INTRODUCTION:
The ACCA syllabus is one of the most unique curricula in finance and accounting qualifications, as it covers a diverse range of complex financial areas, rather than focusing on a specific area. Each area is covered comprehensively, utilizing modern learning techniques that not only focus on providing knowledge but also emphasis equipping aspirants with the technical, analytical, and professional skills necessary to thrive in the modern financial era and achieve an exceptionally progressive career.
This curriculum of ACCA in Zimbabwe consists of 13 modules which are further categorized into three levels (Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional). The first level is the fundamental level that consists of 3 exams, the second level is the intermediary level covering 6 modules, and the third one is the most advanced level that consists of 4 exams (2 optional and 2 essentials).
Are you thinking of starting ACCA in Zimbabwe, but find yourself getting stuck in the curriculum again and again? No worries, we got you covered with this informative blog, providing all the essential details about ACCA syllabus; continue reading till the end to understand the curriculum more efficiently.
ACCA SYLLABUS IN ZIMBABWE:
The ACCA curriculum is standardized all around the world. The thirteen modules are classified in three levels as follows:
1: APPLIED SKILLS:
The primary level consists of three fundamental modules, namely:
- Business and Technology: Focuses on basic areas like governance, business structures, ethics, and communication.
- Financial Accounting: This module covers accounting topics like financial statements, double-entry accounting, balance sheets, etc.
- Management Accounting: Management Accounting covers a wide range of topics including budgeting, decision-making, and costing.
2: APPLIED KNOWLEDGE:
Second stage of ACCA in Zimbabwe. This level is a bit more comprehensive than the previous one. Modules in this level are as follows:
- Corporate and Business law: Covers diverse areas and principles including employment law, contract law, legal framework, and Zimbabwean company law.
- Taxation: covers local and global tax systems including income tax, VAT, ZIMRA processes, CGT, PAYE, and many more.
- Audit and Assurance: Essential module covering a variety of topics including internal controls, risks, audit planning, etc.
- Financial Reporting: It covers a number of important areas including IFRS standards, consolidated accounts, etc.
- Financial Management: Mainly focuses on essential topics like business finance, risk management, and investment appraisals.
- Performance Management: The focus areas in this module include variance analysis, performance evaluation, and cost accounting.
3: STRATEGIC PROFESSIONAL:
The last level of ACCA qualification, the most advanced level that covers specified courses as well. This level is further categorized in two parts: essential modules and selective modules. Two modules are included in the essentials, and optional modules. Students have to select two modules of their preference from four options; the total number of modules included in this level is four.
ESSENTIALS:
- Strategic Business Leadership: Unlike previous modules, this ACCA module is more descriptive and consists of case studies that focus on essential topics like business leadership, strategy, and ethics.
- Strategic Business Reporting: This module is primarily focused on Advanced Financial Reporting as per international and local standards.
OPTIONALS: (select any two)
- Advanced Taxation: Key focus area of this module is advanced tax planning and compliance with ZIMRA.
- Advanced Performance Management: This module in the ACCA syllabus highly focuses on strategic performance management and measurement.
- Advanced Financial Management: Comprehensively covers essential financial areas such as risk analysis, corporate finance, mergers, etc.
- Advanced Audit and Assurance: The module concentrates on important auditing areas including auditing skills, ethics, and regulatory compliances.
ZIMBABWE-SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS:
Some modules in ACCA syllabus have certain Zimbabwe-specific considerations; let’s discover them:
- The Zimbabwe variant is available for the Taxation (TX) module that focuses on ZIMRA regulations, Zimbabwean tax laws, VAT, PAYE, capital gains, and income tax.
- Corporate and Business law also have a Zimbabwean variant that primarily focuses on Zimbabwean company law, contract law, labor law, and legal systems.
EXAM SESSIONS OF ACCA IN ZIMBABWE:
The ACCA exams are held quarterly in a year in March, June, September, and December; registration for each session is done separately. The number of exams and the modules you want to appear in completely depends on your academic preferences and planning.
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TYPICAL ROUTE FOR ACCA SYLLABUS:
However, students are not obliged to follow the structure of ACCA syllabus and attempt exams according to it. But, it is advised to follow the typical route to complete ACCA in Zimbabwe efficiently. According to this route, aspirants first need to complete the Applied knowledge level, then move towards the Applied skills level, after which they may complete the EPSM modules. And then in the end attempt the modules from Strategic Professional level; this is an effective way to complete this qualification as modules in each academic level are somehow interlinked, and completing the prerequisites can help you get a deeper and better understanding of a topic.
CONCLUSION:
ACCA syllabus in Zimbabwe follows the same structure, which is standardized by ACCA globally; however, in certain courses, topics with local relevance are also covered. The syllabus is diverse, comprehensive, and quite uniquely structured; aspirants are advised to focus on key areas of each module and stay consistent with their revisions in order to ace these advanced financial modules. For bringing ease to students, the ACCA syllabus is categorised into three academic levels, each consisting of diverse financial and accounting modules. Indeed, the syllabus is quite wide and advanced, but with concentration, consistency, and determination, aspirants can easily cover it.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q1: Which are the effective tips to cover ACCA Syllabus efficiently?
Answer: You can cover the ACCA syllabus quite efficiently by:
- Familiarizing yourself with the key concepts of each module
- Understand the structure of the exam
- choose a reliable learning partner
- Join local and international networking groups
- stay consistent with your studies
Q2: What are the EPSM modules in ACCA qualification?
Answer: The EPSM modules or Ethics and Professional Skills Modules are the mandatory modules that aspirants are required to complete. These modules equip aspirants with the professional ethics and skills to stay competitive in the practical financial world by showcasing transparency, accuracy, and credibility in your work.
