Imagine your company name showing up on job boards as a Platinum ACCA Approved Employer. That one line can immediately set you apart in the eyes of serious finance talent.
But how to become ACCA approved employer? And what does it actually take to earn that recognition from ACCA?
Many employers support ACCA students and members informally. But to be officially recognised, your internal processes, mentoring, and development systems need to meet ACCA’s global training standards.
In this blog, we break down the full process for becoming an ACCA Approved Employer. You’ll learn about the eligibility, the application steps, types of employer approval streams, and the key benefits for your organisation.
Let’s walk through it, step by step.
Becoming an ACCA Approved Employer is a mark of quality that shows your organisation supports ACCA students and members in their professional journey.
If you are an employer aiming to attract top-tier talent, follow these simple steps to know how to become an ACCA approved employer:
Step 1. Understand the ACCA Approval Streams
There are three main approval streams:
- Trainee Development (for supporting ACCA students)
- Professional Development (for supporting ACCA members)
- Practising Certificate Development ( to support trainee accountants aiming for an ACCA practising certificate)
You can apply for one or more, depending on your company’s structure. Each one connects back to ACCA’s Practical Experience Requirements, so choosing the right fit matters.
Step 2. Check If You Meet the Key Criteria
To qualify, your company must:
- Offer structured learning and development
- Provide support such as mentoring, practical experience supervision, and study leave (if applicable)
- Have qualified professionals who can oversee the development progress
Step 3. Submit an Online Application
- Complete the application form on the ACCA website.
- Include supporting documents like training plans, supervision structure, and CPD policies.
Step 4. Expect a Review Process
Once submitted, ACCA may contact you for clarification or further documentation. Depending on the application type, they may also conduct a remote or in-person visit.
Step 5. Maintain Ongoing Compliance
After approval, your organisation must maintain standards and may be reviewed periodically by ACCA.
What Is An ACCA Approved Employer?
ACCA approved employer is a status awarded to organizations that meet ACCA’s standards for training and support. It shows the employer is actively involved in helping finance professionals succeed.
In simple words, the approval status positions the employer as someone who doesn’t just hire ACCA students but also invests in them.
Apart from that, for ACCA students, it means structured support while working toward their qualification. It also means their continuing development is taken seriously.
This recognition comes from ACCA under their Approved Employer Programme, a framework designed to:
- Promote global training standards
- Make it easier for students to meet ACCA’s practical requirements
- Help companies attract and retain top finance talent
You can find an ACCA approved employers on:
- ACCA’s official Employer Directory
- Job boards
- ACCA Networking Events and career fairs
What Are ACCA Approved Employer Streams?
When applying for ACCA Approved Employer status, you don’t just tick a box and call it a day. You must choose the streams that reflect your support framework.
Now there are three main streams: Trainee Development, Professional Development, and Practising Certificate Development.
As an employer, you can apply for one or more streams.
- Trainee Development
This stream is designed for organisations that support students working towards the ACCA Qualification or Foundations in Accountancy.
If you offer structured training, assign mentors, and help trainees track their growth, this is your fit. - Professional Development
Got qualified ACCA members on your team? This stream is all about helping them keep their skills up to date.
To qualify, you’ll need to provide learning opportunities that align with ACCA’s CPD (Continuing Professional Development) policy. Think workshops, online courses, or tailored upskilling paths. - Practising Certificate Development
This stream is specifically for employers in public practice. With this stream, you can support trainees working towards a practising certificate. It focuses on giving them the right kind of experience under proper supervision.
What Is The ACCA Approved Employer Programme?
ACCA approved employer program is a stamp of recognition for organisations that provide consistent, high-quality support to ACCA students and members. The program is initiated by ACCA and it provides professionals with training & mentoring in the workplace.
If an employer is approved, ACCA students working there don’t have to track every performance objective manually. That’s because the employer’s training already matches ACCA’s practical experience requirements.
