CA vs ACCA: Find the Right Course for Your Career | Zell

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      ACCA vs CA: Find the Right Course for Your Career

      Last Update On 27th January 2025
      Duration: 9 Mins Read

      The choice between CA vs ACCA is like choosing between two-star players of a victorious team. Both of them are champions in the accounting world. The only difference is that each course brings something different to the table.

      Whether your ultimate dream is pursuing an international career or going up the corporate ladder in your own country. The right choice may make all the difference to your future. So, which qualification will give you the edge? Now, let’s consider the strengths of ACCA and CA to find the perfect fit for your career goals.

      ACCA Course Details

      ACCA full form is Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. The worldwide professional body for ACCA-qualified accountants. ACCA provides a qualification that is respected worldwide and pertains to financial and management accounting. ACCA India equips professionals with the appropriate skills, such as financial analysis, management consulting, and auditing, with a strong emphasis on international accounting standards.

      CA Course Details

      Chartered Accountancy, or CA, is a prestigious accountancy designation given by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. CAs are well-regarded experts in accounting, auditing, taxation, and business law. This qualification enjoys high prestige in its country of origin. CA is commonly associated with top-ranking positions in finance and accounting.

      Difference Between ACCA vs CA

      Criteria  CA (Chartered Accountant) ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
      Recognition  Primarily in India and a few other countries Globally recognized in over 180 countries
      Duration  4-5 years (if cleared on the first attempt) 3-4 years (if cleared on the first attempt)
      Exam Levels 3 Levels (Foundation, Intermediate, Final) 3 Levels (Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, Strategic Professional)
      No. of Exams 20 papers across 3 levels 13 papers across 3 levels
      Pass Criteria 40% in each paper, 50% aggregate in groups 50% pass marks per paper
      Career Opportunities Auditing, Taxation, Finance, Corporate Accounting Finance, Accounting, Consulting, Banking
      Eligibility  After the 12th or Graduation After 10+2 or Graduation (with potential exemptions)
      Geographical Scope Primarily India Anywhere among the 180 countries 

      These two courses will help you build a career in accountancy. However please note that ACCA professionals cannot conduct audits or any services reserved for certified CA professionals in India. Professionals with these qualifications are welcomed into the corporate world with interesting job opportunities and impressive salary packages. However, to know more about the differences between these two accounting courses, here’s a detailed differentiation between CA vs ACCA.

      ACCA vs CA

      Which is Better for Your Career CA or ACCA?

      Choosing CA and ACCA depends on an individual’s career goals and geographical preferences. ACCA is internationally orientated and enjoys a presence in over 180+ countries. ACCA may prove to be a better choice if you plan to work abroad or get into multinational corporations. It gives flexibility to its candidates and makes it possible for them to study and work simultaneously.

      ACCA’s wide-based syllabus covers most aspects of global financial standards. On the other hand, CA is a highly reputed qualification in India. CA is ideal if you’re looking forward to building a career within the country. The qualification provides an immense amount of insight into local regulations.

      Benefits of the ACCA Course

      CA Benefits

      The following are some of the advantages of pursuing the CA qualification:

      Career Opportunities: There is a demand for a chartered accountant in domestic firms, public accounting practices, and regulatory bodies. CA offers good career prospects within his or her country of origin.

      Rigorous Training: Intensive training that a CA has to undergo equips the professional to handle complex accounting and auditing tasks promising their expertise with perfection.

      Detailed National Knowledge: The CA qualification provides in-depth exposure to national regulations, standards, and practices. Thus, it is beneficial for you if you plan to work in public accounting, taxation, and regulatory compliance.

      ACCA Benefits 

      The following are some of the advantages of pursuing the ACCA qualification:

      International Recognition: The ACCA qualification is recognized in more than 180 countries. Opening job opportunities to professionals across the globe, hence offering them opportunities to work with international organizations and other financial centers.

      Flexible Study Options: ACCA offers three options for studying: online, distance learning, or classroom-based. A person can take the option of being comfortable with his learning style or schedule.

      Comprehensive Syllabus: It covers concepts such as financial and management accountancy, taxation, and financial management amongst others, based on international accounting standards.

      Continuous Professional Development: ACCA ensures continuous professional development by exposing you to a network of professionals worldwide. Providing an opportunity for career enhancement and growth.

      CA vs ACCA Course Duration 

      ACCA Course Duration

      Applied Knowledge: Can be completed in 6-12 months.

      Applied Skills: This usually takes 12-18 months. Depending on how rapidly one clears the exams.

      Strategic Professional: 12-18 months.

      Total Duration: Takes approximately 2-3 years for completion, depending upon the exemption taken and the study pace.

