ACCA vs CA which is better?

With the rise of global career opportunities, students in India often find themselves choosing between two top accounting qualifications — ACCA and CA. While CA (by ICAI) is essential for those focusing on Indian laws, taxation, and local practice, ACCA offers international recognition and opens doors in countries like the UK, Australia, and Singapore.

Both qualifications are highly respected but serve different professional needs. Understanding their structure, scope, and long-term potential is crucial before making a decision. Whether you aim to work in India or abroad, this comparison will give you the clarity you need. This blog will help you understand the key differences and decide which path suits your career goals best.

👉 Let’s dive in and explore which qualification is better for your future — ACCA or CA.

By Kashish Khilnani ●May 20 2022

What Is Better for Your Career: ACCA or CA? Which Course Has More Advantages? Which Is Harder: CA or ACCA? Who Earns More: ACCA or CA? Is ACCA Higher Than CA? Is ACCA Good After CA? What Is the Salary of ACCA? Can I Do CA and ACCA Together? Still Confused Between ACCA and CA?

What Is Better for Your Career: ACCA or CA?

Both ACCA and CA are esteemed professional courses in finance and accounting, each with unique advantages:

CA: Ideal for careers within India, offering expertise in the country's accounting systems.
ACCA: Globally recognized, suitable for those aiming to establish careers abroad.

Your choice should align with your career aspirations, whether domestic or international.

Which Course Has More Advantages?

Comparing ACCA and CA reveals distinct benefits:

Articleship Flexibility: ACCA allows students to undertake articleship concurrently with exams, facilitating course completion in 3-4 years. In contrast, CA students can pursue articleship only after clearing both groups of the IPCC.
Starting Salary: The average starting salary for a CA is approximately ₹8 lakhs per annum, while ACCA affiliates start around ₹5.6 lakhs per annum.
Course Duration: ACCA generally requires a shorter time to complete compared to CA.
Global Recognition: ACCA is internationally certified, whereas CA is predominantly recognized within India, focusing on Indian tax and accounting systems.
Cost: Being UK-based, ACCA tends to be more expensive than the CA course.
Difficulty Level: CA is considered one of the toughest professional courses due to its low pass rates and challenging exams.

Both qualifications are comprehensive, equipping professionals with the skills needed to serve various sectors, including public, individual, government, and non-profit organizations.

Which Is Harder: CA or ACCA?

The CA qualification is renowned for its difficulty, with pass rates typically between 4-5%, reflecting its rigorous standards. In contrast, ACCA has a higher pass rate, ranging from 40-50%, making it comparatively more accessible. The stringent nature of the CA exams contributes to the high demand and respect for Chartered Accountants in India.

Who Earns More: ACCA or CA?

Earnings for ACCA and CA professionals can be comparable, depending on roles and experience:

ACCA Affiliates: Starting salaries range from ₹4 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs per annum.
ACCA Members: With experience, salaries can increase to ₹10-15 lakhs annually.

The skill sets of ACCA and CA professionals are similar, leading to comparable compensation in various roles.

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.

The choice between the two depends on individual career goals and geographic preferences.

Is ACCA Good After CA?

Pursuing ACCA after completing CA can enhance career prospects:

Exemptions: CA professionals receive exemptions for 9 ACCA papers, needing to clear only 4 Strategic Level exams
Global Opportunities: Combining CA with ACCA opens doors to international roles and recognition.

This combination broadens skill sets and increases employability worldwide.

What Is the Salary of ACCA?

ACCA professionals in India can expect the following salary ranges:

ACCA Affiliates: ₹4 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs per annum.
ACCA Members: ₹10 lakhs to ₹15 lakhs per annum.

These figures reflect the growing demand and recognition of ACCA qualifications in the Indian job market.

Can I Do CA and ACCA Together?

Yes, it's feasible to pursue both qualifications:

Sequential Approach: Start with CA, progress to the IPCC level, then begin ACCA studies.
Flexibility: ACCA's flexible exam schedule allows for simultaneous preparation alongside CA.

This approach enables students to leverage the strengths of both qualifications, enhancing their career prospects.

By understanding the distinctions and synergies between ACCA and CA, students can make informed decisions aligning with their career aspirations.

Check out Finplan’s ACCA Student Journey.

Still Confused Between ACCA and CA?

Choosing the right qualification can shape your entire career. Whether you're aiming to build a global finance career with ACCA or want to establish deep expertise in Indian accounting with CA, our experts at Finplan can help you make the right decision.

Schedule a Free Career Guidance Session with our mentors and get personalized advice based on your goals. Call us at +91- 9029007248 to book your session now.