The Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CICPA) credential is the only, highly regulated, and accepted designation for conducting statutory audits in mainland China. While over 500,000 candidates take the local exam annually, demand for foreign-qualified accountants (such as ACCA, AICPA, or CPA Australia) is growing for cross-border work.
There is one professional designation—Certified Public Accountant (CPA)—in China which is protected and regulated by the Law of the People's Republic of China on Certified Public Accountants 2014 (CPA Law). CPAs are the only individuals permitted to conduct audits.
Countries That Recognize U.S. CPAs
China is a rapidly developing nation with an abundance of accountancy jobs available to international talent. If you're seeking to accelerate your accountancy career, there's no other place on earth to do so than in China.
¥275,222 (CNY)/yr
The average certified public accountant (cpa) gross salary in China is ¥275,222 or an equivalent hourly rate of ¥132. In addition, they earn an average bonus of ¥11,146. Salary estimates based on salary survey data collected directly from employers and anonymous employees in China.
The Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory, is a global financial hub known for its tax-friendly environment. Accountants here earn an average of CI$150,000 ($182,929), making it the highest-paying destination for accountants worldwide.
As of 31 December 2023, the CICPA has 10,665 group members, over 360,000 individual members, with 102,017 practicing members and 262,514 non-practicing members.
If you are based in China you can qualify as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant as a university graduate. Many students start their journey by studying the ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (ICAEW CFAB), before going on to complete the ACA qualification.
With a US CPA license, you can access a range of new career paths and work in different countries. If you're interested in obtaining a US CPA from abroad, it's crucial to start by checking the eligibility requirements set by the state board where you plan to apply.
It's a prestigious and highly respected designation that prepares you for an accounting career in Canada. It also has higher pass rates and facilitated modules. US CPA exams are somewhat easier due to the objective format of the questions and extended exam windows.
As of Jan 14, 2026, the average annual pay for an A C C O U N T A N T in China is $43,262 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $20.80 an hour.
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.
The 6-year rule is a regulatory framework designed to determine the tax liability of foreign nationals living in China as the host country. It primarily focuses on the length of stay within a given period, typically six years, to ascertain an individual's tax liability in China.
Receiving the CPA certificate requires earning a college degree, passing a uniform examination, completing at least two years experience of independent auditing in China, and becoming a member of the CICPA. CPAs are required to complete 120 hours of CPE every three years.
In China, "996" refers to a grueling work schedule: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week, totaling 72 hours, originating from the country's tech industry to drive rapid growth, but it's controversial, considered labor exploitation, and has faced government crackdowns despite some tech leaders' endorsements as a path to success.
Comparison between CA and CPA
It is difficult to determine which of these professions offers a higher salary, as the salary of a CA or CPA can vary greatly based on several factors. However, in general, CAs tend to earn slightly more than CPAs in India.