      CA Course Duration

      Foundation: Minimum 4 months study period.

      Intermediate: 8-month study period after Foundation or direct entry post-graduation.

      Final: 3 years of Articleship training to attempt the final exam.

      Total Duration: Usually takes 4-5 years, if clear on the first attempt.

      CA vs ACCA Eligibility Criteria

      CA Eligibility 

      Educational Requirement: Candidate needs to pass 12th grade with 50% or have a qualification equivalent to it. Entry requirements for specific countries will depend upon the country’s CA body, ICAI in the case of India.

      Work Experience: To qualify as a CA, every candidate needs to have 3 years of article ship in a relevant field.

      ACCA Eligibility 

      Basic Qualification / Education Requirement: The minimum qualification to enter for an entry-level candidate is a high school diploma or its equivalent. But you need to complete your graduation to complete ACCA.  

      Work Experience: No work experience is required initially. Although to attain the ACCA membership practical experience of 3 years is essential.

      CA vs ACCA Exam Format

      CA Exam Format

      CA course may be divided into three levels:

      CA Foundation Details:
      • Total of 4 papers, each for 100 marks
      • Exams include a mix of objective and subjective questions.
      • Pass percentage: Minimum 40% in each subject and 50% aggregate.
      CA Intermediate Details:
      • Two groups with a total of 8 subjects (4 subjects per group).
      • Each paper is for 100 marks.
      • Pass percentage: Minimum 40% in each subject and 50% aggregate in each group.
      CA Final Details:
      • Two groups of 8 subjects, 4 subjects each.
      • Every paper carries a total of 100 marks.
      • Passing percentage: Minimum 40% in every subject and aggregate 50% in each group.

      ACCA vs CA Syllabus

      ACCA Syllabus

      The ACCA syllabus includes critical areas:

      • Applied Knowledge: Business, Financial Accounting, and Management Accounting.
      • Applied Skills: Performance Management, Taxation, Financial Reporting, and Audit.
      • Strategic Professional: Advanced Financial Management, Advanced Audit, and Strategic Business Leadership.

      CA Syllabus

      The CA curriculum is categorized into:

      • CA Foundation: Principles of Accounting, Business Laws, Economics, and Quantitative Aptitude.
      • CA Intermediate: Corporate and Other Laws, Taxation, Costing, and Financial Management.
      • CA Final: Advanced Auditing, Strategic Financial Management, and Indian Corporate Laws.

      CA vs ACCA Exam Difficulty 

      ACCA Difficulty 

      The ACCA exam is manageable with proper planning and preparation. The schedule of exams is flexible and the pass rates are high. Understanding the international concepts is the most challenging part of this course. ACCA is well-suited for students who wish to have a global career. 

      CA Difficulty

      This exam is significantly tougher. As it deals with Indian law and taxation with strict exam patterns and a lower pass rate. Students have to clear multiple papers together, which increases the pressure. It ranks as one of the hardest qualifications to gain in India.

      CA vs ACCA Opportunities

      CA Opportunities

      • Audit and Assurance: Work with the big four or MNCs or open your own practice in audits and assurance services.
      • Taxation: Specialized jobs in tax planning, compliance, and advisory in corporations, tax consultancies more.
      • Financial Management: Jobs in financial analysis, reporting, and strategic planning of several industries and the government sector.

      ACCA Opportunities

      • Financial Reporting: Job position in preparing and analysing financial statements of multinational corporations and financial institutions.
      • Internal and External Audit: Roles in auditing firms and in corporate audit departments where the job is focused on internal controls and compliance.
      • Management Accounting: Roles in budgeting, forecasting, and strategic management in different organizations around the globe.

      CA vs ACCA Salary

      CA Salary

      A newly qualified CA can expect to start with a salary ranging from up to ₹8,00,000 lakhs per annum in India. While the experienced professional can earn significantly high, especially in multinational companies. The qualification of a CA draws a great deal of respect. Professionals get lucrative positions in auditing, taxation, and financial management.

      The CAs, practicing abroad, particularly in the UK, Canada, and Australia, receive a high remuneration. It varies depending on the geographical region. Higher positions or expertise command superior salaries.

      ACCA Salary

      The starting compensation range for an ACCA professional on average is up to ₹12,00,000 lakhs per annum in India. Salaries also further depend upon experience, location, and organization. Members holding this certification are in demand in various industries such as banking, financial services, and consulting, and MNCs pay good packages.

      ACCA professionals enjoy a much better salary abroad. ACCA members can expect to earn more than normal graduates in the UK, UAE, and Singapore. Even higher earnings are possible in senior roles or more specialized areas like investment banking or management consulting.

