In the UK, both ACA (ICAEW Chartered Accountant) and ACCA are prestigious, highly regarded qualifications, but the "better" choice depends on your career goals. ACA is generally preferred for audit, public practice, and top-tier firm roles (Big 4) within the UK. ACCA offers greater global mobility (180+ countries) and flexibility for industry roles.
ACCA is better suited for those seeking international career opportunities due to its global recognition. CA is more regionally focused and best for those planning to work within specific countries.
Initial Salary Advantage:
CA professionals typically earn ₹6-8 lakhs annually at entry level, slightly ahead of ACCA holders at ₹5-7 lakhs.
The general difficulty level of CA is higher than ACCA and requires more hours. This is also because CA has more papers. Besides that, a considerable difference is visible when the passing rates are compared. For CA, the percentage is between 5% to 20%, whereas, for ACCA, the passing rate is around 40%.
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.
ACCA jobs in the UK in 2025 are diverse, and the hype as well as the value of skilled professionals is forecasted to grow in the coming years. The curriculum and structure of the ACCA qualification enable professionals to take over diverse financial and accounting roles nationally and internationally.
The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is the most recognized and "gold standard" accounting certification in the U.S., essential for public accounting and leadership roles, while the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) offers global recognition for corporate finance, and the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is key for internal audit roles, with the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) providing a global path for CPAs in business.
Pursuing ACCA after CA: Is it beneficial? If someone is considering what to pursue after CA to strengthen their financial career, ACCA is a highly valuable choice. It is especially beneficial for professionals aiming to work with multinational firms or explore opportunities abroad.
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 qualification offers a pathway to become a Chartered Certified Accountant with international recognition. While ACCA members are undoubtedly Chartered Accountants, it's crucial for individuals and businesses to understand the nuances between ACCA and other national CA qualifications.
In this blog, we have addressed the most asked questions about the ACCA qualification like, can you finish ACCA in 2 years? On average, it takes two to three years to prepare for all 13 exam papers, but you may earn the qualification in 18 months if you focus on the major eight.
Cost of Pursuing
The CA programme is more affordable. The entire journey costs around INR 2–3 lakhs, depending on coaching and the number of attempts. ACCA, being an international qualification, comes with higher expenses. It can cost between INR 2.5–4 lakhs, including registration, exam fees, and classes.
The ACCA salary in London is one of the highest in the world, reflecting the city's status as a global financial hub. For an ACCA-qualified professional in London, salaries typically start around £45,000 annually. With experience, professionals can earn between £60,000 and £80,000 annually.
In India: A CA fresher generally commands a higher starting salary (₹7–12 LPA) compared to an ACCA fresher (₹5–8 LPA). Abroad: ACCA professionals often earn higher salaries because the qualification is recognized in over 180 countries, making them more valuable in international markets.
Is ACCA Worth It 2025? Yes. ACCA offers global recognition, high salaries in India, flexible exams, and diverse career opportunities. Though it has some limitations like cost and no audit rights in India, its scope and demand remain strong for finance professionals in 2025.
Top 15 High-Paying Accounting Jobs in the UK
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.
Registration and Subscription Fees
The one-time registration fee for the ACCA qualification is £89. If you want to continue studying for the certification beyond your first year, you must also pay an annual subscription fee of £122 per year. Remember to settle your payables on time to avoid an £89 re-registration fee.
USA academic partnerships. For our members, universities in the USA will not grant credit towards completed ACCA coursework. There are no expedited routes of study for ACCA members.
ACCA Disadvantages No One Talks About
So, is CA still worth it in 2025? Absolutely. The world of finance is evolving, and CAs are evolving with it. If you're passionate about finance, willing to embrace change, and ready to put in the hard work, then the CA designation can be your passport to a successful and fulfilling career.
Choosing between CA and ACCA depends on your career goals. If you are looking for a specialised role in taxation, audit, or compliance, CA might be the better fit. On the other hand, if you want to be a well-rounded finance professional with global opportunities, ACCA could be the right path.
Examples of the top certification courses in demand include those related to:
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is one of the world's most prestigious accounting qualifications, recognised in over 180 countries.