The ACCA Strategic Business Leader (SBL) exam is a key part of the ACCA qualification. It aims to mirror the practical problems faced by experienced finance professionals, merging strategy, leadership, management, uncertainty, and moral principles into a single, comprehensive scenario.
🧠 What You'll Gain
SBL focuses not only on specialized knowledge but also on using good judgment and showcasing professional abilities. The course content includes:
📊 Strategy & Analysis
Developing and carrying out strategic plans
Evaluating competitors (e.g., using SWOT, PESTEL, Porter's Five Forces)
Business structures and how they generate value
🧑💼 Leadership & Governance
Different leadership approaches and their effectiveness
Principles of corporate management and the duties of a board
Managing relationships with interested parties
⚖️ Ethics & Risk
Ethical principles and problematic situations
Identifying, evaluating, and reducing potential issues
Internal checks and balances, and verification processes
📋 Communication & Professional Skills
Creating reports, notes, and presentations
Providing advice and supporting decisions
Managing time and prioritizing tasks
🧪 Exam Format
Time: 4 hours
A single, all-encompassing scenario with various assignments
All questions are based on the scenario
Grades are based on both specialized knowledge and professional abilities (evaluation, communication, business understanding, and critical thinking)
📚 Study Resources
ACCA's SBL learning platform
Official reports and articles
A platform for practicing with sample exams
Study materials and revision resources from Kaplan and BPP
💡 Tips for Success
Approach the exam as you would a real work situation, acting as a senior consultant.
Practice writing clear, brief, and organized answers – using bullet points and headings is helpful.
Pay attention to professional abilities – they make up a significant portion of the grade.
Good time management is essential – plan your time for each task and stick to your plan.
