Accounting

In this module you will learn about:

• maintaining financial records;
• making adjustments to accounting records and financial statements;
• preparing financial statements; and
• professional ethics.

Assurance

In this module you will learn about:

• the concept, process and need for assurance;
• internal controls;
• gathering evidence on assurance engagement; and
• professional ethics.

Business, Technology and Finance

In this module you will learn about:

• business objectives and functions;
• business and organisational structures;
• the role of finance and the accountancy profession;
• the external environment; and
• professional ethics.

Law

In this module you will learn about:

• the impact of civil and criminal law on business and professional services;
• company and insolvency law;
• the impact of law in the professional context; and
• professional ethics.

Management Information

In this module you will learn about:

• costing and pricing;
• budgeting and forecasting;
• performance management;
• management decision making; and
• professional ethics.

Principles of Taxation

In this module you will learn about:

• the different objectives and types of tax;
• the ethics and administration of taxation;
• income tax and national insurance contributions;
• capital gains tax and chargeable gains for companies;
• corporate tax and VAT; and
• professional ethics.

The Certificate level of the ACA also make up an independent qualification, ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business. This can be completed independently of the ACA. 

ICAEW CFAB is a globally-recognised qualification in finance, accounting and business. It is open to everyone and can be studied independently or via a tuition provider.

The six exams can be completed in any order and are assessed via computer-based assessment at a local exam-centres.

ICAEW CFAB can be achieved in 12 months. Upon completion, you will receive your ICAEW CFAB qualification certificate and you can choose to carry on and complete the ACA.

Read more about ICAEW CFAB

Audit and Assurance

In this module you will learn about:

• legal and other professional regulations, ethics and current issues;
• accepting, planning and managing engagements;
• concluding and reporting on engagements; and
• professional ethics.

Business Strategy and Technology

In this module you will learn about:

• strategic analysis;
• strategic choice;
• the implementation and monitoring of strategy; and
• professional ethics.

Financial Management

In this module you will learn about:

• financing options;
• managing financial risk;
• investment decisions and valuations; and
• professional ethics.

Financial Accounting and Reporting

In this module you will learn about:

• accounting and reporting concepts and ethics;
• single entity financial statements;
• consolidated financial statements; and
• professional ethics.

Tax Compliance

In this module you will learn about:

• indirect taxes;
• capital taxes;
• corporation tax;
• income tax and national insurance contributions; and
• professional ethics and law.

There are three Business Planning module options: Banking, Insurance or Taxation. ACA students are given guidance from their employer which of the three they should study.

Business Planning: Banking

In this option you will learn about:

• financial services products;
• risk management;
• financial and regulatory reporting for banks;
• the audit and assurance of banks; and
• professional ethics.

Business Planning: Insurance

In this option you will learn about:

• insurance products;
• risk management;
• financial and regulatory reporting for insurance companies;
• the audit and assurance of insurance companies; and
• professional ethics.

Business Planning: Taxation

In this option you will learn about:

• the taxation of corporate entities;
• taxation of owner-managed businesses;
• personal taxation; and
• professional ethics and law.

Corporate Reporting

This module covers:

• applying technical and analytical techniques to resolve compliance and business issues that arise from providing auditing services and preparing and evaluating corporate reports;
• applying technical knowledge and professional judgement to determine alternative solutions to corporate reporting issues, considering client and stakeholder needs;
• considering commercial impact and ethical issues arising from recommendations on compliance and business issues; and
• professional ethics.

Strategic Business Management

This module covers:

• demonstrating business and ethical awareness at strategic, operating and transactional levels;
• demonstrating quantitative and qualitative skills to solve business problems and make realistic recommendations;
• applying technical knowledge, including strategic analysis, risk management, corporate governance, financial management, corporate reporting and assurance;
• applying technical knowledge and professional judgement to identify and use appropriate models, analyse data from multiple sources and develop appropriate solutions; and
• professional ethics.

Case study

This module must be taken at the end of your studies and relates to how students will be expected to work. It tests professional skills in the context of a specific business issue and your understanding and application of professional ethics. It requires:

• the demonstration of knowledge, skills and practical application from multiple areas of the syllabus;
• the ability to analyse financial and non-financial information;
• the demonstration of professional and ethical judgement; and
• the development of conclusions and recommendations;