ACCA vs CA vs CPA – Which is Better for Your Career?
- Shankargouda S Malipatil
- Sep 16
- 7 min read
ACCA vs CA vs CPA – Which is Better for Your Career?
Many career paths exist in accounting, finance, so picking the best certificate can be tough. People suggest different certifications, like CA, ACCA, or the US CPA, so students, professionals often feel confused about the right choice. Let’s look at three well-known credentials, ACCA, CA, CPA, each offering worldwide recognition, job prospects, the chance to earn good money.
ACCA, CA, or CPA, each one looks really good to employers. These people show how well they've done in tough jobs, representing real success. Information about who belongs, how well people succeed, global acknowledgement, job results, shared by the organizations involved, demonstrates their importance. The ideal option suits your work goals, also where you plan to live ACCA vs CA vs CPA – Which is Better for Your Career?.
Important ACCA Facts
For those employed in accounting, finance, or business, ACCA provides a professionally recognized credential that is accepted throughout the world. More people enjoy it, especially students studying business topics.
Here’s what you should know about ACCA
People in more than 180 countries know ACCA, it’s frequently described as a worldwide professional accounting certification.
Anyone can sign up, they stopped having age limits in 2011 when they changed how older students applied.
The exam includes thirteen tests over three stages: foundational knowledge, practical skills, then professional expertise.
We give exams four times a year, in March, June, September, December.
Students usually require two A levels, three GCSEs, or similar qualifications. They also need passes in math, English, a minimum age of 18.
You must get at least half the points on every test to succeed.
ACCA is a well-known qualification. It helps people find work in many countries.
Top Facts About CA
It helps to know what sets Chartered Accountancy apart before you think about ACCA, CA, or CPA. In India, a Chartered Accountancy degree is a valued credential for people working with money, accounts, taxes, reviews of records, or planning finances. It offers good career prospects.
Here’s the important information about this topic:
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India runs the program.
The program has three levels: Foundation, Intermediate, then Final. A required internship gives practical experience.
Getting a CA license improves job opportunities, it also helps you continue your education with programs like an MBA, CFA, or a degree focused on finance.
The ICAI welcomes anyone who meets the requirements, regardless of age or background.
People can begin studying for the CA exam while still getting their bachelor’s degree, however a background in business makes the process easier.
Accountants with special certification in India usually make 700,000 to 1,000,000 rupees yearly. Pay varies depending on experience, skills, the employer someone chooses.
Chartered accounting enjoys a good reputation in India, however, people internationally recognize ACCA or CPA more often.
Once you grasp key details about the CPA designation, you can readily evaluate ACCA, CA, also CPA to pinpoint the credential that suits your professional ambitions.
9 Essential Facts About CPA
Earning a Certified Public Accountant license shows you have strong skills in accounting. It is a well regarded accomplishment.Getting a CPA license shows you have a strong understanding of accounting, checking finances, or managing money. People everywhere recognize this license as proof of your skills.
Important things about becoming a Certified Public Accountant are:
Certified Public Accountants receive their license from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, a leading accounting group across the globe.
CPAs prepare tax returns, check financial records, work on their own, or join public accounting businesses.
This credential provides chances in various fields, like money management, advice services, checking records, handling taxes, running businesses.
The CPA exam has four parts:
Audit, verification work examines how well financial records are kept, considers ethical behavior, also looks at a professional’s duties.
Business Environment Concepts explores how companies operate, basic economic ideas, core business principles.
Financial Accounting Reporting checks your skill with accounting rules, how well you present financial information.
Rules cover business operations, standards for jobs, also taxes.
The CPA exam tests your skills, people pass it about half the time worldwide, yet you can succeed if you study well.
Finishing the CPA program usually requires seven to twelve months, it depends on how much effort you put in, also your study schedule.
People with different college degrees can become CPAs, even if they didn’t take a lot of higher-level math courses.
CPAs can work in many different jobs. They might plan taxes, check financial records, study finances, offer business advice, or manage money for companies.
New Certified Public Accountants in India generally earn around 600,000 rupees annually. People who work in big cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore might make up to 1,380,000 rupees each year.
ACCA vs CA – Which Is Better?
Whether ACCA or CA suits you depends on your career goals
Better jobs, more money: These qualifications help you get ahead, however ACCA professionals typically earn more around the world.
Chartered Accountancy is well known in India. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants is accepted worldwide in more than 180 nations, giving people greater chances for jobs abroad.
Career Path:
ACCA helps people build careers around the world.
A career in chartered accountancy works well in India because many companies need these skills, it also has a good name.
Decide if you want to work around the world, or stay in India. Your decision should show what you prefer.
