ACA (ICAEW) is generally considered more difficult and rigorous than ACCA, primarily due to its technical focus, higher-intensity training, and stricter, less flexible exam structure. While ACCA is more flexible, self-paced, and internationally focused, ACA requires 450 days of authorized, usually Big 4, work experience.
ACCA has lower pass rates than ACA because the study modes are different. Most ACCA applicants are either outside of the UK or in industry, which means there is less exposure to the wide range of skills you need to understand the exam content.
Difficulty Level: CA is considered one of the toughest professional courses due to its low pass rates and challenging exams.
ACCA boasts global recognition in over 180 countries, making it ideal for aspirants aiming for international careers. ACA, while primarily focused on the UK and Commonwealth regions, carries significant prestige and is highly regarded in corporate and auditing roles within these areas.
ACA is more technical and harder than ACCA which is more management focused than audit. ACCA is also recognized in many countries but the absolute Gold Standard of accounting bodies are the CPA and ACA. That said, ACCA still isn't a piece of cake. It's just focused differently than ACA is.
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.
Both ACCA and ACA have three course levels, but ACA is often considered more difficult due to its focus on private practice skills, with the strategic professional option in the ACCA having the lowest pass rates.
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.
Average Salary of an ACCA in India
5.5 – 11 lakhs p.a and for senior roles, it is ₨. 19-30 lakhs per annum. The average salary of an ACCA member in India is: Entry level: ₹7.05 lakhs per year.
Ans: An accounting degree is easier than ACCA because of the growth of difficulty throughout the three years of study. Besides, this accounting degree is not completely exam-based, including marking assignments and presentations.
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.
Students usually fail an exam because they do not have the necessary knowledge OR they have poor exam technique OR a combination of both – the first step to success in studying for your retake is to understand the reason you failed.
The ACA is a structured pathway to becoming an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.
CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
CIMA is now a widely recognised global certification, with over 696,000 members and learners in 190 countries. CIMA's curriculum is continuously evaluated to stay current and incorporate recent industry developments and best practices.
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.
Now that you have been awarded associate membership of ICAEW, you can use the letters ACA after your name and call yourself an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. We encourage you to use your ACA designation and the individual logo to promote yourself as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.
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.
Hardest ACCA Papers Based on Syllabus Complexity
Cost-Sharing and Premiums
The ACA requires people to buy a richer benefit package. It is possible to argue that this policy is good for society, but there is no free lunch, and this does eliminate choices that were acceptable to many consumers.
AI can take care of repetitive tasks, but the real value lies in judgment, ethics, strategy, and decision-making, areas where human accountants will always be irreplaceable. That's why qualifications like ACCA are shaping future-ready professionals.
Career Opportunities for ACCA in India
Although ACCA members can't sign audits in India, there are still plenty of exciting career paths available. Multinational corporations (MNCs), financial institutions, and the Big Four accounting firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG) often seek ACCA-qualified talent.