ACCA and AACSB join forces to advance accounting and finance education through global partnership

Education

ACCA and AACSB join forces to advance accounting and finance education through global partnership

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) have entered into a strategic three-year partnership to strengthen business, accounting, and finance education worldwide. The agreement, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on October 17, 2025, aims to bridge academia and industry by equipping future finance professionals with the skills needed for a rapidly changing global economy.

Under the MoU, both organisations will collaborate on joint research initiatives exploring critical themes such as the future of work, graduate employability, evolving career paths, and social impact. The partnership will also focus on enhancing university engagement, assessing the influence of artificial intelligence on learning, and supporting the next generation of accountants through evidence-based educational strategies.

Leaders emphasize shared vision for the future of accounting

Helen Brand, Chief Executive of ACCA, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating:

“Accountancy is changing: accountants are driving sustainability, promoting social value and dealing with new ethical challenges, as well as enabling innovative technologies which are shaking up the world of work. Collaboration on equipping future generations for the opportunities and challenges ahead has never been more important, and we very much look forward to working with AACSB on this.”

Echoing this sentiment, Lily Bi, President and CEO of AACSB, said:

“Business education is undergoing profound transformation, and AACSB International is proud to partner with ACCA to help shape the future. Together, we will strengthen the bridge between academia and the business world, equipping learners with the knowledge, skills, and agility to thrive in a rapidly evolving profession.”

Kush Ahuja, Head of Eurasia and Middle East at ACCA, added that the partnership will also deepen ACCA’s engagement in the Middle East, reinforcing its mission to advance quality accounting education and professional readiness across the region.

A partnership driving global academic excellence

The collaboration between ACCA and AACSB marks a milestone in integrating business education and professional training, aligning academic curricula with real-world financial and ethical challenges. By uniting two of the world’s most influential education and accreditation bodies, the initiative underscores a shared commitment to fostering responsible, future-ready finance professionals capable of leading in an era defined by digital transformation and sustainability.