ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) primarily follows and teaches IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) as its core accounting framework. While the curriculum focuses on globally applicable IFRS, it also covers various national GAAP standards to ensure a comprehensive understanding of different regulatory environments.
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.
The ACCA DipIFR is an IFRS qualification by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the leading global accounting body involved in the development of IFRS, which are issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
We are ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), the only truly global professional accountancy body. Since we were founded in 1904, we've been breaking down barriers to the accountancy profession.
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.
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.
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.
While Certified Public Accountant (CPA) makes you a Chartered Accountant of the US, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) course makes you a global Chartered Accountant. This means you can practice Chartered Accountancy in 180 different countries.
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.
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.
An ACCA Member is someone who has completed all the academic and practical requirements of ACCA qualification, including the relevant work experience and approval of membership application. ACCA members are considered fully qualified professionals in the finance and accounting sector.
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.
GAAP and IFRS define global accounting norms: GAAP is U.S.-specific and rules-based, while IFRS is principles-based and adopted by 167 countries worldwide.
IFRS is principles-based and offers flexibility, which can be beneficial for larger, more complex businesses. However, GAAP provides detailed, rules-based guidelines, making it easier for businesses with more straightforward reporting needs.
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.
CPA is a course that is highly recognized in the USA, while ACCA is a globally regarded chartered accountancy course allowing you to practice CA in over 180 countries across the globe. These courses enhance the scope of career for students in accountancy abroad and allow them flexibility and diverse opportunities.
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.
While ICAEW is well respected in the UK, its global reach is not as broad as ACCA's. That said ICAEW-qualified chartered accountants are in demand in major financial Centres particularly in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Once you have completed your ACCA Qualification by passing your exams, along with three years' practical experience and the Ethics and Professional Skills module, you will be invited to become an ACCA member. You will be able to use the 'ACCA' letters after your name.
ACCA Qualification recognition
Currently, ACCA does not have a mutual recognition agreement with the International Qualifications Appraisal Board (IQAB), a joint body between National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) or the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA).
The ACCA Salary in the USA: 2025 Insights
Experience: Entry-level ACCA professionals may earn around $60,000 to $70,000 annually, while those with over five years of experience can command salaries exceeding $100,000.
FCCA stands for Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, a senior-level designation above ACCA.
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.
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.