees vary based on the level of exams and the time you enter for the exam (early, standard, or late entry). Here is a general breakdown:
A. Applied Knowledge Exams (Computer-Based)
- Business and Technology (BT)
- Management Accounting (MA)
- Financial Accounting (FA)
- Exam Fee: £103 per exam (these exams are computer-based and can be taken on-demand).
B. Applied Skills Exams
- Corporate and Business Law (LW): £128
- Performance Management (PM), Taxation (TX), Financial Reporting (FR), Audit and Assurance (AA), Financial Management (FM):
- Early entry: £129 per exam
- Standard entry: £144 per exam
- Late entry: £355 per exam
C. Strategic Professional Exams
- Strategic Business Leader (SBL):
- Early entry: £240
- Standard entry: £267
- Late entry: £397
- Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) and other Strategic Professional exams (e.g., Advanced Financial Management (AFM), Advanced Performance Management (APM), Advanced Taxation (ATX), Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)):
- Early entry: £170 per exam
- Standard entry: £190 per exam
- Late entry: £377 per exam
4. Exemption Fees
- ACCA allows exemptions for students who have completed relevant qualifications, such as a degree in accounting or finance.
- Exemption Fees: £129 per paper (for each exempted exam in the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills levels).
5. Other Fees
- Exam Withdrawal Fee: No refunds are issued if you choose to withdraw from an exam after the entry deadline.
- Administrative Fees: There may be additional fees for certain administrative services like result re-checks or requests for additional documentation.
6. ACCA in Zambia
In Zambia, students typically pay these fees directly to ACCA, although local tuition providers may have their own charges for training, materials, and support. These tuition fees vary depending on the provider.
7. Additional Costs
- Study Materials: Purchasing study materials such as textbooks, revision kits, and online resources from publishers like BPP or Kaplan may incur additional costs.
- Tuition Fees: If you opt for tuition at an ACCA-approved learning provider in Zambia (e.g., ZCAS, Cavendish University, or others), the costs for classes will vary based on the institution.
ACCA exam centers in Zambia
In Zambia, ACCA exams are offered through several centers. The British Council in Lusaka is the main provider of ACCA paper-based and computer-based exams, handling both on-demand and sessional exams. Additionally, institutions such as ZCAS and the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) offer exam centers across various cities, including Lusaka, Kitwe, and Ndola.
For on-demand ACCA exams like AB, MA, FA, and LW, you can apply through the British Council, while registration for higher-level papers is done directly through ACCA’s website
ACCA in Zambia provides a solid pathway for those looking to establish a successful career in finance and accounting. Its international recognition, combined with strong local demand for qualified accountants, makes it a valuable qualification for Zambians.
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