Nothing makes a bigger difference to your career than a dual degree that encompasses all the knowledge and skills of the industry you choose to be in. Students generally prefer pursuing a graduation degree post their 10+2 to fill in the eligibility requirements for a professional degree. Some professional degrees like ACCA and CA allow you to pursue these courses right after your 12th grade. However, when these accounting courses are pursued along with your graduation degree or post-your-graduation degree, you gain not only certain exemptions but also extensive knowledge in your chosen field. If your chosen field is ACCA and you’re confused about which complementing degree you should go with; then we are about to simplify it for you with our article on ACCA with B.Com, M.Com, or BBA, which is the best combination.
Introduction: Why Pair ACCA with a Degree?
Several students think that it is beneficial to pair their ACCA certifications with an additional degree. Pairing your ACCA with a degree will prove helpful and effective as it broadens the spectrum of your operations. However, let us understand the significance of pairing ACCA with a degree in detail.Â
The Value of a Dual Qualification
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a recognized and prestigious certification. ACCA certification is welcome across the globe in various multinational companies. While ACCA alone can stand as a powerful credential, powering it with a degree. An academic degree complements your ACCA certification and provided a scope of structured learning, analytical skills, and a broader scope of business. Also, you can opt for exemptions if you possess a relevant degree.Â
Overview of the Options
Several academic degrees align with the scope or the subject matter of ACCA, which includes Bachelor of Commerce, Master of Commerce, and Bachelor of Business Administration. If any student possesses these degrees, they might face certain advantages.Â
- B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce): A comprehensive program that builds a strong foundation in accounting, finance, and taxation. It aligns closely with ACCA course subjects, allowing for greater paper exemptions and an easier transition into professional exams.
- M.Com (Master of Commerce): An advanced degree suited for those looking to deepen their expertise in financial management and corporate strategy. It can be beneficial for academic careers, consultancy roles, and specialized financial positions.
- BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration): A broader business-oriented degree that develops managerial, leadership, and strategic decision-making skills. It is ideal for ACCA aspirants aiming for roles beyond accounting, such as financial analysts, consultants, and business managers.
ACCA with BCom
Is it good to do BCom with ACCA? Are there plenty of career options available after BCom when combined with a professional degree? Most students always end up with this question in mind. To answer this question is yes. The most popular combination degree that most students often choose is BCom with ACCA.
If you take BCom with ACCA, you will be equipped with a range of accountancy concepts like taxation, budgeting, financial accounting, performance management, financial reporting and law and government compliances.Â
What is BCom?Â
A Bachelor of Commerce (B.com) is an undergraduate degree that provides a strong foundation in commerce, finance, and accounting. The curriculum strongly focuses on the core subjects of:Â
- Financial Accounting
- Business Economics
- Corporate Law
- Cost Accounting
- Taxation
- Management Accounting
Pursuing the BCom course with ACCA takes a total of 3 to 4 years to complete, and there are certain exemptions that a student can gain after completing their BCom. Zell Education and some other coaching institutes offer a dual degree of BCom With ACCA that helps reduce the hassle of reapplication and admissions. And if you think BCom with ACCA would be tough to pursue together, then all you need is a Platinum-Approved learning partner for ACCA.
If you take BCom with ACCA, you will be equipped with a range of accountancy concepts like taxation, budgeting, financial accounting, performance management, financial reporting, and law and government compliance.Â
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BCom with ACCA Eligibility
Wondering what is the required eligibility criteria for BCom with ACCA? Here’s a glimpse.
- To pursue this dual degree, you need to complete your 10+2
- Student needs to acquire at least 50% marks in their 10+2
- No specific age requirement
The total number of ACCA exemptions available: Students can gain up to 9 exemptions (minimum exemptions) after completing their BCom with ACCA.
