An ACCA internship is a vital step toward building a successful career in finance and accounting. You gain practical experience, network, industry knowledge, and independence.
But, finding the right internship can be challenging. You may face questions like:
- Where should I apply?
- Can I get into the Big 4?
- What are the best locations?
- How much can I expect to earn?
At Ikka Classes, we understand these concerns. With our extensive research and industry insights, we have created this guide to help you in your ACCA journey.
Whether you’re exploring options in India, Dubai, or the UK, this blog covers everything from top companies and salary insights to the application process for Big 4 internships.
- ACCA Career Website- ACCA’s career page is the best place to start. It has regular job listings from top companies looking for ACCA interns. You can filter by location, industry, and type of internship to find the best fit for your career goals.
- Job Portals – like LinkedIn, Glassdoor and Indeed
- Company website– Many multinational corporations and accounting firms offer internship programs directly on their career pages. Regularly checking their career page on the websites is a good way to stay ahead.
- Placement Agencies – Some placement agencies specialize in connecting students with internship programs. At Ikka classes, we offer our students 100% guaranteed placement assistance.
- Networking support – Sometimes, the best opportunities come through word of mouth. Reach out to alumni, professionals in the field, or peers who may have internship leads.
Top Locations For ACCA Internship In India
Here are the top five locations where you can pursue an ACCA internship in India:
1. Mumbai
Known as India’s financial capital, Mumbai offers ACCA students a wide range of internship opportunities. With numerous multinational corporations, banks, and accounting firms headquartered here, taking internships for ACCA students in Mumbai can be a preferred choice.
2. Bangalore
Known as the Silicon Valley of India, ACCA internships in Bangalore are ideal for students interested in tech-driven and startup environments. You can find suitable roles in corporate finance, auditing, and fintech.
3. Chennai
ACCA internships in Chennai focus on trade, commerce, and manufacturing. Students can gain hands-on experience in industries dealing with international trade, logistics, and compliance.
4. Delhi
As India’s capital and a hub for corporate and policy-driven activities, ACCA internships in Delhi offer unique opportunities in public sector finance, consulting, and corporate roles. You can intern with multinational companies, government bodies, and consulting firms.
5. Kochi
Kochi is a growing finance and trade hub. ACCA internships in Kochi often involve working with export firms, banks, and trade organisations, offering exposure to international commerce.
Due to their growing industries and demand for finance professionals, Hyderabad, Pune, and Ahmedabad are also emerging as top locations for ACCA internships.
What International Locations Offer ACCA Internships
As it is a global certification, the opportunities are not limited to national borders. Here are the international locations where you can find internship opportunities:
1. Dubai
Dubai is a leading financial hub in the Middle East. ACCA internships in Dubai offer opportunities in wealth management, auditing, and Islamic finance with multinational companies and banks.
2. The UK
The UK, especially London, is a global financial centre. ACCA internships in the UK expose international students to top finance firms and investment banks, boosting their career prospects.
Other International Options
You can also explore internships in Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, and European cities like Amsterdam and Frankfurt, where the demand for ACCA professionals is growing.
Does ACCA Require An Internship?
An internship is not strictly mandatory for completing the ACCA qualification. However, gaining practical experience is essential to meet ACCA’s requirements for becoming a fully qualified member.
Internships can count towards the PER if they meet ACCA’s criteria for relevant work experience. Students should ensure their internships involve tasks such as:
- Financial reporting and analysis.
- Budgeting and forecasting.
- Auditing and compliance.
- Taxation and risk management.
Does ACCA Require Experience
Yes, practical experience is a critical component of ACCA certification. To qualify, students must complete specific experience requirements known as the 36-month Practical Experience Requirement (PER). Additionally, students must achieve nine performance objectives that align with ACCA’s competency framework.
Do You Need Articleship For ACCA?
Articleship is a term commonly associated with Chartered Accountancy (CA) qualifications, particularly in India. ACCA does not require a formal articleship, but it does have the PER, which serves a similar purpose.
How Many Years Of Articleship Are Required For ACCA?
To be a qualified ACCA, you need to complete three years (36 months) of experience. Unlike CA articleship, this experience is not restricted to a specific type of firm and can be gained across various industries and roles.
Can ACCA Work In CA Firms?
Yes, ACCA-qualified professionals can work in a CA firm in India and internationally. While ACCA is a global qualification, many skills acquired during the ACCA journey overlap with those required in CA practices.
Meanwhile, check out if ACCA after CA is worth pursuing.
What Is The Process For An ACCA Internship In Big 4 Firms
Securing an ACCA internship in Big 4 firms—PwC, EY, Deloitte, or KPMG—is highly competitive. One of the major ACCA internship requirements at Big 4 is to find the right culturally fit person. They seek team players with enthusiasm, courage, and the ability to manage relationships effectively. Firms can teach technical skills through training, but finding candidates with the right mindset, business acumen, and interpersonal skills is more challenging.
