ACCA is generally considered more flexible and faster to complete (2.5–3 years) with higher pass rates (40-50%) compared to CA (India), which is recognized as harder, with 4-5 year completion times, lower pass rates (4-12%), and a rigid structure. ACCA offers better international mobility, while CA is preferred for Indian taxation and statutory audits.
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.
Ans: An accounting degree is easier than ACCA because of the growth of difficulty throughout the three years of study. Besides, this accounting degree is not completely exam-based, including marking assignments and presentations.
Career Aspirations:
ACCA in Pakistan might be a better option if your goal is to work in a multinational setting with the possibility of international mobility. Conversely, CA can provide a more focused strategy if your goals are to succeed in the local business environment.
Every student is different, but the ACCA recommends an average of 150 hours of study per paper. In total, you're looking at around 900 hours of study per year for three years while holding down a full-time job. Even if you're very familiar with accounting, studying for the ACCA under those conditions is difficult.
Both CA and ACCA are esteemed qualifications with distinct focuses and benefits. While CA is a perfect fit for those interested in accounting and auditing in India, ACCA is meant for finance enthusiasts with a global perspective.
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.
- 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.
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.
Pursuing ACCA after CA: Is it beneficial? If someone is considering what to pursue after CA to strengthen their financial career, ACCA is a highly valuable choice. It is especially beneficial for professionals aiming to work with multinational firms or explore opportunities abroad.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $109,000 and as low as $34,000, the majority of Acca Accountant salaries currently range between $53,500 (25th percentile) to $78,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $95,000 annually across the United States.
ACCA has a high number of female students due to the flexible study options, the global recognition of the qualification, and because the organisation takes the issue of gender equality and women's empowerment seriously.
After your ACCA professional, you can take up the CA final and for both the qualification, three years of work experience can be counted and you are there at your final leap. Positive mindset and good mental health are essential to help you attain your dream.
ACCA Disadvantages No One Talks About
The question keeps coming up: “With automation and AI advancing so fast, will accountants even be needed in the future?” According to ACCA, the answer is clear, AI won't replace accountants, but accountants who know how to work with AI will replace those who don't.
In India: A CA fresher generally commands a higher starting salary (₹7–12 LPA) compared to an ACCA fresher (₹5–8 LPA). Abroad: ACCA professionals often earn higher salaries because the qualification is recognized in over 180 countries, making them more valuable in international markets.
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 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.
Q1. Is ACCA easier than CA? Yes, ACCA is often considered easier due to its flexible structure, application-based questions, and higher pass rates. However, it still requires dedicated study and preparation.
ACCA pass rates tend to follow consistent patterns across levels: Foundation / Applied Knowledge: 70% to 90% Applied Skills: 40% to 55% Strategic Professional: 35% to 55%