Neither CA (Chartered Accountancy) nor ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is universally "better"; the choice depends on career goals. CA (India) is ideal for specializing in Indian taxation, law, and audit, while ACCA offers global mobility, recognition in 180+ countries, and faster completion.
If you wish to build a career in India and specialize in taxation, auditing, or accounting, then CA is the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you want global exposure and the flexibility to work in various sectors, ACCA might be the better option.
Use your ACCA membership to become a CA. If you're a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) who gained membership through a professional pathway program you may be eligible to apply for CA ANZ membership. The pathway to CA ANZ membership for an ACCA member is straightforward.
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.
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.
CA professionals typically earn ₹6-8 lakhs annually at entry level, slightly ahead of ACCA holders at ₹5-7 lakhs. This reflects intensive articleship training and immediate applicability in India's regulatory environment.
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.
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.
The demand for ACCA professionals continues to surge as companies recognize the value of team members who understand global accounting standards and international finance practices.
A qualified CA receives 9 exemptions. So, qualified CA's are required to attempt only 4 papers of professional level in ACCA. In 6–12 months a CA can Become an ACCA. CA students can do ACCA as this would allow them to acquire two qualifications, in the same duration.
Level of Difficulty
ACCA in Pakistan has a simple answer. 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.
ACCA Course Fees: The overall cost is around ₹3–4 lakhs, including registration, exam, tuition, and subscription fees. ACCA Total Exam Papers: ACCA consists of 13 papers divided into three levels: Knowledge, Skills, and Professional.
Is ACCA Higher Than CA? ACCA and CA are equivalent in terms of professional standing, each offering unique advantages: ACCA: Provides global recognition, making it suitable for international careers. CA: Offers deep insights into Indian accounting and taxation, essential for domestic practice.
Choosing between them depends on an individual's career goals. ACCA is ideal for international careers with its global recognition and flexible exam structure. However, CA favours a strong focus on Indian accounting standards and opportunities in the Indian market.
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.
PwC is widely considered to be the world's most prestigious and progressive accounting firm. It offers extensive career development opportunities, including formal coaching and mentoring, informal mentoring, excellent trainings, and clear promotion paths.
Average Annual Salary Range
Senior Accountant. ₹6,00,000 – ₹10,00,000. Financial Analyst. ₹6,50,000 – ₹11,00,000. Tax Consultant.
This is really possible because ACCA is flexible when compared to the CA levels and there is no grouping involved in the levels. Once you finish the IPCC level, you will have a time frame of 2 years to do articles before you begin with the CA final and that is when you can start preparing for the ACCA.
Countries where ACCA members can gain this right include the UK, Ireland, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UAE. However, it usually involves obtaining a local practising certificate, an audit qualification, and meeting specific local experience requirements.
Does age matter when it comes to studying ACCA? There is no age limit for people wanting to study ACCA. In fact, ACCA is a popular and powerful facilitator for career change. What's important when considering ACCA is understanding that it's challenging, but then ultimately incredibly rewarding.
Hardest ACCA Papers Based on Syllabus Complexity
ACCA in 2025 is a strong choice because it gives global recognition, flexible exam options and modern, job-ready skills.