In India, Chartered Accountants (CA) generally receive higher starting salaries (INR 7–12 LPA) and are preferred for statutory audits and local compliance. ACCA professionals, however, earn significantly higher salaries internationally, often £40,000–£100,000+ (approx. $50k–$127k+), and are highly sought after by Multinational Corporations (MNCs).
Initial Salary Advantage:
CA professionals typically earn ₹6-8 lakhs annually at entry level, slightly ahead of ACCA holders at ₹5-7 lakhs.
Is ACCA easier than CA? Yes, ACCA is often considered easier due to its flexible structure, application-based questions, and higher pass rates. However, it still requires dedicated study and preparation.
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.
The starting pay for a fresh ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) student in India is INR 5.5–11 lakhs per year while the senior positions can offer INR 19–30 lakhs per year.
The ACCA Salary in the USA: 2025 Insights
Experience: Entry-level ACCA professionals may earn around $60,000 to $70,000 annually, while those with over five years of experience can command salaries exceeding $100,000.
- Is ACCA more difficult than CFA? No, the CFA qualification tends to be considered slightly more difficult than ACCA - but this is to some extent a subjective matter, differing from person to person. Many people don't make it through the three levels of CFA because of the time required to finish the course.
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.
ACCA Disadvantages No One Talks About
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.
After your ACCA professional, you can take up the CA final and for both the qualification, three years of work experience can be counted and you are there at your final leap. Positive mindset and good mental health are essential to help you attain your dream.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Yes, we are moving towards AI and automation, and many routine tasks will get automated. But CA is not a profession that can be replaced by AI. Knowledge, judgment, and strategic decision-making cannot be automated-and these remain at the heart of nation-building.
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Generally, CA is considered tougher because of its very low pass rates and lengthy articleship requirement in India. ACCA has a more flexible exam structure, on-demand exam options for early levels, and modular progression.
The hardest accounting certification is often considered to be: