Which Degree is The Best ACCA With B.Com, M.Com, or BBA?

A dual degree that covers all the knowledge and abilities needed for the field you want to work in is the best thing you can do for your career. Most students choose to get a graduation degree after completing their 10+2 in order to meet the prerequisites 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-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. 

The Value of a Dual Qualification

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a recognised and prestigious certification. ACCA certification is welcome across the globe in various multinational companies. While ACCA alone can stand as a powerful credential, power it with a degree. An academic degree complements your ACCA certification and provides 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. 

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. 

• 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 specialised 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 a BCom when combined with a professional degree? Most students always end up with this question in mind. The answer to 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. 

What is BCom? 

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: 

• 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 a 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. 

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BCom with ACCA Eligibility

Wondering what the required eligibility criteria for BCom with ACCA are? Here’s a glimpse.

• To pursue this dual degree, you need to complete your 10+2
• Students need 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

1. Organization Management
2. Principles of Management
3. Basics of Cost Accounting
4. Basics of Financial Accounting
5. Business Law
6. Performance Management 1
7. Performance Management 2
8. Taxation – Income Tax
9. Taxation – GST

Exemptions you can Gain in ACCA When you Complete BCom

1.  F1: Accountant in Business
2.  F2: Management Accounting
3.  F3: Financial Accounting
4.  F4: Corporate and Business Law
5.  F5: Performance Management
6.  F6: Taxation

Total fees: 4 LPA to 5 LPA 

Top recruiting companies: The Big 4s, Reliance industries limited, Axis Bank, Bosch Ltd, Genpact, HDFC Bank

Source

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? 

MCom (Master of Commerce) is a postgraduate degree focusing on commerce, accounting, management, and economics. It is designed for students who want to specialise 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.

Source

M.Com with ACCA Eligibility

Wondering what is the required eligibility criteria for M.Com with ACCA? Here’s a glimpse.

• A pursuer needs to clear an undergraduate (Bachelor) Program of a minimum of three (3) years in any stream from a UGC-recognised University. 
• 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, 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 specialised roles. Below are some potential job roles and career pathways that benefit from such an investment:

Potential Job Roles

1. Senior-Level Positions
   • Senior Financial Analyst
   • Senior Accountant
   • Senior Auditor
   • Senior Tax Consultant
2. Specialised Roles
   • Forensic Accountant
   • Investment Analyst
   • Financial Controller
   • Compliance Manager
3. Leadership and Management Positions
   • Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
   • Finance Director
   • Risk Management Consultant
   • Corporate Treasurer
4. 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 organisations 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, and 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 complemented 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

• The candidate must have completed 10+2 from any recognised board 
• Candidates from all streams (Science, Arts, and Commerce) can apply 
• 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:

1. Financial Management
2. Accounting
3. Essentials of Marketing
4. Business Organization and Principles of Management
5. Business Law
6. Human Resource Management
7. Organizational Behavior
8. Marketing
9. Entrepreneurship
10. International Business Management

Elective Subjects:

1. Marketing and Operations Research
2. Commercial Bank Management
3. Security Analysis
4. E-Commerce
5. Digital Marketing
6. Advanced Sales & Distribution
7. Retail Management

Total Fees: Starts from 2.5 lakhs

Top Hiring Companies: EY, PwC, Deloitte, KPMG and Tata Grant Thornton

Source

While any degree complemented with accounting concepts will help give you a good grounding for ACCA, BCom, and BBA stand to be the best choices. However, the tie-breaking factor lies in your interest level.

If you plan on pursuing a BCom and ACCA, an MCom with ACCA or a 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. 

Side-by-Side Comparison

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. 

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 personalised guidance on your ACCA journey!

FAQs on Which Degree is The Best ACCA With B.Com, M.Com, or BBA?

Which bachelor’s degree is a better choice to pair with ACCA?

Both a B.Com and a BBA are excellent. B.Com offers a strong accounting base, while BBA provides a broader business management perspective.

Can I pursue an M.Com degree alongside my ACCA qualification?

Yes, you can! This combination provides advanced knowledge and can lead to more senior roles, but it takes more time to complete.

How long will it take to complete a dual degree with ACCA?

Typically, an integrated program with B.Com or BBA takes about three years, which is the standard duration for a bachelor’s degree.

What’s the difference between doing ACCA with a BBA versus a B.Com?

BBA with ACCA is ideal for those interested in management, while B.Com with ACCA is better for a career focused on core finance and accounting.

What kind of salary can I expect after completing my BBA with ACCA?

Salaries vary by company and location, but a BBA with ACCA holder can expect a higher starting salary due to their dual skill set.

Is the B.Com with ACCA course difficult to manage?

The curriculum is well-aligned, and many students find it manageable, as the concepts covered in B.Com provide a good foundation for ACCA.

Satyamedh Nandedkar, a seasoned finance professional, holds ACCA, CA, US CMA & CS credentials. With 10+ years of experience, he’s a master ACCA tutor, IFRS trainer, adept in global financial standards, and a trusted advisor in navigating complex financial landscapes.