Can Indian ACCA Work In Other Countries
Last Update On 16th January 2025
Duration: 6 Mins Read
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), established in 1904, is one of the most well-known accounting organizations that operate all over the world. Founded in 1944 in the UK, this professional accounting qualification has 117 centres across the globe which includes India. This qualification is recognized worldwide and is the equivalent of the Indian Chartered Accountant (CA). The UK, USA, Canada and Australia are some of the most popular destinations sought by Indian ACCA aspirants wanting to experience an overseas career.
Here, we take a look at what career opportunities lie ahead for Indian ACCA professionals at home and overseas, offering you the truth about job market readiness, visa applications and a detailed picture of possible income intervals.
What Does an ACCA Degree Entail?
Can Indian ACCA work in the UK?
OR
Can Indian ACCA work in the USA, Canada, or Australia?
If you’ve been contemplating these questions, here’s your answer: ACCA is the gateway to working globally. ACCA is the leading global standard qualification for landing the best accounting jobs worldwide. It provides the necessary accounting skills that are relevant in the industry and helps you stay ahead in the game. ACCA’s extensive syllabus covers the vital aspects of Chartered Accountancy. The course has 13 examinations to test the student’s mettle for skill, knowledge and professional expertise. It is a course suited essentially for Indian students who want to practise abroad. Check out the Top 5 benefits of Getting an ACCA Certification if you have a global aspiration in the field of accountancy.
Job Prospects After ACCA in India
An ACCA qualification can lead you to India’s top establishments and various sectors. ACCA professionals will find roles across; Big 4 Accounting Firms, Deloitte, PwC, EY and KPMG.
- Multi-National Corporations (MNCs): These are companies like Tata, Reliance and Infosys that provide roles in finance, audit and consulting.
- Banking and Financial Services: In this sector, ACCA professionals hold several specialized positions such as risk management, compliance, financial planning etc.
- Public Sector: Graduates can get accounting and financial management assignments in government departments, and public sector enterprises.
Global Financial Reporting and Business operations are one of the main factors increasing the demand for ACCA-qualified professionals.
Job Opportunities for ACCAs from India / Abroad
1. USA
In the United States, ACCA qualifications are not recognized nearly as much as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. Typically, global accounting firms and industries give first preference to ACCA professionals for specifically IFRS expertise. Roles available include:
- Financial Analyst
- Internal Auditor
- Tax Consultant
- Financial Planner
2. UK
ACCA professionals in the U.K. have a strong job market ACCA holds global acceptability, and one having an ACCA degree in his resume has the liberty to master any of these below-mentioned roles:
- Financial Accountant
- Management Consultant
- Corporate Treasurer
- Financial Advisor
Even though a career as an ACCA in the UK offers a great opportunity to explore careers in financial services, consulting or corporate finance; it is also why the UK is one of the most favorite study destinations among Indian ACCAs.
3. Australia
Australia has reciprocal recognition with ACCA-Certified members: they can attain signing authority. But there are some conditions to be fulfilled, they are;
- Pass ACCA exams (exams will be conducted to the end)
- Five years of ACCA membership
An Australian bachelor’s degree or higher qualifications in any discipline from an Australian educational institution (or equivalent overseas qualification) is accepted for CPA Membership.
Australia Roles of working in Australia:
- Corporate Finance Manager
- Auditor
- Financial Consultant
- Canada
Even in Canada, where the CPA designation is very strong, there could be opportunities for ACCA professionals: such as a post-2021 policy change by CPA Ontario in their ‘Member of an Accounting Body’ from “Member of an Accounting Body Outside Canada” to include ACCA membership!
Job roles include:
- Financial Analyst
- Internal Auditor
- Tax Advisor
- Corporate Finance Manager
What Is the Eligibility for Enrolling For ACCA?
The eligibility criteria for Indian students enrolling for ACCA are as follows:
- Students must have an aggregate of 65% in Mathematics/Accounts and English in their 10+2 examination results.
- Students must have a minimum of 50% aggregate in their 10+2 examination results in other subjects.
- If a student is deemed ineligible due to the criteria mentioned above, they can enrol via Foundation in Accountancy (FIA).
- Students who have freshly passed their tenth-grade examinations can also enrol via the FIA.
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Scope of ACCA
According to a global survey of 1300 employees, 50% rate ACCA as a leading professional body and view their ACCA career in a positive light. In India, ACCA opens a portal for various jobs in prestigious establishments. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a steady 6% growth in the employment of accountants and auditors from 2021 to 2031. So whether you want to work in the Big 4 or the MNC of your choice, ACCA is the key.
Who Should Apply For It?
Who can apply for ACCA? Check out the eligibility criteria before applying:
- Anyone with a background in Accounting or Mathematics with 65% aggregate in either.
- Students who wish to build a career in auditing, accounting, transaction and accounting advisory.
- Anyone who wishes to build a career in accounting overseas.
- Anyone who wants to go for a shorter course period with flexible study hours and the frequency of attempts.
- Experienced candidates looking to fast-track their careers.
If you want a thorough explanation of how to become an ACCA member, our blog Steps to Become an ACCA explains it all.
Requirements for an Overseas Job With an ACCA Degree
Keep the following factors in mind to know how to put your ACCA qualification to use in countries like the UK, USA, Canada and Australia:
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Enrol in a reputable ACCA institute
The first step in the journey to get qualified for ACCA is to choose a reputable institute. ACCA has students in more than 180 countries, with 15000 students in India. These centres are in all major cities. Educational platforms like Zell Education provide affordable, convenient and online ACCA courses with the best faculty. Availing the ACCA course from a verified institute will make it valid globally.
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Get your visa
Getting a visa before working anywhere except in your home country is an unsaid rule. It is the basic step to work overseas with an ACCA degree. In the UK, Skilled Worker Visa is mandatory for foreigners who wish to work there. It includes proof of employment offer and standard documents for authentication. In Canada, ACCA members must also apply for a Social Insurance number. The rules may vary according to the country’s policy, but the need for a working visa remains consistent.
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Conclusion
It is a globally recognized degree that allows Indian professionals to explore many opportunities in India and internationally as well. Whether in India or worldwide, ACCA certification helps you to establish and build on the professional foundation to get you where you want to go, with the right skills and recognition. However, it’s important to know what the country you plan on working at is asking for.
FAQ’s on Can Indian ACCA Work In Other Countries:
Is it possible for an Indian ACCA to get a job in the USA?
Indian ACCA professionals can work in the USA, especially in multinational accounting firms and some specific sectors. That said, job prospects are arguably less varied across the board when compared to here in the UK because of the emphasis on having a CPA qualification.
Which countries recognise ACCA?
ACCA qualifications have been granted degree equivalency by some of the most prestigious international universities making it one of the easiest courses to get you the requisite visa. This opens up a world of opportunity for ACCA professionals to work internationally in different finance functions.
Which country pays the best for ACCA?
ACCA professionals across the world get different salaries depending upon country and role. The UK, USA, and Canada tend to pay well with the UK also being among the highest-paying countries for ACCA roles because of the abundance of international accounting standards.
After studying ACCA in India, will I get a job abroad?
Absolutely! ACCA qualification from India is valid in more than 180 countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and others to easily explore job opportunities after pursuing the ACCA course. This will help in understanding the visa-specific requirements & employment terms in the host country.
