Neither CPA nor ACCA is definitively "better"; the best choice depends entirely on your location and career goals. Choose the US CPA for high-paying, audit-focused roles, primarily in the US and multinational corporations, requiring four exam sections. Choose ACCA for global mobility (recognized in 180+ countries) and a broader, faster, 13-exam path to diverse international finance roles.
The CPA exam is more intensive and technical, with a focus on US GAAP, audit, and taxation, whereas ACCA is broader, covering IFRS and global management concepts. The CPA is considered more rigorous in content but shorter in duration, while ACCA offers more flexibility and a gradual progression approach.
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.
Global recognition: ACCA is a globally recognized certification, while CPA is primarily recognized in the United States. This means an ACCA member can work in any country where the qualification is recognized.
ACCA Qualification recognition
The national qualification, the US CPA, is required to practice public accounting in the US.
Conclusion. The ACCA qualification is a powerful credential for finance professionals seeking global career opportunities. While its relevance in the USA might not rival the CPA, it offers significant value in roles requiring international expertise, particularly in MNCs and global finance hubs.
So, if you are aiming for senior finance roles, especially in companies with international reach, the ACCA can still work in your favour. But, if you are looking to sign off on audits or work in U.S. public accounting, you'll likely need to supplement your ACCA with a CPA license or similar U.S. credential.
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.
You may be eligible to apply for CPA Australia membership if you: are a current member of good standing with ACCA and not under any investigation for professional conduct infringements.
It is difficult to determine which of these careers offers a higher salary, as the salary of a CA or CPA can differ based on several factors. However, generally, CAs tend to earn more than CPAs in India.
ACCA, CPA, or CFA – Which is Best? The choice between ACCA vs CPA vs CFA depends on your career goals and industry preference. Choose ACCA if you want a global career in accounting and finance. Choose CPA if you want to work in public accounting in the U.S..
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 hardest accounting certification is often considered to be:
FCCA stands for Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, a senior-level designation above ACCA.
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.
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.
Many find pursuing both an ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and CPA (Certified Public Accountant) certification enables them to offer a wider range of accounting and advisory services.
The CPA credential remains a cornerstone of the profession, but new data indicate its prominence is steadily declining. Between 2020 and 2024, the average percentage of staff holding CPA licenses across all firms dropped from 56.0 percent to 48.4 percent.
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.
CPA is a course that is highly recognized in the USA, while ACCA is a globally regarded chartered accountancy course allowing you to practice CA in over 180 countries across the globe. These courses enhance the scope of career for students in accountancy abroad and allow them flexibility and diverse opportunities.
Other Qualifications: Students who have completed their US CPA are eligible to get 8 exemptions in ACCA. Students that have completed their CMA from India with 5 years of relevant work experience will be eligible for 9 exemptions, whereas those who have completed CMA from the USA are eligible for 3 exemptions.
Conclusion. CIA and ACCA differ in focus and structure—CIA is shorter and specialized in internal auditing, while ACCA offers broader, long-term accounting education. The perceived difficulty depends on personal background and career goals. Both require dedication and the right resources.