For ACCA members and students, Switzerland represents an attractive destination to build rewarding careers in the finance and accounting sectors. There were almost 1000 members and over 600 ACCA future members in Switzerland in December 2024 and numbers were constantly growing.

At ACCA, we are committed to empowering our global community by ensuring our qualification opens doors to opportunities across borders. That’s why we are delighted to share a major milestone: 

Obtaining the Swiss audit license via the ACCA UK audit qualification is now easier and well streamlined thanks to Switzerland being added to the list of territories where statutory audit work experience can be obtained to meet ACCA’s UK audit qualification requirements.

What has changed?

Previously, ACCA members and students based in Switzerland had to travel to other jurisdictions, such as the UK, Germany etc. to obtain the statutory audit work experience required for the ACCA UK audit qualification. This created logistical and financial challenges for individuals and employers.

Now, Switzerland’s inclusion on the list of approved territories means that statutory audit work experience can be gained locally. This change not only simplifies the process for ACCA members and students to obtain the local audit license from FAOA and via EXPERTsuisse, (see process explained below), but also reinforces the ACCA Qualification’s relevance and accessibility in one of the world’s most sought-after markets for finance professionals. We already have observed a growing interest in working with ACCA among Big 4 companies. In ex. PwC is in the process of gaining PC Approved Employer status. This may also bring additional benefits to international organizations based in Switzerland but operating globally, with which ACCA cooperates on other continents, eg in Africa.

Mutual recognition agreement with Switzerland

This significant development has been made possible also thanks to the mutual recognition agreement (MRA) between the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) in the UK and Switzerland’s Federal Audit Oversight Authority (FAOA) signed at the end of 2023. This agreement recognizes ACCA’s UK audit qualification and ensures that ACCA members can seamlessly integrate into the Swiss auditing landscape. The full details of the mutual recognition agreement and the letter of understanding from FAOA can be accessed here.

Why this is a game-changer

This development marks a turning point for ACCA professionals in Switzerland and beyond:

• For ACCA members and students:
  Members and students can now gain the required statutory audit work experience directly in Switzerland. This removes the need for travel and simplifies the pathway to obtaining the UK audit qualification and access to the Swiss audit license.
• For employers in Switzerland:
  Employers can now develop their staff’s statutory auditing expertise locally, without the need to send them abroad. This change not only reduces costs but also makes the ACCA Qualification even more attractive for Swiss firms.
• For the global ACCA community:
  By strengthening recognition in Switzerland and streamlining the process from ACCA to the local audit qualification, ACCA reaffirms its global status and commitment to opening new doors for its members, ensuring that they remain competitive in an increasingly interconnected world.

How to take advantage of this opportunity

For ACCA members and students interested in obtaining the Swiss audit license via the ACCA UK audit qualification, the updated process reflects Switzerland’s inclusion as a recognized territory for statutory audit work experience. Visit the ACCA audit qualification pages for detailed application guidelines and eligibility requirements.

In order to apply for the local audit license in Switzerland via the ACCA UK audit qualification, ACCA students must meet certain requirements during their ACCA qualification journey, before they become ACCA member. Also, the required work experience needs to be obtained within an ACCA Approved Employer on the Practising Development Scheme - Audit. Please see step by step guidance below. 

Celebrating a 'new era' for ACCA in Switzerland

This recognition is more than a regulatory update—it’s a celebration of ACCA’s ability to adapt and expand opportunities for its members worldwide. By removing barriers and enabling members to gain statutory audit work experience locally, we are fostering career growth, strengthening local talent pipelines and reinforcing Switzerland as a key destination for ACCA-qualified professionals. We are convinced finance and audit companies operating in Switzerland, recruiting internationally, will be now even more interested in having ACCA members and students on board.

This achievement reflects the hard work and collaboration between ACCA and our partners, and it’s a proud moment for the entire ACCA community. Through the relationships developed by the Western & Central Europe team with Swiss national bodies, and the widely known activities of one of the ACCA members and ambassadors, the chances of growing interest in ACCA in Switzerland are increasing. Let’s take a moment to celebrate this exciting development and look forward to the opportunities it brings for ACCA professionals in Switzerland and beyond!

ACCA qualification journey towards the Swiss audit license:

1. Obtain the ACCA qualification and become an ACCA member (please make sure you meet the specific requirements for the UK audit qualification during your studies.
2. Apply for and obtain the ACCA UK audit qualification (make sure you meet all necessary requirements, including statutory audit work experience).
3. Take Swiss law exam with EXPERTsuisse.
4. Apply for Swiss audit license with FAOA.