Yes, ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) professionals can work in investment banking, particularly in middle-office roles, financial planning, analysis, risk management, and valuation. While CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) is often preferred for front-office equity research, ACCA provides the strong financial accounting foundation necessary for specialized roles within investment banks.
Does JPMorgan hire ACCA? JP Morgan hires ACCA candidates, and many ACCA members work in their finance, risk, and reporting teams. Positions in controllership, financial analysis, regulatory reporting, and risk operations often welcome applicants with accounting qualifications.
The ACCA Qualification prepares you for a successful career in accountancy or finance across virtually every sector worldwide. Wondering what's the difference between accounting and finance?
- Is ACCA more difficult than CFA? No, the CFA qualification tends to be considered slightly more difficult than ACCA - but this is to some extent a subjective matter, differing from person to person. Many people don't make it through the three levels of CFA because of the time required to finish the course.
Yes, chartered accountants may change jobs and work in investment banking. However, there is no straight path to becoming an investment banker after finishing the CA program. No matter what your school background is, there are various methods to go into investment banking following CA.
Becoming an investment banker post ACCA requires a combination of education, experience, and networking. Here are some steps you can take: Get a relevant degree: While ACCA provides a strong foundation in accounting, investment banking requires a broad range of skills, including finance, economics, and business.
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.
Generally, CFA professionals in finance and investment roles may earn more, but ACCA professionals in accounting and finance management can also have competitive salaries.
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.
ACCA is ideal for those pursuing careers in accounting or auditing, while CFA is better suited for finance professionals specializing in investments, risk management, or portfolio modeling. The right choice depends on your aspirations.
The demand for ACCA professionals continues to surge as companies recognize the value of team members who understand global accounting standards and international finance practices.
How does earning ACCA help with progressing to a CFO role? ACCA equips you with technical expertise in accounting, finance, and reporting, along with ethics and strategic business skills. It demonstrates professional credibility and helps develop the analytical and leadership abilities valued in senior finance roles.
ACCA professionals are employed in some of the busiest sectors such as: Big Four Accounting Firms (PwC, EY, KPMG, Deloitte): The companies are regularly interested in hiring ACCA qualified audits, assurance, and advisory services.
The average salary of a Accountant at JPMorgan Chase & Co. in India typically ranges from ₹9.7 Lakhs to ₹14.2 Lakhs per year, depending on experience (from 1 year to 6 years). The top 10% of Accountant at JPMorgan Chase & Co. earn more than ₹30.0 Lakhs per year, and the top 1% earn over ₹30.0 Lakhs per year.
In this blog, we have addressed the most asked questions about the ACCA qualification like, can you finish ACCA in 2 years? On average, it takes two to three years to prepare for all 13 exam papers, but you may earn the qualification in 18 months if you focus on the major eight.
CA professionals typically earn ₹6-8 lakhs annually at entry level, slightly ahead of ACCA holders at ₹5-7 lakhs. This reflects intensive articleship training and immediate applicability in India's regulatory environment.
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) plans to discontinue remote examinations from March 2026, reported the Financial Times. The move will mean most candidates must return to in-person exam centres, as the organisation responds to increasing instances of exam misconduct.
Yes I agree — ACCAs can break into Investment Banking. We've seen it happen with our own students: no Ivy League, no “traditional” path — just the right skills, mindset, and a forward-thinking employer. Qualifications open the door.
Fast-forward a few years, and Erica now runs an accounting practice making over $200,000 yearly—on less than 15 hours of work per week.