      CA vs ACCA Pass Rate

      CA Pass Rate 

      The passing percentage in CA is low as compared to ACCA. It comes around 10-20% in every group of exams taken by the students, especially in India. In general, the course CA is regarded as highly intensive.

      With an exhaustive syllabus comprising three levels such as CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final. The low passing rates reflect the difficulty and depth of knowledge required to pass the exams. Thereby making the qualification of CA highly prestigious within the country.

      ACCA Pass Rate

      The general ACCA pass rate of the various papers in the ACCA exams lies between 40% and 50%. Exams fall into three levels: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional. The flexible exam structure that allows taking exams at different times is one of the reasons for the relatively higher passing rates. Emphasis is put on a wide range of topics: ethics and professional skills for the all-around finance professional.

      CA vs ACCA – Which is a Better Career in India?

      CA has a great reputation in India, providing excellent career opportunities in Indian taxation, law, and auditing. ACCA is increasingly popular among the majority of MNCs because of international standards like IFRS. CA is apt for Indian roles; otherwise, ACCA is more suitable for global organizations that are based in India.

      CA vs ACCA – Which is a Better Career in Abroad?

      ACCA is accredited in more than 180 countries, which makes it an ideal choice for international job prospects. The Indian CA is relatively based on local law. Hence, restricting its immediate value outside the country without further credentials. ACCA is preferred for individuals looking to chase an international career.

      CA vs ACCA – Which Course is Beneficial?

      CA will be more helpful for the roles in Indian firms. As it furnishes knowledge of taxation and financial systems existing locally. However, ACCA would be more beneficial for individuals who wish to get international roles or work with MNCs. Because of the global recognition and its focus on IFRS will add advantages to their resume.

      Why are ACCA and CA Courses Good for Freshers?

      Both the courses are a good foundation course in accounting and finance. CA suits freshers to work in the Indian financial sector. Whereas ACCA trains freshers for multinational company jobs in global markets. Both have excellent career opportunities based on the goals for which one is selecting a career.

      How to Become an ACCA in India

      To become an ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) in India, follow these steps:

      Meet the Eligibility Requirements:

      Ensure you have the necessary academic qualifications. Typically, you need a minimum of 10+2 (High School) qualification with subjects like Mathematics and English.

      Register with ACCA:

      Apply for ACCA membership through the official ACCA website. Submit the required documents, including academic certificates, identification proof, and photographs.

      Complete the ACCA Exams:

      Pass 13 exams divided into three levels: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional. You can take these exams at your own pace.

      Gain Practical Experience:

      Obtain three years of relevant practical experience. This can be gained before, during, or after your exams. The experience must be supervised and verified by a qualified professional.

      Complete the Ethics and Professional Skills Module:

      Complete this online module, which is designed to enhance your ethical understanding and professional skills.

      Upon fulfilling these requirements, you will be awarded the ACCA qualification and can use the ACCA designation professionally.

      Conclusion

      ACCA or CA, which one to opt for entirely depends on your career goals and geographical preferences. ACCA provides an international qualification that is recognized all over the world, with better prospects of global job opportunities. At the same time, CA gives you deep insight into Indian financial laws. So, it’s perfectly suited to those who want to focus their careers in India. 

      Both qualifications promise lucrative returns in the field of finance and accounting. Decide your long-term goals to choose either course for a promising career.

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      FAQ’s on CA vs ACCA:

      What is the full form of ACCA?

      ACCA stands for Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

      How should candidates budget for CFA coaching fees?

      Candidates have to think ahead for fee structures of tuition, study material, and exam fees. The coaching charges may range between ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000. Depending upon the institute or mode of study or for which level is the candidate seeking coaching. 

      Do ACCA and CA qualifications allow me to work internationally?

      ACCA enjoys global recognition, exceeding 180 countries worldwide. Hence, it’s an organization offering international mobility. CA is well-regarded in India, though most likely additional certifications will be required when seeking work abroad.

      Which is better CA vs ACCA? Is ACCA better than CA?

      ACCA might be better in case you are looking for international recognition and flexibility. It offers a broad global scope while the respect that comes with being a CA is considerably high in India.

      Can ACCA earn more than CA?

      Yes, the ACCA can earn more in comparison depending on the role and location. Globally, ACCA salaries are competitive in areas like the UK, UAE, and Singapore.

      Can I switch from CA to ACCA?

      Many CA-qualified professionals pursue ACCA for its global recognition. You are eligible to get exemptions for most of the ACCA papers, making your ACCA journey easier.

       

      Anant Bengani, brings expertise as a Chartered Accountant and a leading figure in finance and accounting education. He’s dedicated to empowering learners with the finest financial knowledge and skills.
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