Converting ACCA to a US CPA does not involve a direct, full exemption-based transfer. As there is currently no Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between ACCA and NASBA, you must pass all four parts of the US CPA exam, meet state-specific education requirements (often 150+ credit hours), and verify experience.
Unfortunately, there is no quick route for ACCA members to obtain the US CPA. In order to obtain your US CPA qualification, you will need to sit for the CPA exam and pass the four-part exam.
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.
Yes, it is possible to do CPA (Certified Public Accountant) after ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) because having both can help you work in a variety of areas, including assurance services, forensic accounting, tax, financial planning, internal and external auditing, and international accounting.
GUIDE TO USA-BASED ACCOUNTING CREDENTIALS
This document was prepared by the ACCA USA office and is intended to assist ACCA members and students living in or moving to the United States achieve the local qualification in order to achieve the right to practice audit in the USA.
The CPA exam is more intensive and technical, with a focus on US GAAP, audit, and taxation, whereas ACCA is broader, covering IFRS and global management concepts. The CPA is considered more rigorous in content but shorter in duration, while ACCA offers more flexibility and a gradual progression approach.
Many students search for ACCA Jobs in the USA because the American market offers high compensation. While the USA does prioritise CPA for certain accounting roles, several opportunities still exist for global finance professionals, especially in finance operations, analytics, consolidations and risk management teams.
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).
ACCA's partnership with CPA Australia allows ACCA members to work in Australia with a professional qualification recognised and trusted in Australia.
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.
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.
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.
ACCA, CPA, or CFA – Which is Best? The choice between ACCA vs CPA vs CFA depends on your career goals and industry preference. Choose ACCA if you want a global career in accounting and finance. Choose CPA if you want to work in public accounting in the U.S..
Other Qualifications: Students who have completed their US CPA are eligible to get 8 exemptions in ACCA. Students that have completed their CMA from India with 5 years of relevant work experience will be eligible for 9 exemptions, whereas those who have completed CMA from the USA are eligible for 3 exemptions.
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. The salary varies depending on experience, job title, organization, industry, and location.
Pursuing ACCA after CA can significantly enhance the career prospects of Indian CAs. By pursuing the ACCA qualification, CAs can acquire a global perspective on accounting and finance, which increases their employability in MNCs and international organizations.
CPA Canada used to have a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with the ACCA, but that ended in 2021. So, there's no longer a direct shortcut to transfer your ACCA to a Canadian CPA. However, being an ACCA member means your education and experience already meet the entry requirements for the CPA Canada program.
Pick ACCA if you want international mobility, flexible studying options, and a wider financial and business curriculum. Pick CPA if your goal is to work in the United States and you want to specialize in U.S. GAAP, auditing, and taxation.
There are various factors to consider when it comes to understanding the difficulty levels of ACCA vs CPA. Both examinations are challenging and need hard work and diligence to clear. While the average pass rate for ACCA is around 55%, for CPA, the percentage is around 40-50%.
ACCAs are recognized globally and are highly valued by employers. In terms of salary, ACCAs typically earn slightly less than CPAs. According to the ACCA, the average salary for ACCA members in the United States is around $75,000 per year. However, this can vary greatly depending on experience, location, and industry.
Global recognition: ACCA is a globally recognized certification, while CPA is primarily recognized in the United States. This means an ACCA member can work in any country where the qualification is recognized.
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.
How much does an Acca make? As of Jan 17, 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.