The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification is a globally respected path for anyone interested in accounting, finance, or business. But with popularity also comes misinformation. Whether you’re a +2 graduate, a BBS/BBA student, or someone switching careers, chances are you’ve heard some myths about ACCA that made you pause.
Let’s see the most common ones:
Myth 1: “ACCA is only for students with a commerce background.”
Truth: Anyone can do ACCA!
While students with a background in accounting, business, or economics may have an early advantage, ACCA is open to all streams, including science, humanities, and management. The Applied Knowledge level is designed to build fundamentals from scratch. Many successful ACCA affiliates started from non-commerce backgrounds.
Myth 2: “ACCA is too expensive.”
Truth: It’s more affordable than many alternatives.
Yes, ACCA has exam fees, tuition fees, and subscription costs. But when compared to other global qualifications like CPA, MBA, or CA (abroad), ACCA is cost-effective, especially if studied in countries like Nepal. Also, scholarships and payment plans can make it more manageable.
Myth 3: “ACCA has no scope in Nepal.”
Truth: ACCA has strong and growing demand.
Multinational companies, INGOs, audit firms, banks, and even local businesses in Nepal are increasingly hiring ACCA-qualified professionals. ACCA is also accepted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal (ICAN) for certain recognitions and exemptions. The global mobility of ACCA also means you’re not limited to Nepal.
Myth 4: “You won’t get a job unless you’re a full member.”
Truth: You can work even while studying ACCA.
Employers recognize the value of ACCA students, not just full members. Even after passing a few papers, students can find internships, trainee accountant roles, and part-time finance jobs. After completing the Applied Skills level, your career options grow rapidly, both locally and globally.
Myth 5: “It’s impossible to pass ACCA without coaching.”
Truth: Many students succeed with self-study.
Coaching from a quality college like CCA definitely helps, especially with difficult papers. But self-study is possible, especially with resources like ACCA-approved study texts, practice kits, YouTube lectures, and ACCA’s own learning platform. It depends on your discipline and learning style.
Myth 6: “ACCA is easier than CA.”
Truth: Different doesn’t mean easier.
While ACCA may offer flexible exam schedules and modular progress, it is not an “easy” qualification. It demands conceptual clarity, critical thinking, and consistent effort. Comparing ACCA to CA (like CA Nepal or CA India) is like comparing apples and oranges ; both are rigorous in their own ways.
Myth 7: “If I fail, it’s over.”
Truth: You can always retake exams.
One of the biggest advantages of ACCA is flexibility. You can attempt papers four times a year and retake exams without starting over. Each attempt is a chance to learn and improve ; failure isn’t the end, it’s part of the process.
Conclusion
Don’t let myths stop you from pursuing a career in global finance. ACCA opens doors worldwide and offers unmatched flexibility. Whether you want to work in Nepal or abroad, in audit, tax, management, or consulting, ACCA can take you there.
