Available professional qualifications exemptions with GBS’s accounting and finance course

Did you know you can gain exemptions from ACCA, CIMA and IFA qualifications after completing the accounting and finance course with GBS? Join us to gain an edge over your peers.

An accounting and finance degree remains one of the most sought-after qualifications in the UK. With global relevance, transferable skills and a wide range of career and study opportunities, it offers a solid foundation for a future in finance. The BSc (Hons) Accounting & Financial Management  at GBS is designed to meet industry expectations and goes a step further by offering professional qualification exemptions.

Whether you are aiming for a qualification with the Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) or Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA), these exemptions can help you save time, reduce costs and fast-track your route to becoming a certified financial professional. Let us learn more about these exemptions you will gain with GBS’s accounting and finance course.  

Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA)

The Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA) is a globally recognised professional body representing accounting professionals working in small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As part of the larger Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) Group, it promotes ethical standards, ongoing professional development and practical accounting expertise.

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IFA exemptions for GBS graduates

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Accounting & Financial Management course at GBS can benefit from IFA’s generous exemptions. These exemptions are:

Level IFA modules Based upon GBS modules
4 Financial accounting 1 Financial accounting
Financial accounting 2 Financial accounting
Budgetary control Management accounting 1
Cost and management accounting Management accounting 1
Personal taxation UK taxation
Law of accounting Business and corporate law
Business environment Dynamic business environment
5 Financial reporting Financial reporting
Financial and management control Financial management
Financial management Financial accounting 2
Business taxation UK taxation
Assurance Audit and assurance

These exemptions will help you gain a head start on the journey towards full membership. GBS graduates are eligible to apply for two types of membership based on their level of work experience:

Membership Level requirements
Intermediate Financial Accountant (IFA) Completion of the BSc (Hons) Accounting & Financial Management + 1 year of relevant work experience in accountancy or finance.
Associate Financial Accountant (AFA) BSc (Hons) + 3 years of relevant work experience + Completion of two additional IFA modules.

By completing your degree at GBS, you shorten the path to professional recognition with the IFA. The course content is closely aligned with the IFA’s own syllabus, ensuring a smoother transition and stronger eligibility for exemptions.

By completing your degree at GBS, you shorten the path to professional recognition with the IFA. The course content is closely aligned with the IFA’s own syllabus, ensuring a smoother transition and stronger eligibility for exemptions.

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) is one of the world’s leading professional bodies for management accountants, with a strong focus on business strategy, risk, performance and financial leadership. It is highly respected across industries and offers a globally recognised pathway to becoming a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA).

CIMA exemptions for GBS graduates

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Accounting & Financial Management at GBS enjoy up to eight exemptions, allowing them to skip the entire Certificate and Operational levels of the CIMA qualification.

Subject name Subject level
BA1 Fundamental of Business Economics Certificate BA
BA2 Fundamental of Management Accounting Certificate BA
BA3 Fundamental of Financial Accounting Certificate BA
BA4 Fundamental of Ethics, Corporate Governance Law Certificate BA
E1 Managing Finance in a Digital World Operational
P1 Management Accounting Operational
F1 Financial Reporting Operational
Operation Case Study Exam Operational

To gain full CIMA membership, students must complete three years of relevant work experience in accounting, finance or business management. This experience can be gained before, during or after your studies.

GBS graduates enter CIMA at the management level, which is one of the most significant advantages available in the industry. With this head start, you can reach chartered status sooner, enter higher-paying roles and develop strategic financial skills that employers value across sectors.

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

The ACCA is one of the most globally recognised professional accountancy qualifications. With a diverse community of over 252,500 members and 526,000 future members worldwide , it provides a variety of career pathways in public practice, industry, banking and the public sector.

ACCA exemptions for GBS graduates

The BSc (Hons) Accounting & Financial Management degree at GBS is aligned with the ACCA’s professional syllabus, allowing graduates to gain up to nine exemptions from the ACCA qualification, helping you move faster through the qualification process and saving valuable time and money.

Subject name Subject level
Business and Technology (BT) On completion
Management Accounting (MA) On completion
Financial Accounting (FA) On completion
Corporate and Business Law (LW) On completion
Audit and Assurance (AA) Audit & Assurance (L6.1)
Financial Management (FM) Financial Management (L6.2)
Financial Reporting (FR) Financial Reporting (L5.5)
Performance Management (PM) Management Accounting 2 (L5.1)
Taxation (TX) UK Taxation (L6.4)

GBS’s industry-relevant curriculum and flexible study model support students in gaining work experience while studying, helping you move faster towards full membership. With exemptions from key ACCA modules, GBS graduates gain both a head start and a clear roadmap towards ACCA membership. Whether your goal is audit, tax, financial consulting or business leadership, this path gives you the credibility and flexibility to succeed globally.

How GBS prepares you for professional recognition

GBS's accounting and finance course provides a structured pathway aligned with the real-world demands of professional finance bodies such as the IFA, CIMA and ACCA. Our BSc (Hons) Accounting & Financial Management course content is continuously reviewed and updated to meet the latest industry standards. Whether you want to pursue a career in accounting and finance to become a chartered accountant, management accountant or financial analyst, our programme offers a flexible and supportive environment to help you get there faster with fewer exams, more confidence and industry-ready experience built in.

FAQs about professional qualifications exemptions for GBS’s accounting and finance course

GBS’s accounting and finance course provides you with academic knowledge and practical exemptions from bodies like ACCA, CIMA and IFA. You will be able to accelerate your professional career with these exemptions.

GBS accounting and finance degree graduates are eligible for multiple exemptions from several ACCA modules. They are as follows: 
ACCA qualification exemptions:

  • Business and Technology (BT)
  • Management Accounting (MA)
  • Financial Accounting (FA)
  • Corporate and Business Law (LW)

By completing or passing specific subjects, you are eligible for the following ACCA qualification exemptions:

Course exemption With completion of the modules
Audit and Assurance (AA) Audit & Assurance (L6.1)
Financial Management (FM) Financial Management (L6.2)
Financial Reporting (FR) Financial Reporting (L5.5)
Performance Management (PM) Management Accounting 2 (L5.1)
Taxation (TX) UK Taxation (L6.4)

A career in accounting or finance can lead to roles such as chartered accountant, financial analyst, management accountant or auditor. The GBS degree also supports progression into postgraduate study or entrepreneurship, depending on your goals.

A career in accounting often focuses on compliance, audits and financial reporting, while financial management is more strategic and involves budgeting, investment planning and risk analysis. The GBS programme offers a balanced curriculum that spans technical accounting and managerial finance.

Absolutely. The value of a finance degree in the digital age lies in its combination of technical knowledge, ethical understanding and professional recognition through exemptions.