No, IFRS and ACCA are not the same; they are distinct, complementary components of the accounting profession. ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is a global professional body offering a comprehensive, multi-year accounting qualification, whereas IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) are the actual accounting rules and standards used for financial reporting.
The comparison between IFRS and ACCA brings out the distinctness in what they offer in the area of accounting. While ACCA is a broad and comprehensive course in finance and accounting, IFRS is specialised in financial reporting globally.
Declaring (and rightfully so) that their main goal is to protect US investors' interests, the SEC notes that IFRS lacks consistent application, allows too much leeway with judgment, and is underdeveloped in many specific areas, for which the US GAAP has detailed and accepted guidance and established practice ( ...
ACCA's comprehensive curriculum covers both GAAP and IFRS. Gaining proficiency in both sets of accounting standards ensures that you have a well-rounded education, making you more versatile and adaptable in your career.
Individuals who describe themselves as Chartered Certified Accountants must be members of ACCA and if they carry out public practice engagements, must comply with additional regulations such as holding a practising certificate, carrying liability insurance and submitting to inspections.
Is ACCA harder than CA? Generally, CA is considered tougher because of its very low pass rates and lengthy articleship requirement in India. ACCA has a more flexible exam structure, on-demand exam options for early levels, and modular progression.
The starting pay for a fresh ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) student in India is INR 5.5–11 lakhs per year while the senior positions can offer INR 19–30 lakhs per year.
In terms of difficulty, ACCA is more difficult to complete than accounting degree as it incorporates the difficulty levels of a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree into one qualification.
In India, a fresher with IFRS skills typically earns between ₹6,00,000 and ₹8,00,000 annually. Internationally, starting positions in IFRS generally offer salaries ranging from $50,000 to $70,000 per year.
2021 FAR Changes
The FAR section of the CPA Exam saw the elimination of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) framework and the IFRS versus U.S. GAAP content area.
The U.S., China, Egypt, Bolivia, Guinea-Bissau, Macao and Niger don't allow their domestic publicly traded companies to use International Financial Reporting Standards.
U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is only used in the United States. GAAP is established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB).
Apple's adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) provides investors with a transparent view of its financial performance. The company recognizes revenue when obligations are met, such as when an iPhone ships.
Is ACCA better than an MBA? It entirely depends on your career goals. If you wish to acquire specialised skill sets in accounting, then ACCA certification is the best option. However, an MBA degree is helpful if you want to develop managerial skills.
The four pillars of IFRS S1 and S2 are governance, strategy, risk management and metrics and targets.
The ACCA Qualification is broadly equivalent to UK university degree standard when you complete the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills exams. When you complete the Strategic Professional exams, it is equivalent to a UK university Master's degree.
How much does an Acca make? As of Jan 4, 2026, the average annual pay for an Acca in the United States is $67,346 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $32.38 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,295/week or $5,612/month.
Nearly one in three American workers makes less than $30,000 a year—and that's been true for years, according to the latest Wage Statistics report by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Many are part-time workers, service industry employees, gig workers, or early-career professionals.
The most recognized qualification in IFRS is the Diploma in IFRS (DipIFR) offered by ACCA (UK). Other notable certifications are also offered by ICAI, NSE Academy, EY and KPMG.
All Big 4 accountancy firms – Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG – are active recruiters of ACCA-affiliated accountants. Choice often depends on your interest area: audit, consulting, tax, or advisory.
ACCA pay in India varies based on years of experience and the most sought, from INR 6.4 LPA to INR 16.7 LPA. In India, the pay for a CPA professional can vary between INR 5.9 LPA (less than one year of experience) to INR 24 LPA (ten to nineteen years of expertise).
Exam difficulty: Higher-level exams demand strong analytical skills. Many candidates struggle to complete papers within the given time. Study approach: Students who rely only on self-study often find it harder to pass. Enrolling in a structured ACCA course increases success rates.
The typical duration for ACCA is 2–3 years, depending on exemptions, study pace, and exam planning. Class 12 students may take 3–3.5 years, while CA Inter and commerce graduates complete it faster.
The UK is one of the most favorable locations for ACCA professionals due to its established financial sector and since ACCAs have their headquarters in the United Kingdom. Freshers: Starting salaries for new graduates typically range from £20,000 to £30,000 (approx. ₹20 to ₹30 lakhs).
Associate, Accounting Advisory
Base salary $100k-$125k , plus performance-based bonus.