Introduction

If you’ve just finished your O/Ls or A/Ls and are exploring career options in accounting and finance, the ACCA qualification could be your gateway to a global profession.

ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is one of the world’s most recognized accounting qualifications, with over 240,000 members and students across 180 countries — including Sri Lanka.

In this guide, you’ll learn what ACCA is, how it works in Sri Lanka, the subjects, duration, career paths, and why so many students choose Premier Partners Institute of Management (PPIM) to study ACCA.

What Is ACCA and Why It Matters

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a UK-based professional accounting body that prepares students for successful global careers in finance, audit, management, and accounting.

With ACCA Sri Lanka, you earn a qualification that’s internationally respected and recognized by employers worldwide — making it ideal for students who dream of working for multinational companies or abroad.

 In Sri Lanka, PPIM (Premier Partners Institute of Management) offers comprehensive ACCA courses designed for students after O/Ls or A/Ls, ensuring you can begin your accounting journey right after school.

Key Benefits of Studying ACCA in Sri Lanka

  1. Globally Recognized Qualification ACCA is accepted in over 180 countries
     giving you access to international career opportunities without needing to study abroad.

  2. Start Right After O/Ls or A/Ls
    You don’t need a degree to begin ACCA. Students can join the Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) route right after O/Ls or begin ACCA directly after A/Ls.

  3. Flexible Study Options
     You can study ACCA part-time, full-time, or online — ideal for working professionals or students balancing studies.

  4. Affordable Path to a Global Career
     Compared to university degrees, ACCA offers a faster, more affordable route to becoming a qualified finance professional.

  5. Excellent Career Opportunities
    With ACCA, you can become a Finance Manager, Auditor, Tax Consultant, or Business Analyst, or work at global firms like KPMG, EY, PwC, and Deloitte.

ACCA Course Structure and Pathway

The ACCA qualification is made up of three main levels and an Ethics & Professional Skills module.

LevelDescriptionDurationNo. of Papers
Applied Knowledge Foundation level (ideal for A/L students) 6–12 months 3
Applied SkillsBuilds technical knowledge in accounting & business 12–18 months 6
Strategic Professional Advanced-level papers (optional & essential modules) 12–18 months 4
Ethics Module + Practical Experience Gain 3 years of professional experience Concurrent--

Students can complete the full ACCA qualification in around 3–4 years, depending on their pace and exemptions.

How to Start or Enroll in ACCA Sri Lanka

Step 1: Check Eligibility

    • After O/Ls → Start with Foundations in Accountancy (FIA).
    • After A/Ls → Begin directly with Applied Knowledge level.
    • If you have a degree or AAT qualification, you may get paper exemptions.

Step 2: Register with ACCA (UK)

    • Visit the official ACCA website and apply for student registration.

Step 3: Choose an Approved Learning Partner

    • Select an approved learning partner like Premier Partners Institute of Management (PPIM) for structured, exam-focused guidance.

 Step 4: Begin Your Studies

    • Enroll for classes at PPIM — either on campus or online — and prepare for your exams with the support of experienced lecturers and mock assessments.

Step 5: Sit for Computer-Based Exams (CBEs)

    • PPIM is also a Certified CBE Center, meaning you can complete your ACCA exams on-site conveniently.

Why Choose PPIM for ACCA in Sri Lanka

At Premier Partners Institute of Management (PPIM), we don’t just prepare you to pass exams — we prepare you for career success.

Here’s what makes PPIM the smart choice for ACCA students:

    • ACCA Gold Learning Partner – Recognized for high-quality teaching and student results.
    • Qualified Lecturers – Experienced professionals and ACCA prize winners.
    • Online + On-Campus Learning – Study anywhere, anytime.
    • CBE-Approved Center – Sit for ACCA exams at PPIM.
    • Individual Support – Personal mentoring, progress tracking, and career guidance.
    • Pathways Beyond ACCA – Students can progress to CA Sri Lanka or a BSc in Applied Accounting (Oxford Brookes University).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does it take to complete ACCA in Sri Lanka?

It typically takes 3–4 years, depending on how many exams you attempt per session.

Yes! You can start with the FIA route (Foundations in Accountancy) after O/Ls and move on to full ACCA qualifications.

While a degree provides academic knowledge, ACCA offers practical, career-oriented skills recognized worldwide. Many students combine both for stronger career profiles.

You can work as an Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst, or Tax Consultant in top firms or multinational companies.

Yes. ACCA members are recognized by many international and local organizations. Some students later pursue CA Sri Lanka for local specialization.