This programme is trusted worldwide and covers many industries like accounting firms, banks, and large companies.
What Are The Steps To Apply For ACCA Approved Employer Status?
To become an ACCA Approved Employer, follow these four straightforward steps:
Step 1: Review Eligibility and Approval Stream Options
Understand ACCA’s different approval streams – Trainee Development, Professional Development, and Practising Certificate Development. Choose the one that matches your organisation’s training structure and employee needs.
Step 2: Gather Documentation and Evidence
Prepare supporting materials like development plans, appraisal templates, learning policies, and proof of mentoring or training programmes. Also, keep a note of:
Total number of employees, directors, partners and ACCA interns working in your consultancy firm.
Step 3: Submit the Application via the ACCA Employer Portal
Log in to the ACCA employer portal and complete the online application. Attach all required evidence for your selected stream.
Step 4: Wait for Review and Feedback from ACCA
ACCA will assess your submission and respond with approval or requests for additional information. Once approved, you’ll gain access to resources and recognition benefits.
How Can Employers Choose The Right Approval Stream?
Now, when it comes to choosing the right strea, it depends on how your organisation supports ACCA members or trainees:
- If you train ACCA students working toward membership, go for the Trainee Development stream.
- If your team includes qualified ACCA members, the Professional Development stream fits best.
- If you support practising certificate applicants, you’ll need the Practising Certificate Development stream.
For example, a large audit firm mentoring trainees for exams may apply for the Trainee Development stream. And a corporate finance team helping members maintain CPD can go for Professional Development.
What Are The Key Criteria To Get Approved As An ACCA Employer?
The following is the criteria for the ACCA approved employer practising certificate development
- Structured development plans to support ACCA members in achieving their learning goals.
- Assigned mentors or supervisors to guide employees through their development.
- Regular performance reviews are conducted to assess progress and plan future learning.
- Access to ongoing training through internal or external learning opportunities.
- Clear documentation of your support processes, including policies and templates.
Why Do Employers Choose To Become ACCA Approved?
Employers gain the following important benefits of being an ACCA-approved employer:
- Global Recognition – The ACCA qualification is respected in over 180 countries. Being approved shows your company meets international standards in training and development.
- Attract & Retain Top Talent – 81% approved employers confirmed retaining high-quality candidates for the current openings in their company. That is the power of ACCA approved status.
- Preferential Pricing on Learning Resources – As an approved employer, you get access to discounted rates on ACCA training courses and certifications. This makes it easier and more affordable to upskill or reskill your team.
- Support Internal Growth – This status encourages a culture of learning, mentorship, and upskilling—boosting overall team performance and long-term retention.
- Reduced Admin for Trainees – Employees working at approved organisations face fewer documentation requirements when applying for ACCA membership, as their practical experience is already recognised.
- Boosts Brand Image – Having ACCA’s endorsement positions your company as a professional, forward-thinking employer that values high standards. You can also use the ACCA Approved Employer logo on your website for marketing.
Who Are Some ACCA Approved Employers In New Zealand?
If you are a student or ACCA professional looking for career opportunities, then don’t worry. New Zealand is home to several ACCA Approved Employers (Big 4, finance firms, MNCs and FMCGs).
The following are the ACCA approved employers hiring in New Zealand:
- Deloitte New Zealand
- PwC New Zealand
- PepsiCo
- EY New Zealand
- KPMG New Zealand
- BDO Aukland
- Cowley Stanich & Co
- Grant Thornton New Zealand
- Baker Tilly Staples Rodway
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Become ACCA Approved Employer
How To Become ACCA Approved Employer Without Any Issues?
Organisations can apply directly through the ACCA website. They must show they provide structured training, development support, and supervision for ACCA students or members.
How Long Does It Take To Become An ACCA Approved Employer In India?
After submitting your ACCA Approved Employer application, you will receive an acknowledgement. The approval takes nearly 6 to 12 working days.