Below is the outline of the application process for internship opportunities for ACCA students in the Big Four:
a. Online Application
Candidates start by submitting an online application, which includes their academic records, ACCA progress, and a personal statement highlighting their motivations and relevant skills.
b. Psychometric Testing
Most of the Big Four firms require candidates to complete a series of psychometric tests, which may include:
- Numerical Reasoning Tests: To assess quantitative skills and the ability to interpret data.
- Verbal Reasoning Tests: To evaluate comprehension and communication abilities.
- Personality Tests: To gauge whether the candidate’s traits align with the firm’s culture and values.
c. Assessment Centres
Shortlisted candidates are invited to assessment centres, where they participate in group exercises, case studies, and presentations. This stage tests their ability to work in teams, solve problems, and demonstrate leadership potential.
d. Interviews
The final stage usually involves one-on-one or panel interviews. Candidates may be asked about:
- Their understanding of ACCA concepts.
- Real-world scenarios where they displayed leadership, teamwork, or problem-solving skills.
- Their motivation for joining the firm and long-term career goals.
What Is The Average ACCA Internship Salary In India?
The average stipend for an ACCA internship India is around 10,000 to 20,000 per month.
Below is a breakdown of salary trends for ACCA internships in Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and other major cities.
City | Average Salary Range (INR per month) |
ACCA internship in Mumbai | ₹15,000 – ₹20,000 |
ACCA internship in Bangalore | ₹12,000 – ₹28,000 |
ACCA internship in Chennai | ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 |
ACCA internship in Delhi | ₹15,000 – ₹18,000 |
ACCA internship in Kochi | ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 |
NOTE: As stated above, the insights on acca internship salary in India are based on our extensive research and experience with placements. The trends change depending on demographic and other factors like:
- Your location
- Firm reputation
- Complexity of position
- Knowledge, skill sets & Personality
What Are The Long-Term Career Benefits Of ACCA Internships?
Internships for ACCA students in India or abroad bring in the following long-term benefits:
- Can lead to Full-time Employment
At an internship, you are considered more like an employee, so you can be a future fit for a full-time position. The company has worked and trained you during the internship period, so they trust you for the position. This can be beneficial for your career graph.
- You make Connections for Life
If you are not considered for a full-time position, you still gain recommendations and strong connections within the organization. That surely can fuel your CV favourably in the job market.
- Opportunity to Enhance Your Transferable Skills
In an internship, you not only gain practical knowledge (which is important), but you also gain soft skills. Like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills are transferable, i.e., they can be applied across industries and roles. You can leverage them and increase your chances of employability.
Case Study Of ACCA Internship in UK
To support the above claims, we have a real-life case example from ACCA Global’s career page.
Corinna Biermann, an ACCA-qualified professional, started with a 3-month ACCA internship London. She had nothing but theoretical knowledge. Today, she is a European Project Accountant, managing audits, tax, and financial reporting.
This is one of many success stories highlighting how ACCA students’ internships can lead to full-time employment and long-term career success.
What Should ACCA Students Consider When Choosing Internships?
An internship is more than just a line on your CV. It can really set you apart from the crowd. Especially when applying for jobs in accounting and financial roles.
To make the most of your ACCA internship, we have listed some suggestions to consider when you apply for one:
- Start by gaining clarity of your role
What is the type of business you are working with? What will be your responsibilities, and how will you fulfill them? You need to have all the answers.
- Take up purposeful roles
Majority of unsuccessful internships noticed a pattern where students didn’t have enough work or appropriately challenging work to keep them engaged. To avoid boredom, take up meaningful projects.
- Focus on Learning and Development
See your internship as a learning opportunity. Cease every moment. For instance, give a helping hand in non-assigned projects needing urgent response. This can be your chance to showcase your abilities.
- Balance Work, Studies, and Personal Life
Create a realistic schedule that balances your internship, studies, and personal commitments.
- Take Work Breaks
Accept that you are human, and it’s okay to take breaks. Short breaks can help you stay focused and productive.
Additional Tips:
- Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions to clarify doubts and learn new things.
- Document Your Experiences: Keep a journal to record your daily tasks, challenges, and learnings.
- Seek Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from your supervisor to improve your performance.
- Negotiate Your Terms: Don’t be afraid to negotiate aspects of your internship, such as the duration, workload, or compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACCA Internship
ACCA internship salary ranges between 10,000 to 15,000 per month.
To qualify as an ACCA professional, you must have 36 months of working experience. So yes, you need to have internship experience.