ACCA

ACCA FR syllabus

The ACCA Financial Reporting (FR) exam syllabus for September 2025 – June 2026 covers all major IFRS standards, the conceptual and regulatory framework, consolidated and single-entity financial statements, and performance analysis. New syllabus updates emphasise presentation & disclosure (IFRS 18), enhanced material on revenue recognition (IFRS 15), leases (IFRS 16), financial instruments (IFRS 9), and group cash flow statements. Expert sources like the ACCA, IASB, Deloitte all confirm these shifts.

What’s new in FR for 2025 / 2026?

ACCA updated the syllabus in 2025 to align more tightly with recent IFRS developments. (ACCA Global)
A new standard IFRS 18 – Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statementshas been introduced. (LinkedIn)
Learning outcomes for revenue recognition (IFRS 15)and leases (IFRS 16) have been enhanced with more emphasis on real-life application and judgment. (PW Live)
Financial Instruments (IFRS 9) coverage has been expanded. (PW Live)

Revenue Recognition (IFRS 15): the 5-step model

According to the IFRS Foundation, for revenue to be recognised correctly, an entity must apply a five-step model under IFRS 15. (IFRS)

Here are the five steps, with explanation and why each is important for the ACCA exam:

More Statistics & Expert Input

Effective dates: IFRS 15 has been effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018. (IFRS)
According to ACCA’s “FR Study Guide for September 2025 – June 2026”, the aim is to “develop knowledge and skills in understanding and applying IFRS Accounting Standards and the theoretical framework” including for groupsand single entities. (ACCA Global)
ACCA publishes technical articlesregularly (e.g. on revenue recognition, deferred tax, leases) which often address the hardest exam areas. (ACCA Global)

Revised Structure of the FR Syllabus (2025-26)

To help your study plan, here are the major sections as per the official ACCA syllabus document. These are directly from ACCA’s PDF for 2025-26. (ACCA Global)

Conceptual and Regulatory Framework

Qualitative characteristics of useful information
Fundamental bases of accounting
Regulatory framework: standard-setting, compliance

Accounting for Transactions in Financial Statements (single entity)

Tangible non-current assets (PPE, investment property)
Intangible non-current assets
Impairment of assets
Inventories & agriculture
Financial instruments (IFRS 9)
Leases (IFRS 16)
Provisions, and events after the reporting period
Income taxes & deferred tax

Preparing Financial Statements and Group Reporting

Revenue recognition (IFRS 15)
Government grants
Foreign currency transactions / translation
Consolidation: including goodwill, intra-group eliminations

Analysis & Interpretation

Financial and non-financial performance
Cash flows statement
Limitations, ratios, etc.

Digital & Employability Skills

Use of computer‐based exam tools
Appropriate use of technology in preparing financial reports

Why These Changes Matter

The inclusion of IFRS 18(Presentation & Disclosure) means there will be more emphasis on how disclosures are structured, how notes are presented, what is required to be disclosed. This can make a difference in exam answers. (LinkedIn)
Enhanced learning outcomes for revenue (IFRS 15)and leases (IFRS 16) reflect that ACCA expects deeper understanding, not just rote application. You will likely see more “judgment-based” questions, where you decide how and when recognition should happen.
Expanded material on financial instruments means you must be familiar with fair value measurement, amortised cost, etc. This area can be complex, but ACCA technical articles help break it down. (ACCA Global)

References

IFRS Foundation: Text of IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (effective 1 Jan 2018) (IFRS)
ACCA Global: FR Syllabus & Study Guide September 2025 – June 2026 (ACCA Global)
ACCA technical articleson deferred tax, leases, revenue recognition (ACCA Global)
Deloitte roadmapon applying new revenue recognition standard (IFRS 15) (Deloitte)

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About the Author

Justyna Wachulka-Chan

Justyna is a seasoned professional with 8 years of dedicated experience in the computer-based accounting and finance certification coaching industry. She is committed to providing students with the knowledge and tools necessary to succeed on their exams.

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ACCA FR syllabus

Justyna Wachulka-Chan

Table of Contents

What’s new in FR for 2025 / 2026?

Revenue Recognition (IFRS 15): the 5-step model

More Statistics & Expert Input

Revised Structure of the FR Syllabus (2025-26)

Why These Changes Matter