It takes progressive stances on global issues to ensure accountancy as a profession continues to grow in reputation and influence.

Key dates in ACCA history include:[7] The term Chartered Certified Accountant was introduced in 1996.

Since Chartered Certified Accountant is a legally protected term,[citation needed] individuals who describe themselves as such must be members of ACCA.

If they carry out public practice engagements, they must comply with additional regulations such as holding a practising certificate, being insured against any possible liability claims and submitting to inspections.

ACCA offers the following certifications: Chartered Certified Accountant is the professional body's main qualification.

The ACCA professional examinations are offered worldwide four times yearly in March, June, September and December as paper-based and computer-based exams.

[9] A Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Applied Accounting (after completing the Fundamentals level of the exams, the Ethics and Professional Skills module and submitting a Research and Analysis project), is offered in association with Oxford Brookes University.

From September 2018 onward, the syllabus comprises 13 examinations and an Ethics and Professional Skills module (EPSM),[10] although some exemptions are available.

ACCA offers a range of foundation-level certificates and diplomas – collectively referred to as Foundations in Accountancy (FIA)[13] – which provide an entry point for anyone new to accounting and finance and who doesn't meet the minimum entry requirements for the ACCA Qualification (which is three GCSEs and 2 A Levels or equivalent, in five separate subjects).

[29][30] Launched in early 2015, ACCA-X[31] are online courses for students starting their studies in accountancy and business.

[45] The ACCA or Chartered Certified Accountant qualification is fully recognised in both the United Kingdom and Ireland.

[47] In 2011, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC; then Professional Oversight Board) published information for the first time about its concerns over self-regulation by particular institutes.

Press reports highlighted comments about ACCA, which had implemented recommendations to improve its examination syllabus, but needed to pay greater attention to monitoring long-time members.

The ACCA qualification is legally recognized by all member countries of the European Union under the Mutual Recognition Directive.

ACCA announced a Mutual Recognition Agreement with Certified General Accountant (CGA Canada) effective from 1 January 2007; renewed in 2011 for a further 5 years period until December 2017.

[55] The ACCA qualification is legally recognized in the French Guiana (Part of France and hence subject to European Union regulations).

[citation needed] ACCA was awarded full and unconditional accreditation status as a professional body in Namibia by the statutory Public Accountants' and Auditors' Board (PAAB) on 24 November 2016.

Only members of the ACCA and South African Institute of Chartered Accountants can carry out External Audits in the country from the 1st of April 2024.

Only ACCA members in good standing and Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe can register as auditors.

It has entered into agreements with 41 Chinese Universities, many of which are leading in the disciplines of finance and accounting as well as having excellent academic reputations in a wider range of subjects.

Most HKICPA members qualified through a joint scheme with Hong Kong Society of Accountants (HKSA) which operated for more than 20 years.

[citation needed] On 13 August 2007, ACCA and the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA) signed an MRA that provided a route for members to join the other body.

MIA also recognises 21 Malaysian university qualifications as a prerequisite for registration as a chartered accountant in Malaysia.

Therefore, ACCA qualification is eligible to be admitted as MIA member, which then opens the opportunity to practice as a public accountant (audit firm).

[62] From 2014, Tribhuwan University has recognized ACCA (after full membership) as equivalent to bachelor's degree if pursued after intermediate level.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan recognises ACCA members qualifications as equal to master's degree in Commerce (MCom).

This MoU shall facilitate students and members of ACCA and ICMA Pakistan to earn dual qualification and membership on a fast track basis.

[68] Through partnerships with professional institutions, ACCA offers students and members access to other related qualifications.