ACCA Internship Guide is designed to help students understand how internships and articleship form a vital part of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification. ACCA is one of the most recognized qualifications in accounting and finance across the world.
While the exams test students’ knowledge of finance, taxation, and auditing, real-world learning comes from internships and articleship. These experiences prepare students for professional careers by exposing them to practical challenges and workplace responsibilities.
In simple words, if the ACCA exams are about learning concepts, then the ACCA Internship guide and articleship are about applying those concepts in the real business world. Below, we’ve explained what internships and articleship are, why they are important, who is eligible, how to find them, the companies that offer them, and what career opportunities await students after completion.
An internship in ACCA is a short-term program that allows students to gain work experience in finance, accounting, or auditing. The ACCA Internship Guide shows that internships typically last from three to six months. During this time, students assist professionals in real tasks such as preparing balance sheets, working on audits, and handling compliance.
The ACCA Internship Guide is usually offered to students who have completed some of their exams and are looking to gain hands-on knowledge. They also give an experience of corporate life, teaching students. How to work in teams, meet deadlines on time, and use accounting software like Tally, QuickBooks, or SAP.
Articleship in ACCA is a longer and more structured form of practical training. It is an important part of becoming a full ACCA member because it helps in fulfilling the Practical Experience Requirement (PER). According to the ACCA Internship Guide, articleship can last for two to three years, depending on the organization and the role assigned.
Articleship requires students to work under the supervision of a qualified accountant. Unlike internships, which are short and sometimes flexible, articleship is a full-time commitment. Students may work in areas such as auditing, corporate finance, taxation, and internal controls. Articleship ensures that students not only learn technical skills but also develop professional judgment, leadership, and responsibility.
Both the ACCA internship guide and articleship are crucial for ACCA students. They are not just about fulfilling requirements but also about preparing for long-term career success. The ACCA Internship Guide highlights several reasons why these experiences are important:
Practical Knowledge: They allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real accounting tasks. like preparing financial statements, conducting audits, and ensuring compliance.
Industry Exposure: Students get to work in different industries such as banking, IT, retail, and consulting. It helps them understand how finance works in diverse fields.
Skill Development: Internships and articleship improve communication, problem-solving, time management, and teamwork skills.
Professional Network: Students meet mentors, colleagues, and seniors who can help in building strong professional connections for future career growth.
Career Opportunities: Many companies hire interns and articleship trainees as full-time employees. After evaluating their performance. This creates a smooth pathway from training to employment.
Exam Preparation: By applying ACCA concepts in real life. Students gain better clarity on exam topics, which improves their performance in the final exams.
To apply for the ACCA internship guide or articleship in India. Students must meet certain academic, skill-based, and company-specific requirements. Below, we’ve mentioned the eligibility for the ACCA Internship:
Eligibility for ACCA Internship and Articleship in India | |
Criteria | Details |
ACCA Exam Progression | Most firms prefer students who have cleared Applied Knowledge or Applied Skills papers (e.g., FA, AA). Advanced roles may require Strategic Professional papers (e.g., SBR). |
Education | A commerce, accounting, finance, or related degree is preferred. Extra certifications in Tally, QuickBooks, SAP, or taxation add value. |
Skills | Communication, analytical ability, time management, and attention to detail are essential. Teamwork and adaptability are highly valued. |
Internship Duration | Usually 3–6 months (full-time) or part-time options. Remote internships are also available. Full-time suits students with more exam progress. |
Work Authorization | Indian students face no issue. International students must have valid work permits or student visas. |
Company-Specific Needs | Big Four demand higher ACCA progress, prior internships, and software skills (SAP, Oracle). Startups prefer versatile interns with broader skills. |
Finding the right opportunity is important for shaping students’ futures. The ACCA Internship Guide shares multiple ways to find internships and articleship in India:
Job Portals: Students can apply through websites like Naukri.com, LinkedIn, Indeed, and Internshala. These platforms regularly list ACCA-specific roles.
Company Websites: Big Four firms (Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY) and MNCs like HSBC, Amazon, and Barclays post opportunities directly on their careers pages.
ACCA India Resources: ACCA India has its own job portal, career fairs, and placement support services. These are specifically designed for ACCA students.
Networking: Connecting with seniors, alumni, and professionals on LinkedIn. Events can help students find hidden opportunities.
Social Media Groups: Many finance and ACCA student groups on platforms. Like Facebook and Reddit, share updates on internships and articleship opportunities.
India is home to several global firms and domestic conglomerates that offer ACCA students excellent opportunities. Below, we’ve mentioned some of the top organizations:
Top Companies Offering ACCA Internship in India | |||
Company | Type | Locations | Areas of Work |
PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) | Big Four | Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata | Audit, Taxation, Risk Advisory |
Deloitte | Big Four | Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi | Audit, Tax, Consulting, Financial Advisory |
KPMG | Big Four | Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore | Audit, Forensic Accounting, Advisory |
EY (Ernst & Young) | Big Four | Gurgaon, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai | Audit, Business Advisory, Tax Compliance |
HSBC | MNC | Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore | Corporate Finance, Risk Management, Internal Audit |
Barclays | MNC | Mumbai, Chennai, Pune | Investment Banking, Treasury, Audit |
Unilever | MNC | Mumbai, Bangalore | Financial Reporting, Budgeting, Compliance |
Amazon | MNC | Bangalore, Hyderabad | Financial Planning, Internal Audit, Analysis |
Reliance Industries | Indian Conglomerate | Mumbai, Jamnagar | Corporate Finance, Tax Planning, Financial Reporting |
Tata Group | Indian Conglomerate | Mumbai, Pune, Jamshedpur | Investment Management, Corporate Governance, Finance |
Mahindra & Mahindra | Indian Conglomerate | Mumbai, Pune, Chennai | Financial Strategy, Taxation, Compliance |
Startups (Zomato, OYO) | Indian Startups | Gurgaon, Bangalore | Finance, Reporting, Auditing, Taxation |
Completing internships and articleship successfully gives ACCA students a strong start to their careers. The ACCA Internship Guide outlines the opportunities that follow:
Full-Time Employment: Many interns receive Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs) if they perform well. Articleship trainees also often transition into permanent employees.
Meeting Practical Training Requirements: Articleship counts towards the 36 months of practical training required for ACCA membership. This makes students eligible for full membership.
Career Roles: After an internship and articleship, students can work in many roles. Like a Financial Analyst, Auditor, Tax Consultant, Management Accountant, Risk Manager, or even a Financial Controller.
Global Career Opportunities: ACCA is accepted in more than 180 countries. So students can apply for jobs in the UK, the Middle East, Singapore, or Australia.
Attractive Salaries: ACCA professionals in India earn between INR 5 to 25 lakhs annually. Depending on the role and experience. Salaries are higher if students specialize in areas like IFRS, taxation, or risk management.
Professional Growth: After gaining experience, students can pursue further studies. Such as an MBA, CFA, or certifications in areas like financial risk or internal auditing.
The ACCA Internship Guide makes it clear that internships and articleship are not just formalities. It’s a mandatory part of a successful ACCA journey. Internships provide early exposure and confidence, while ACCA Articleship India ensures that students gain detailed knowledge and meet ACCA’s practical training requirements. Both experiences prepare students for careers in India as well as globally.
By taking internships and articleship seriously, students can build valuable skills, expand their network, and secure great job opportunities.