BCom Subjects
- Organization Management
- Principles of Management
- Basics of Cost Accounting
- Basics of Financial Accounting
- Business Law
- Performance Management 1
- Performance Management 2
- Taxation – Income Tax
- Taxation – GST
Exemptions you can Gain in ACCA When you Complete BCom
- F1: Accountant in Business
- F2: Management Accounting
- F3: Financial Accounting
- F4: Corporate and Business Law
- F5: Performance Management
- F6: Taxation
Total fees: 4 LPA to 5 LPAÂ
Top recruiting companies: The Big 4s, Reliance industries limited, Axis Bank, Bosch Ltd, Genpact, HDFC Bank
ACCA with M.Com
Most students don’t precisely prefer an ACCA course along with an M.Com degree due to the time it takes to complete. For this degree combination, you first need to complete your 10+2, then your 3-year B.Com, then spend another 2 years to complete your M.Com, and then start with your ACCA degree. While career options after M.Com have a great scope, especially when combined with ACCA, the time you spend to gain these degrees needs to be taken into consideration. There is no doubt that you will gain in-depth knowledge of accounting concepts. And since the M.Com International Finance degree is integrated with ACCA, you are entitled to the highest number of exemptions, which comes to nine exemptions.
What is M.com?Â
MCom (Master of Commerce) is a postgraduate degree focusing on commerce, accounting, management, and economics. It is designed for students who want to specialize in fields like:
M.Com Subjects
First-year
- Indirect Taxation
- Insurance and risk management
- International Financial Management
- Business Environment
- Computer Applications in Business
- Corporate Legal Environment
Second year
- Management Accounting
- Managerial Finance
- Modern Banking
- E-Commerce
- Economics of Global Trade and Finance
- Corporate Financial Accounting
Total Fees: 5 LPA approx.
Top recruiting companies: BDO, Mac Morrison & Partners, Training, IBM, Primo Hunt Corporate.
M.Com with ACCA Eligibility
Wondering what is the required eligibility criteria for M.Com with ACCA? Here’s a glimpse.
- A pursuant needs to clear an undergraduate (Bachelor) Program of a minimum of three (3) years in any stream from a UGC-recognized University.Â
- Candidates who are currently in the last year of their Bachelor’s Program are also eligible to apply.
- If you’re pursuing an M.Com with ACCA, make sure that course progression is such that you get to claim all exemptions.
The total number of exemptions available: With the M.Com degree,e students can claim a total of nine exemptions.
Career Outcomes and Considerations for ACCA and M.Com Graduates
Investing extra time in education, certifications, and skill development through ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and an M.Com (Master of Commerce) can significantly enhance career opportunities, leading to advanced positions and specialized roles. Below are some potential job roles and career pathways that benefit from such an investment:
Potential Job Roles
- Senior-Level Positions
- Senior Financial Analyst
- Senior Accountant
- Senior Auditor
- Senior Tax Consultant
- Specialized Roles
- Forensic Accountant
- Investment Analyst
- Financial Controller
- Compliance Manager
- Leadership and Management Positions
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Finance Director
- Risk Management Consultant
- Corporate Treasurer
- Research and Academic Opportunities
- University Lecturer in Accounting and Finance
- Research Analyst in Financial Regulations
- Policy Advisors in Financial Institutions
Considerations for Career Growth
- Skill Investment vs. Market Demand: Gaining expertise in high-demand areas (e.g., financial analysis, risk management, and taxation) can lead to lucrative career opportunities.
- Certification and Education: Completing ACCA along with an M.Com enhances credibility, technical skills, and global career prospects.
- Networking and Professional Development: Engaging with professional organizations such as ACCA Global and participating in industry events can enhance job prospects.
- Competitor Insights: Many top firms, such as the Big Four (PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG), actively seek ACCA and M.com graduates for various finance and accounting roles.
Competitor Insights
- Big Four Firms (PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG): Prefer ACCA and M.com graduates for audit, tax, and advisory services.
- Banks and Financial Institutions: Hire ACCA-qualified professionals for risk management, compliance, and investment analysis roles.
- Multinational Corporations (MNCs): Require finance professionals with ACCA and M.Com qualifications for international financial reporting and strategic financial planning.
- Government and Regulatory Bodies: Employ ACCA-certified experts for financial governance, taxation policy development, and regulatory compliance.
By strategically investing time and effort into obtaining an ACCA certification along with an M.Com degree, professionals can access better opportunities, increase earning potential, and secure advanced positions in their chosen fields.
ACCA with BBA
BBA stands for Bachelor of Business Administration. It is a three—to four-year undergraduate degree in business and management. The program covers subjects such as marketing, finance, human resources, operations, entrepreneurship, and business law.
