ACCA Vs CS: Which Course Has A Better Scope?

As youngsters, we all thought that crunching numbers and working as an Accountant is a profession ideal for nerds. But now the world is evolving at a rapid pace and so are the finance and accounting professions. Today, we have prestigious accounting courses that not only offer exciting challenges but also global opportunities. Two of these emerging professions are ACCA and CS. If you’ve heard about these courses and are not sure which one to pick between ACCA vs CS based on your course duration, difficulty level, scope and salary, then we are about to simplify it for you with some of the common differentiations. 

ACCA vs CS : Which is Better?

What is ACCA? 

What is ACCA? Association of Chartered Certified Accountants is a globally recognized accounting course accepted in more than 180 countries. This UK-based course can be completed in a year or two based on your learning pace or the exemptions you’ve gained. ACCA equips students with hardcore accounting concepts like taxation, auditing, strategic business reporting, financial reporting, etc. Since Chartered Accountancy concepts are taught from a global perspective, the candidate gains the right skills to become a Global Chartered Accountant.

Eligibility: To register for ACCA, candidates need to have completed their 10+2 exams with at least 65% in Mathematics/Accounts and English, with a minimum of 50% in other subjects. Alternatively, graduates from related fields (like B.Com) are eligible too.

Salary: The salary for ACCA professionals can range from INR 7 LPA to INR 18 LPA depending on experience and the job role.

Fees: The total fees for pursuing ACCA can range from INR 1,90,000 (varies depending on exemptions and other factors).

Job Profiles: After completing ACCA, you can take on roles such as:

• Financial Accountant
• Management Accountant
• Corporate Treasurer
• Financial Controller
• Finance Manager

Course Duration: The ACCA course can be completed in 6 months to 24 months, depending on the individual pace and exemptions.

Passing Percentage: The ACCA pass rate is approximately 30% to 40%.

Exemptions: ACCA offers exemptions based on previous qualifications, such as for CA students, who can get exemptions from up to 9 papers.

Recognition: ACCA is recognized globally in over 180 countries, including Canada, Australia, and the UK.

Why Should You Pursue ACCA?

If you’re interested in working in global financial markets, with opportunities to work in multinational companies, ACCA is the best option. It provides a clear path toward becoming a Chartered Accountant in UK with expertise in accounting, financial management, and strategic business reporting. The global recognition of ACCA enhances job prospects across diverse industries worldwide.

What is CS?

CS or Company Secretary is an extensive course in accounting that’s gaining immense popularity due to its demand. This course requires you to play a mediator between the company’s board of directors, stakeholders, government bodies and other parties involved. The Company Secretary course is an India-based course with a duration of almost three years. Offered by The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), this course equips you with financial, accounting as well legal knowledge.

Eligibility: The Foundation level of CS is available for students who have completed their 10+2 exams. For the Executive level, candidates need to clear the CSEET (Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test), or have completed their graduation.

Salary: The salary for CS professionals typically ranges between INR 6 LPA to INR 10 LPA, with potential for growth as you gain experience.

Fees: The total fees for pursuing CS can be around INR 29,000 for the foundation and executive programs.

Job Profiles: After completing CS, you can work as:

• Company Registrar
• Chief Administrative Officer
• Tax Management Officer
• Corporate Planner
• Corporate Policymaker
• Legal Advisor
• Principal Secretary

Course Duration: The CS course usually takes 2 to 3 years to complete, depending on the pace and exemptions.

Passing Percentage: The passing percentage for CS is usually between 10% to 40%.

Exemptions: CS offers exemptions for those with prior qualifications like Cost Accounting or graduation.

Recognition: CS is primarily recognized in India, though it holds significant importance in countries like Singapore, the UK, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.

Why Should You Pursue CS?

CS is an ideal choice for individuals who are interested in corporate governance, legal compliance, and managing the legal aspects of a business. The course will equip you with critical knowledge to act as the key link between a company’s board, its stakeholders, and the regulatory authorities. If you’re inclined toward legal and financial management in the corporate world, pursuing CS would be a rewarding choice.

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Top Differentiating Factors Between ACCA vs CS

Below are the factors which explains the difference between ACCA vs CS:

ACCA vs CS: Which Course Has A Better Scope?

ACCA vs CS both professions have a wide scope. However, if you consider global recognition and the salary offers you can gain worldwide, ACCA takes the cake. ACCA as a course majorly deals with accounting and the global challenges related to the field of accounting. CS on the other hand has a mix of finance, accounting and legal concepts. 

The demand for both of these professions is extremely high, as every company today requires an ACCA or a CS to manage their finances, international transactions and cash flows.

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Final Thoughts on ACCA vs CS

While both these courses are extremely prestigious and offer a handsome compensation, the answer lies in your interest level and what you enjoy doing. If the answer is crunching numbers and facing accounting challenges at a global level then the answer is ACCA. However, if you enjoy managing legal financial matters, being the link between the company and its stakeholders, maintaining the statutory registers, and preparing and issuing the notice board and general meetings, then we are sure you are going to be the right fit for the Company Secretary course. 

The ACCA qualification is recognized in over 180 countries including Canada, Singapore, and Australia. If you’ve made the decision to become a global CA and are contemplating your next move, we can help you take a step forward. Check out our Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) course to learn more.

In case you are looking for more global opportunities and wish to choose ACCA as your professional degree then you need a Platinum-Approved Learning Partner to boost your career progression. And by that, we mean Zell Education. To complete your ACCA course with us click on the WhatsApp button to get in touch with our experts directly.

FAQs on ACCA Vs CS

Which course is easier, ACCA vs CS?

In terms of difficulty, the Company Secretary course has lower passing rates than the ACCA course. Which in turn signifies that CS is more difficult than ACCA

Which is a better combination: ACCA+CS or ACCA+CMA?

According to most professionals, ACCA + CMA has turned out to be a better combination due to the combination of accounting and management skills one gains.

Can a CS student do ACCA?

Yes, you can pursue ACCA after CS. However, you will receive an exemption from only one paper.

Is ACCA highly paid?

Yes, ACCA professionals enjoy a higher salary range, typically between INR 7 LPA to INR 18 LPA, depending on experience and job role.

Satyamedh Nandedkar, a seasoned finance professional, holds ACCA, CA, US CMA & CS credentials. With 10+ years of experience, he’s a master ACCA tutor, IFRS trainer, adept in global financial standards, and a trusted advisor in navigating complex financial landscapes.