ACCA is not inherently "worth more" than CA; rather, their value depends on geographical preference and career goals. ACCA offers superior global mobility (180+ countries) and IFRS expertise, while CA provides superior, in-depth knowledge of Indian tax/law and exclusive signing authority. ACCA is generally better for international roles, whereas CA is optimal for domestic Indian practice.
If you wish to build a career in India and specialize in taxation, auditing, or accounting, then CA is the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you want global exposure and the flexibility to work in various sectors, ACCA might be the better option.
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.
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.
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.
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).
The ACCA qualification offers a pathway to become a Chartered Certified Accountant with international recognition. While ACCA members are undoubtedly Chartered Accountants, it's crucial for individuals and businesses to understand the nuances between ACCA and other national CA qualifications.
CA and ACCA are two independent bodies, and you can take up the exam anytime, side by side according to your convenience.
ACCA Disadvantages No One Talks About
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 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.
Australia and New Zealand for ACCA: Both countries recognise the ACCA through an agreement with the CPA, permitting ACCA members to operate as Public Accountants with signing authority.
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.
The term Chartered Certified Accountant was introduced in 1996. Prior to that date, ACCA members were known as Certified Accountant. It is still permissible for an ACCA member to use this term.
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.
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.
Is ACCA Worth It 2025? Yes. ACCA offers global recognition, high salaries in India, flexible exams, and diverse career opportunities. Though it has some limitations like cost and no audit rights in India, its scope and demand remain strong for finance professionals in 2025.
Students usually fail an exam because they do not have the necessary knowledge OR they have poor exam technique OR a combination of both – the first step to success in studying for your retake is to understand the reason you failed.
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.
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.
Entry-Level (0-3 years): Fresh ACCA graduates can expect an annual salary ranging from ₹4 lakhs to ₹8 lakhs. This translates to a monthly income of approximately ₹33,000 to ₹66,000.