ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant, usually ICAEW) and CA (Chartered Accountant, e.g., ICAS/CAI) are largely considered equivalent, prestigious qualifications, often holding higher starting salaries in audit/corporate finance than alternatives like ACCA. ACA/CA focuses on deep technical, statutory accounting, while CA in India is seen as having higher local value, often leading to slightly higher early-career pay.
Both ACCA and CA are esteemed professional courses in finance and accounting, each with unique advantages: ACCA: Globally recognized, suitable for those aiming to establish careers abroad. CA: Ideal for careers within India, offering expertise in the country's accounting systems.
ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant) CA (Chartered Accountant) ACCA (Associate Chartered Certified Accountant) CGMA (Chartered Global Management Accountant)
Chartered Accountants
Individual accountants will typically have ACA or FCA after their name. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS), designated by the suffix letters CA. Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI). Designatory letters ACA or FCA.
Many professionals are now pursuing CPA after CA, especially those looking for international exposure and higher roles in MNCs. This combination is highly valued in firms like Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG, and global finance divisions.
CA Course Structure
It includes CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final, along with insights from the Institute of Cost Accountants of India. Ca Intermediate, which is often examined in January, CA students move through these levels and learn about financial management, accounting, taxation, and auditing.
The ACA is a qualification equivalent to a Level 7. The ACA is made up of three elements, sustainability, technology and ethics. The ACA training includes 450 days' work experience, 14 exam modules, Specialised Learning, Professional skills and experience.
Members of ICAI living in India who have obtained ICAI membership by complying with its training and examinations requirements can study for the ACA and apply to join ICAEW.
The hierarchy of accounting positions begins with the chief financial officer (CFO) at the top and progresses down through vice president of finance, controller, accounting manager and assistant controller, senior accountant, accountant, staff accountant and accounting clerk, to payroll and bookkeeper.
The ACA is a structured pathway to becoming an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.
ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant)
Offered by ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales), the ACA qualification is highly regarded in the UK. It is tailored towards those aiming for senior roles in audit, accountancy, and business leadership.
For the 2025 tax year, if you underestimated your income and received a larger advance premium tax credit than you were eligible for, you must repay the difference between the amount of tax credit you received and the amount you were eligible for.
There were 2,314 doctors who responded, representing more than 21 specialties and 50 states. Fewer than 3% of respondents awarded the ACA an “A,” the survey found.
The existing ACA has 15 exams spread over three levels: the Certificate Level, the Professional Level and the Advanced Level. The exams can be taken in any order, except for the Case Study exam which must be attempted last and in the final year of a training agreement.
The Audit and Assurance exam also saw a significant majority of students passing, with an 81.5% success rate.
The ACA is comparable to a UK Master's degree or a postgraduate diploma. UK NARIC (the UK government's agency for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills) recently completed an independent review of the academic level of ICAEW CFAB and the ACA.