Catalyzes the reversible conversion of a variety of acids to the corresponding acyl-CoA esters. Shows the highest activity with the aryl acids, indoleacetate and phenylacetate, as compared to acetate. In the reverse direction, phenylacetyl-CoA is the best substrate. Seems to be involved primarily in the degradation of aryl-CoA esters to the corresponding acids. Participates in the degradation of branched-chain amino acids via branched-chain-acyl-CoA esters. acetate + ATP + CoA = acetyl-CoA + ADP + phosphate Activity requires divalent metal cations. kcat is 2.3 sec(-1) for phenylacetyl-CoA. kcat is 1.84 sec(-1) for acetate. kcat is 3.45 sec(-1) for indole-3-acetate. kcat is 3 sec(-1) for phenylacetate. kcat is 3 sec(-1) for ATP. kcat is 2.9 sec(-1) for CoA. Homodimer. In the N-terminal section; belongs to the acetate CoA ligase beta subunit family. In the C-terminal section; belongs to the acetate CoA ligase alpha subunit family.