This accounting degree combination is more popular than the B.Com and ACCA degree combination because it also equips students with an understanding of the business administration process. Career options after BBA are great, but when complimented with ACCA, your opportunities are sure to double up. You can pursue these courses together as well and get up to 9 exemptions. ACCA with BBA takes a total of 3 years to complete. Coaching institutes like Zell Education offer this dual degree program along with placement services so that where your learning pathway ends, a successful career trajectory begins.
BBA with ACCA Eligibility
- Candidate must have completed 10+2 from any recognized boardÂ
- Candidates from all streams (Science, Arts, and Commerce) can applyÂ
- The minimum score you need to have is 45%
- Note that the admissions are based on merit, so the higher the score you have, the better your chances will be
The total number of exemptions available: M.com with BBA also gives you the chance to attain the highest number of exemptions, which is a total of 9 papers.
BBA Subjects
Core Subjects :
Financial Management
Accounting
Essentials of Marketing
Business Organization and Principles of Management
Business Law
Human Resource Management
Organizational Behavior
Marketing
Entrepreneurship
International Business Management
Elective Subjects :
Marketing and Operations Research
Commercial Bank Management
Security Analysis
E-Commerce
Digital Marketing
Advanced Sales & Distribution
Retail Management
Total Fees: Starts from 2.5 lakhs
Top Hiring Companies: EY, PwC, Deloitte, KPMG and Tata Grant Thornton
While any complementing graduation degree with accounting concepts will help give you a good grounding for ACCA, BCom, and BBA stand to be the best choice. However, the tie-breaking factor lies in your interest level. If you plan on pursuing BCom and ACCA, Mcom with ACCA or BBA or ACCA, reach out to us at Zell Education for the prestigious dual degree program. You can also click on the WhatsApp button to get in touch directly with our experts.
Comparative Analysis: Which Combination Fits Your Goals?
After all these discussions, let us know to create a detailed comparative analysis that would highlight the combination fitting your academic goal.Â
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | B.Com + ACCA | M.Com + ACCA | BBA + ACCA |
| Academic Depth vs. Practical Skills | Strong foundation in accounting and finance | Advanced academic knowledge with a research focus | Emphasis on management and business operations |
| Time and Cost Investment | 3-4 years + ACCA costs | 5-6 years + ACCA costs | 3-4 years + ACCA costs |
| Number of ACCA Exemptions | Up to 6 exemptions | Up to 9 exemptions | Up to 4 exemptions |
| Career Paths | Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst | Senior Accountant, Consultant, Academia | Management roles, Business Development, Financial Planning |
| Global Prospects | Recognized globally, strong finance career opportunities | Advanced roles globally, particularly in finance and research | Versatile global opportunities in management and finance |
Decision-Making Factors
Choosing the right combination depends on your interests and long-term career goals:
- Prefer Accounting & Finance? → B.Com + ACCA is a strong choice for foundational accounting roles.
- Aiming for Advanced Financial Expertise? → M.Com + ACCA provides deeper academic and research-oriented knowledge.
- Interested in Business & Management? → BBA + ACCA is ideal for leadership roles in finance and business strategy.
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Conclusion & Next Steps
In conclusion, it could be stated that combining a degree with an ACCA course is always beneficial and acts as a convenience to the students in the form of exemptions. However, students might be in a fix in deciding which course goes well with ACCA. In relation to the scope of studying and exemptions, you could opt for the combination that provides the most number of exemptions from the exams, which is ACCA+M.Com. However, if you are looking for a varied scope of opportunities, it is advisable to pursue ACCA+BBA.Â
Ready to make an informed choice? Book a Free Counselling Session with our experts to discuss the best career path for you. Explore additional resources, attend our webinars, and get personalized guidance on your ACCA journey!
FAQs on Which Degree is The Best ACCA With B.Com, M.Com, or BBA?
Can I do ACCA after Master’s?
Yes, you can do ACCA after a master’s degree in Finance or Accounting. You could also claim certain exemptions based on your degree and the university you’ve pursued it from.
Is ACCA a Master’s degree?
No, ACCA is not a Master’s degree. It is a global professional accounting degree that can be pursued while pursuing your graduation or Master’s degree.
Can a BBA become an accountant?
BBA is a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. This course equips you with business management concepts rather than accounting ones. That’s why it’s not possible to become an accountant after completing BBA.