Difference Between ACCA, CA, and CPA – A Complete Comparison
Students wanting to work in accounting or finance often struggle deciding between the CA, ACCA, or CPA qualifications. These credentials all look good on paper, however they vary in how well known they are, how long it takes to earn them, which courses you can skip, how the tests work, also how much people make with them. Let's look at these one at a time.
Difference Between CA and ACCA
Specifics | CA (Chartered Accountant) | ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) |
Recognition | Highly valued in India and partly in the UAE. | Recognized in over 180+ countries worldwide. |
Duration | Takes about 3–5 years plus an extra year of articleship. | Can be finished in 3 years, along with 2–3 years of training. |
Exam Structure | Divided into Foundation, Intermediate (IPCC), and Final levels. | Consists of Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional levels. |
Job Roles | Auditor, Cost Accountant, Tax Consultant, CFO, etc. | Auditor, Forensic Accountant, CFO, Tax Specialist, etc. |
Exemptions | No exemptions available. | Multiple exemptions offered—e.g., CA Inter pass needs 9 exams, while a qualified CA only 5. |
Average Salary | Around ₹7–8 LPA. | Around ₹8–9 LPA. |
Difference Between CPA and CA
Specifics | CA (Chartered Accountant) | CPA (Certified Public Accountant) |
Recognition | A national certification, mainly in India and some Gulf countries. | An international credential with global value. |
Duration | Takes 4–5 years to complete. | Usually 7–12 months depending on study pace. |
Licensing | Requires 3 years of articleship for certification. | Needs 1 year of relevant accounting/finance experience. |
Job Role | Focuses on taxation, compliance, finance, and auditing. | Works as a strategic advisor, applying global standards. |
Average Salary | Around ₹8–9 LPA. | Around ₹6–7 LPA in India. |
Exam Pattern | Foundation → Intermediate (IPCC) → Final. | Four sections: AUD, BEC, FAR, REG. |
Difference Between ACCA and CPA
Specifics | ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) | CPA (Certified Public Accountant) |
Recognition | Accepted in 180+ countries. | Primarily recognized in the USA, but relevant globally with US firms. |
Duration | Can be completed in 6–24 months, depending on exemptions. | Usually takes 12–18 months. |
Exemptions | Offers up to 9 exam exemptions based on qualifications. | No exemptions allowed. |
Job Roles | Finance Manager, Controller, Corporate Treasurer, etc. | Tax Examiner, Auditor, Business Analyst, Forensic Accountant, etc. |
Average Salary | ₹5–16 LPA, depending on skill and location. | ₹6–7 LPA in India. |
Number of Exams | 15 papers across three levels. | 4 exams (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). |
Salaries: ACCA vs CA vs CPA in India
New graduates with ACCA or CA qualifications typically earn between ₹6 to ₹8 lakh per year.
New Certified Public Accountants typically make between 600,000 to 700,000 rupees a year. They often see quicker income increases at multinational corporations or large accounting companies.
As you gain experience, pay for each of these certifications improves a lot, frequently opening doors to leadership roles.
Why ACCA Exemptions Matter
A special feature of the ACCA program lets students skip some tests. People who already have some finance training, such as finishing CA Inter or earning a finance degree, do not need to take all the tests. This makes the process quicker, less expensive than getting a CA or CPA certificate.
Final Thoughts
ACCA, CA, or CPA certifications each provide great job prospects in finance, accounting.
If you plan to work primarily in India, select Chartered Accountancy.
Choose ACCA if you want to work around the world.
Choose a CPA license if you desire work with companies around the world, or within the U.S.
Achieving goals requires commitment, getting ready, also having good advice. Schools such as SuccessEdge Academy give students live classes, videos of lessons, materials for study, example lectures to assist them with getting ready for hard tests.
FAQ
1. Is CPA harder than ACCA?
They each present unique difficulties. A CPA requires passing four tests, these tests use multiple choice questions. An ACCA certification involves thirteen exams, these require detailed written responses. Most people succeed on the CPA exam around 75% of the time, yet ACCA only needs you to get at least 50% on each test. How hard something is really comes down to how you get ready, also how you learn.
2. Is ACCA the same as CA?
In India, ACCA is viewed as a professional qualification like the CA from ICAI, however they concentrate on different areas with varying levels of detail.
The CA program focuses on Indian accounting rules, tax methods, business operations. It prepares people well for jobs in India. People generally think it’s very thorough because it explains Indian rules carefully, completely.
However, the ACCA certification receives recognition in more than 180 nations. This makes it a better option for people who want careers in other countries. A certification as a Chartered Accountant is necessary to work in India, connect with Indian companies, or start your own accounting business. However, ACCA offers the chance to work in more places globally, opening doors to a wider range of jobs.
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