IIM Indore and ACCA join forces to elevate accountancy and finance education in India

Digital Desk

In a landmark initiative to strengthen the skills and employability of aspiring accountants and finance professionals, the Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore) has entered a collaboration with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

This partnership will introduce a series of specialized workshops and a comprehensive training programme aimed at bridging the gap between academic learning and industry expectations.

Bridging Academia and Industry
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by IIM Indore and ACCA formalises a framework for jointly developing and delivering cutting-edge curriculum content. Under the agreement, ACCA will lend its global expertise in professional accountancy standards, while IIM Indore will leverage its pedagogical strengths and research infrastructure to tailor the offerings for India’s unique market dynamics.

Key Elements of the Programme

Specialized Workshops: A sequence of two-day, in-person workshops will be conducted on campus, covering advanced topics such as International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), data analytics in finance, and emerging compliance frameworks.
Integrated Training Modules: A blended-learning model combines online theory modules by ACCA with case-study-driven sessions led by IIM Indore faculty. Participants will earn digital badges upon completion of each module.
Capstone Projects: To ensure practical exposure, participants will undertake capstone projects developed in collaboration with industry partners, addressing real-world challenges in sectors like banking, manufacturing, and fintech.
Faculty Exchange and Research: The MoU provides for reciprocal faculty visits, joint research publications, and guest lectures by ACCA experts at IIM Indore’s finance labs.

Expected Impact
This collaboration is expected to benefit over 1,000 students and early-career professionals in its first year, offering them globally recognised credentials alongside management insights from one of India’s premier business schools. The training is also designed to upskill working professionals through weekend and evening cohorts, thus catering to the needs of India’s vast workforce.

Voices from the Collaboration
“The synergy between ACCA’s global professional standards and IIM Indore’s academic rigor will create a transformative learning pathway for finance professionals in India,” said Prof. Himanshu Rai, Dean of IIM Indore’s Education and Research. Marcus Agius, Regional Head for ACCA South Asia, added, “By combining our resources, we aim to nurture a new generation of finance leaders who can navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving global economy.”

Plans are already underway to expand the programme to include specialized tracks in sustainable finance, risk management, and fintech regulation. Both institutions are also exploring scholarship opportunities for meritorious students from underrepresented regions, ensuring broader access to high-quality finance education.

This partnership marks a significant step toward aligning India’s accountancy education with global standards, ultimately enhancing the country’s financial ecosystem and global competitiveness.