Both ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant, usually ICAEW) and CA (Chartered Accountant, e.g., ICAI or other national bodies) are top-tier, prestigious qualifications, so neither is inherently "better." The best choice depends on career goals: ACA is ideal for audit, corporate finance, and UK-based roles. CA generally offers strong, specialized recognition within its specific country.
The right qualification depends on your career ambitions: Choose ACCA if you want a globally recognised accounting qualification with career flexibility across industries and countries. Choose ACA if you're UK-based and aiming for senior roles in audit, accountancy, or corporate leadership.
Chartered Accountants
Individual accountants will typically have ACA or FCA after their name. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS), designated by the suffix letters CA. Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI). Designatory letters ACA or FCA.
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.
ACA is short for Associate Chartered Accountant. It's a prestigious and in-demand level 7 qualification, equivalent to a Masters' degree. It typically takes three years to complete.
The ACA is comparable to a UK Master's degree or a postgraduate diploma. UK NARIC (the UK government's agency for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills) recently completed an independent review of the academic level of ICAEW CFAB and the ACA.
The hierarchy of accounting positions begins with the chief financial officer (CFO) at the top and progresses down through vice president of finance, controller, accounting manager and assistant controller, senior accountant, accountant, staff accountant and accounting clerk, to payroll and bookkeeper.
Duration. The ACA typically takes three to five years to complete, however this can vary depending on your student's prior work experience and qualifications and the route they follow.
Salaries for CPAs range from $82,000 to $129,000, CMAs earn between $76,000 and $133,000, while CFAs can make $126,000 to $177,000. Each certification offers unique advantages tailored to different career goals within the finance and accounting sectors.
Duration. It typically takes between 3-5 years to complete your training. *An authorised training employer is a company that are authorised by ICAEW to train ACA students.
It offers professionals excellent earning potential and career growth opportunities. Average ACA Qualification Salary in the UK is £45,000 annually. Entry-level roles start at £35,000, with experienced professionals earning up to £60,000 annually.
An ACA is a Chartered Accountant who has passed the CA course and carries a certificate of practice, which is of not more than 5 years. FCA is a more senior member of ICAI with over 5 years of experience in the field.
Just based on passing percentage ACCA has a better passing rate than CA. The main difference between CA and ACCA is that ACCA is recognized in 180 Countries, which gives you a wider and better career prospect and helps you get global job opportunities.
The CA qualification is renowned for its difficulty, with pass rates typically between 4-5%, reflecting its rigorous standards. In contrast, ACCA has a higher pass rate, ranging from 40-50%, making it comparatively more accessible.
Top Career Opportunities for Newly Qualified ACA
The Audit and Assurance exam also saw a significant majority of students passing, with an 81.5% success rate.
Will AI replace accountants? Not entirely—but it will change accounting. Firms that embrace AI and technology will attract forward-thinking clients and top talent. Accountants who pair their expertise with AI tools will stay ahead of the curve.
Many students say intermediate and advanced financial accounting are the hardest because they combine theory, analysis, and detailed reporting standards like GAAP and IFRS.
Apprenticeship overview
BPP's Level 7 Accounting Apprenticeships help you become technically qualified by passing professional exams, whilst developing the complementary skills and behaviours to succeed in your career.