Continuing my series on the changes to finance qualifications, this article takes a closer look at the upcoming overhaul of the ACCA syllabus. A clear theme is emerging across all the qualifications I have reviewed so far: each is shifting to reflect modern business needs, with a much stronger focus on technology, data, and sustainability. ACCA’s redesign follows this exact direction and is one of the most ambitious updates we have seen from them in years.

Key elements of the overhaul include:

• New levels and renamed structure.
• Introduction of Essential Employability Modules (EEMs) at every level.
• A more streamlined exam pathway with fewer compulsory papers.
• Stronger emphasis on sustainability, digital capability, data analysis and ethical leadership.
• Greater flexibility around the Practical Experience Requirement (PER).
• Interim awards that give students meaningful milestones throughout their journey.

The New Structure: What the Qualification Will Look Like

From 2027, the ACCA qualification will be reorganised into a clearer, more structured framework.

Foundations - For those who do not meet standard entry requirements Exams: F1 Accounts Preparation, F2 Management Information and Costing, F3 Decision Making with Data EEM: Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Outcome: Diploma in Accounting and Business

Knowledge - Typically the starting point for most students Exams: K1 Financial Accounting, K2 Management Accounting, K3 Business Law EEM: Responsible Business Management Outcome: Higher Diploma in Accounting and Business

Expertise - Replacing the current Skills level Exams: E1 Taxation, E2 Financial Reporting, E3 Audit, Risk and Control, E4 Finance and Investment, E5 Performance with Data Analysis EEM: Digital Tech and Innovation Outcome: Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business (with the option to combine with a BSc)

Strategic Professional

Core exams: • S1 Business and Sustainability Reporting • S2 Strategic Business Leader Plus one elective from: • Audit and Assurance Professional (SAA) • Corporate Finance Professional (SCF) • Data Science Professional (SDS) • Performance and Insights Professional (SPI) • Taxation Advisory Professional (STA)

EEM: Ethical, Sustainable Leadership Outcome: Full ACCA Qualification (with a route to MSc options)

What Else Is New (Beyond Exams)

Essential Employability Modules (EEMs)

EEMs are being introduced at every stage to build broader professional skills alongside technical knowledge. These interactive modules cover areas such as digital skills, leadership, ethics, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. It’s a clear signal that ACCA expects future accountants to operate as well-rounded business professionals rather than purely technical specialists.

Practical Experience Requirement (PER) – More Flexibility

The 36-month PER remains in place, but the new framework allows up to six months of experience to come from approved simulated learning within certain Optional Employability Modules. This provides more flexibility for students in roles with limited exposure, although simulated experience will not count towards audit-specific requirements or practising certificates.

Interim Awards – Milestones Along the Journey

Students will now achieve stackable qualifications as they progress: • Diploma (Foundations) • Higher Diploma (Knowledge) • Advanced Diploma (Expertise)

These interim awards offer more recognition during the study journey and can help students demonstrate capability to employers well before finishing the full ACCA programme.

Why ACCA Is Redesigning Its Qualification

This update reflects how much the accounting profession has evolved. Some of the core drivers include:

• The need for accountants who are technically strong but also comfortable with data analytics, AI tools, and ESG reporting.
• Growing expectations for accountants to act as commercial advisers rather than solely number-focused technicians.
• Demand for clearer entry routes and specialist pathways that better align with modern finance roles, whether in data, sustainability, corporate finance or business leadership.

What This Means for Current Students and New Entrants

If you’re already studying ACCA:

• You do not need to pause, restart, or repeat any exams • The ACCA Transition Tool will help you see exactly how your completed modules map to the new syllabus.

If you’re thinking about starting ACCA:

• It is still worth starting now, as the current syllabus runs until mid-2027.
• Students beginning in 2026–2027 may see a blended pathway between the current and new structure.
• A bit of forward planning can help you maximise the transition and avoid unnecessary resits.

Conclusion

The ACCA redesign is a major step forward and goes far beyond minor adjustments. It’s a fresh, modernised framework that aligns the qualification with the skills employers now expect: data fluency, strategic thinking, digital confidence and an understanding of sustainability.

Whether you’re mid-way through your exams or just starting to explore your options, now is the time to get familiar with what’s changing and how it could shape your journey. These updates will play an important role in futureproofing the ACCA, and I suspect they will broaden its appeal, particularly for those interested in the more commercial, forward-looking side of finance. CIMA has traditionally held that reputation, but with this redesign, ACCA is certainly repositioning itself in that space.

Chris Cain, Director at First Intuition - From our point of view, the biggest change is probably students only having to do one optional paper at the Strategic Level. At the moment, they have to do 2 optional units, although I believe they will still be allowed to do 2 optional units. It will be interesting to see what employers want their students to do here.‍