ACCA:APM(P5) Complete Advanced Performance Management Course

The aim of the syllabus is to apply relevant knowledge, and skills and exercise professional judgment in selecting and applying strategic management accounting techniques in different business contexts to contribute to the planning, control, and evaluation of the performance of an organization and its strategic and operational development.

The Advanced Performance Management syllabus further develops key aspects introduced in Performance Management at the Applied Skills level.

The syllabus introduces candidates to the strategic role of management accounting as a discipline for planning and controlling performance so that strategic objectives can be set, monitored, and controlled. It recognizes the impact of external factors on strategic management issues and covers the risks these factors present and how they can be measured and managed. From appreciating the strategic context of performance management and the impact of wider factors, the syllabus examines the issues relating to performance management information systems and their design. It also addresses the impact which developments in technology will have on the performance management and measurement systems used by organizations.

The syllabus then moves from performance management systems to the scope and application of high-level performance measurement techniques in a variety of contexts, including not-for-profit organizations and multi-national businesses. Having covered the strategic aspects of performance management and operational systems for the measurement and control of performance in a wide range of organizational contexts, , candidates are then expected to synthesize this knowledge in the role of an advisor to senior management or independent clients on how to assess and control the performance of an entity.

The professional skills section of the syllabus links to all others and provides a range of professional skills that the candidate must demonstrate in the exam. These professional skills will make candidates more employable, or if already in work, will enhance their opportunities for advancement.

The syllabus concludes with outcomes relating to the demonstration of appropriate digital and employability skills in preparing for and taking the APM examination. This includes being able to access and open exhibits, requirements, and response options from different sources and being able to use the relevant functionality and technology to prepare and present response options in a professional manner. These skills are specifically developed by practicing and preparing for the APM exam, using the learning support content for computer-based exams available via the practice platform and the ACCA website, and will need to be demonstrated during the live exam.