Nature of the ACCA F9 paper
ACCA F9Paper – Financial Management – is concerned with managing the finances of a business. Some topics were introduced in Paper F2, particularly discounted cash flow and inventory control. These, and other new topics, are examined at a higher level.
Structure of the ACCA F9paper
There are three sections to the exam – Section A will comprise 15 multiple choice questions of 2 marks each; Section B of the exam comprises three scenarios, each with 5 multiple choice questions. Section C has two ‘long form’ questions (a full question requiring a full answer) of 20 marks each.These two questions will come from theworking capital management, investment appraisal, and business finance areas of the syllabus.The Section A and B questions can (and will!) cover allareas of the syllabus.
There are 3 hours for the exam, plus 15 minutes of reading time if you are taking the paper based (as opposed to the computer based) exam.
Overall, approximately 50% of the exam involves calculations, and approximately 50% is written.
Emphasis of the ACCA F9exam
Although most of the arithmetic involved is not difficult in itself, the calculation parts of questions are designed to check that you understand the techniques, and can decide what information is relevant, rather than checking that you have just learned rules.
For the written parts of questions there are several financial management theories that can be examined, but many of them are again checking that you understand the techniques and their assumptions and limitations.
How to use OpenTuition to study for the ACCA F9 exam
Use the OpenTuition ACCA F9 lectures along with the F9 LectureNotes. Make sure that you are happy with the arithmetic, but also listen carefully to the lectures and check that you really do understand the techniques and the theories
When you are confident of a topic then practise as many past exam questions as you can. See also F9 revision lectures based on past exams
How to pass ACCAF9 Exam
However much you have studied, your approach in the exam room can make a big difference. For Sections A and B, look for the short and easy questions and answer them first. In whatever time you have left then spend more time on the longer and harder questions. Try not to spend too long on either section – you should be allowing yourself about 27 minutes for each of Sections A and B. When the time for the whole exam is almost up, go back and guess the answer to any questions that you have not completed – guessing a few questions may only result in one correct answer, but 2 marks is huge if you would otherwise have failed on 48. Don’t waste time doing neat workings for Sections A and B – nobody will look at them.
In Section C allow yourself about 36 minutes for each question. Make sure that you write something for each part of each question – you might get stuck or you might run out of time, but you can always write something, and writing anything sensible will likely get you a mark. For the calculation parts of questions, make sure your workings are neat and easy to follow – the marks in Section C are for the workings rather than for the final answer.
See also:
F9 Forum Support– post your questions to get help from other students
Ask the Tutor ACCA F9 Exams
Paper F9 Syllabus & Study Guide
Exam formulae & maths tables
F9 Past exam papers
F9 Examiners’ reports
F9 Examiner’s approach interview
F9 Examiner’s approach article
F9 Examiner’s analysis interview
F9 Technical articles
F9 Pass rates
FAQs
It's very much possible to pass though. I would not call this paper easy, as if u never studied financial management before, it will be somethign completely new for u …a step away from accounting. Lots of new terms, lots of new formulas. Theory is boring and often quite complicated to understand.
How can I pass the ACCA exam? ›
ACCA Exam Tips
- Start studying well before the exam date, don't leave it to the last minute.
- Take a revision course so you feel fully prepared on the exam day.
- Make sure you are familiar with the exam structure, syllabus, regulations, etc.
- Plan your preparation - set achievable targets for each day.
Read and study thoroughly a suitable financial management textbook or study text. Read relevant articles flagged by Student Accountant. Practise exam-standard and exam-style questions on a regular basis. Be able to communicate their understanding clearly in an examination context.
Is it possible to self study for ACCA? ›
While it is hard to study for ACCA on your own, it is not entirely impossible. You need to have a strict study timetable in place and multiple practice sessions.
What is the hardest ACCA exam to pass? ›
The most difficult ACCA exam. The ACCA exam which tends to present the most challenges to students is Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA).
What is the hardest course in ACCA? ›
Applied Skills ACCA exam order
For most students, Audit Assurance is generally considered to be the toughest paper, especially at this level. For the Applied Skills exams, along with Performance Management, this is the subject that I get the most queries about. (You'll find plenty of videos on these on my channel.
What is the easiest ACCA exam? ›
Difficulty level of each paper
As such, from the below table, it can be inferred that F1 (Accountant in Business) is the easiest paper, with the highest pass rate of 85% in June 2019, while P7 (Advanced Audit and Assurance) is the most challenging paper, with the lowest pass rate of 30% in March 2019.
What is the fastest way to complete the ACCA? ›
The quickest way to become a member is to work and study at the same time. If you do, you could qualify in as little as three or four years. Is there a time limit? There's no limit on how long students can spend on the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills exams.
How many hours should I study for ACCA? ›
When you're studying ACCA we recommend you plan to do a minimum of 8 hours per week. Study time varies in terms of how long it will take you to cover the syllabus, but you can expect to spend about 11 weeks on each paper.
Which ACCA paper is F9? ›
F6 – Taxation. F7 – Financial Reporting. F8 – Audit and Assurance. F9 – Financial Management.
There is no restriction to the number of exams you may attempt, allowing you to choose to sit as many or as few papers as you like at each exam session. You are, however, recommended to attempt a maximum of four exams in a six-month period.
Is ACCA financial reporting difficult? ›
Financial reporting is widely regarded as one of the most complex and challenging areas of the ACCA syllabus, and if you want to master it you will need to get to grips with a lexicon of concepts, principles, rules, words and expressions.
Can I do ACCA without accounting? ›
You can start studying ACCA without any prior accountancy knowledge. The ACCA Qualification will provide you with all the skills and knowledge you need to work as an accountant in any sector, anywhere in the world. If you have an accountancy degree, you may be eligible for exemptions from some of the ACCA examinations.
Is ACCA alone enough? ›
With an ACCA qualification, enough experience, and some confidence, you're free to go solo and work in all kinds of industries around the globe.
Is ACCA worth the time and money? ›
Absolutely, ACCA is recognized in over 180 countries, making it one of the most globally recognized accountancy qualifications.
Which ACCA paper is easiest? ›
ACCA exams can vary in difficulty, depending on the subject. Generally, exams such as Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Financial Reporting and Auditing and Assurance are considered to be easier than Taxation, Corporate and Business Law, and Advanced Financial Management.
Is ACCA skill level hard? ›
Candidates consider ACCA exams challenging as these demand a thorough understanding of various accounting principles, perseverance and solid dedication. ACCA exams are rigorous and challenging, testing practical application knowledge and theoretical knowledge simultaneously.
Is ACCA certification difficult? ›
The ACCA exam requires dedication, perseverance, and a solid understanding of accounting principles. The exam's difficulty level can vary depending on individual strengths, study approach, and prior experience. It is widely regarded as a rigorous examination that tests theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Which ACCA exam has the lowest pass rate? ›
Pass rates announced for June 2023 ACCA exam sitting
| ACCA Qualification | Pass rate (%) |
|---|
| AAA - Advanced Audit and Assurance | 34% |
| AFM - Advanced Financial Management | 47% |
| APM - Advanced Performance Management | 34% |
| ATX - Advanced Taxation | 43% |
30 more rows
There are three sections to the exam – Section A will comprise 15 multiple choice questions of 2 marks each; Section B of the exam comprises three scenarios, each with 5 multiple choice questions. Section C has two ‘long form’ questions (a full question requiring a full answer) of 20 marks each.These two questions will come from theworking capital management, investment appraisal, and business finance areas of the syllabus.The Section A and B questions can (and will!) cover allareas of the syllabus.
