The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is widely considered the most recognized and prestigious accounting certification, particularly in the United States, acting as the "gold standard" for the profession. It is essential for public accounting, auditing, and high-level financial roles, requiring a 4-part exam, specific education (often 150 credit hours), and work experience.
CPA offers strong mobility within US-aligned roles across countries. Many professionals use it to move between India, the Middle East, and the USA in US accounting functions. ACCA offers mobility across regions and industries. It works well for professionals who want flexibility in geography and function.
ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
ACCA is a widely recognised and respected accountancy qualification. Founded in 1904, ACCA has a long history of providing top-quality training and education to aspiring accountants across the globe.
Professionals with accounting certifications, such as CPA, CMA, or CFA, often report enhanced job prospects and increased earning potential. For instance, CPAs at major firms can earn an average annual salary of approximately $75,062.
ACCA is more widely recognized globally, especially in the UK, Europe, Middle East, and parts of Asia. CA India is respected abroad but often requires additional local exams or recognition. ACCA is the better choice if you're planning to work internationally.
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.
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.
Examples of the top certification courses in demand include those related to:
The hardest accounting certification is often considered to be:
Both the CPA and CMA provide their unique benefits, and it's not a matter of one credential being better than the other, but a matter of which one is better for your career and interests. The CPA is a U.S. license, while the CMA is a globally recognized certification.
The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is the most recognized and prestigious accounting certification, especially in the U.S., serving as the "gold standard" for public accounting, leadership roles, auditing, and tax preparation, while the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA) are highly respected for corporate and internal roles, and the Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) is paramount in investment management.
Here are some non-CPA career options for you:
Both exams are challenging, and you'll need in-depth knowledge of complex concepts in finance or accounting. However, the CPA Exam generally requires less studying - around 80 to 120 hours per section compared to 300 hours per section of the CFA Exam, and the CPA Exam also has a higher pass rate.
A CPA is essential for specializing in accounting or tax roles, while an MBA opens doors to diverse management positions in finance, including investment banking and corporate leadership. Choose based on your career goals.
5 accounting careers in demand
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).