Neither is universally "higher" than the other, as they serve different purposes: CMA (Certified Management Accountant) focuses on internal financial strategy and management, while ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is a broader qualification for public accounting, audit, and tax. Both are high-level, globally recognized certifications.
Ans: If you would rather pursue a specialized profession in strategic financial management and management accounting, choose CMA. If you can afford to pay more and study for a longer period of time, think about enrolling in ACCA.
Yes, pursuing CMA after ACCA can definitely be worth it, especially if your career goal is to work in financial management and eventually become a CFO.
FCCA stands for Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, a senior-level designation above ACCA.
The pass percentage for CMA is nearly 20%, while the pass percentage for ACCA lies between 40-50%.
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).
In addition ACCA membership is independently recognised by HEC equivalent to an M.Com degree in Pakistan. Bachelors Degree - Students can choose from any local or international degree programmes available to A Level or Intermediate certificate holders.
- 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.
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.
ACCA members who would like to take advantage of obtaining a US credential can earn the CMA after successfully completing the two-part CMA exam and satisfying the two-year experience requirement in a management accounting job role.
CMA Program Enrollment
Earning your certification validates your mastery of a comprehensive body of knowledge in accounting and financial management. Passing these rigorous exams is a prestigious accomplishment.
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 certification focuses more on accounting, auditing, financial reporting, taxation, and management accounting. Unlike the CFA, which is more investment-focused, the ACCA is designed to develop expertise in accounting and finance operations across various industries.
The hardest accounting certification is often considered to be:
A CPA stands for Certified Public Accountant. A CPA is a statutory designation for qualified accountants in the United States who have passed the Uniformed Certified Public Accountant Examination and have met additional state education and experience requirements.
ACCA Strategic Professional level:
Once you've completed all the ACCA exams and gained the relevant practical experience, you'll be a qualified ACCA member and your qualification will be roughly parallel to a UK Master's degree in terms of complexity and depth.
The course duration of ACCA follows a defined framework, yet the personal timeline varies. On average, the complete qualification takes 3 to 5 years. This range is not arbitrary. It depends on three measurable pillars: your entry point, your study mode, and how you plan your practical experience.
What is the salary of a CMA and ACCA? In India, ACCA professionals typically earn between ₹4 to 12 LPA in early to mid-career roles, while CMA professionals often earn between ₹5 to 14 LPA, depending on role and sector.
However, being an ACCA member means your education and experience already meet the entry requirements for the CPA Canada program. So you won't need to start from scratch. You'll still have to go through exams and modules, but the path is shorter compared to someone who doesn't have an accounting designation.
Difficulty Analysis
Both ACCA and CMA are rigorous qualifications; however, ACCA may be considered more challenging due to the number of exams and broader scope. CMA is highly focused on management accounting and corporate finance, making it ideal for those who prefer a narrower specialization.
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.