Is the ACCA Qualification Worth It in the USA? Salary and Career Prospects Explained

The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification is one of the most globally recognized credentials in the field of finance and accounting. With its rigorous curriculum and international reputation, it opens doors to diverse career opportunities across the globe. However, is the ACCA qualification worth pursuing in the United States? What is the average ACCA salary in the USA, and how does it compare to other finance-related certifications? Let’s delve into these questions to provide a comprehensive answer, with a focus on salary trends, career prospects, and the value of this qualification in the U.S. market. 

 

By Finplan Edu ●Feb 13 2025

Understanding the ACCA Qualification

The ACCA qualification is offered by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, a global professional body for accountants. The certification equips finance professionals with expertise in areas such as taxation, audit, financial reporting, and management accounting. With over 241,000 members and 542,000 students in 178 countries as of 2025, ACCA is one of the most sought-after certifications for aspiring accountants and finance experts.

While the ACCA is widely recognized in countries like the UK, India, and the Middle East, its relevance in the United States is often questioned, primarily because the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) certification dominates the U.S. accounting industry. However, the ACCA’s international scope and robust curriculum make it valuable for specific roles, particularly in multinational corporations and global finance hubs. (Source)

Must Check - ACCA Qualification: Everything You Need to Know for a Global Accounting Career

The ACCA Salary in the USA: 2025 Insights

The average ACCA salary in the USA varies depending on factors such as experience, job role, and location. According to the latest 2025 data from PayScale and Glassdoor, here are some salary benchmarks for ACCA-qualified professionals:

 

Job Role

Average Annual Salary (USD)

Financial Analyst

$72,000 - $95,000

Management Accountant

$85,000 - $105,000

Internal Auditor

$78,000 - $100,000

Risk Manager

$100,000 - $130,000

Financial Controller

$120,000 - $150,000

Key Factors Influencing ACCA Salaries in the USA

  1. Experience: Entry-level ACCA professionals may earn around $60,000 to $70,000 annually, while those with over five years of experience can command salaries exceeding $100,000.

  2. Industry: Industries such as banking, consulting, and technology often offer higher salaries to ACCA professionals.

  3. Location: Major financial hubs like New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco typically offer higher compensation packages due to higher living costs and demand for skilled finance professionals.

  4. Additional Certifications: Combining ACCA with certifications like CPA or CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) significantly enhances earning potential. (Source)

 

Career Prospects for ACCA Professionals in the USA

Despite the CPA being more commonly recognized, ACCA-qualified professionals are finding increasing opportunities in the U.S. market, particularly in multinational corporations (MNCs), consulting firms, and industries with a global footprint. Here’s why:

  1. Global Perspective: The ACCA curriculum is internationally focused, making it ideal for roles in global finance, risk management, and international taxation.

  2. Employer Demand: Companies like Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG, and other Big Four firms often hire ACCA professionals for their global operations.

  3. Remote Work Opportunities: With the rise of remote work, many U.S.-based companies are now hiring ACCA-qualified professionals for roles that require international expertise.

  4. Diverse Career Paths: ACCA professionals can pursue careers in auditing, financial management, corporate finance, risk analysis, and even entrepreneurship. (Source)

How Does ACCA Compare to CPA in the USA?

One of the most common questions is how the ACCA stacks up against the CPA qualification in the U.S. Here’s a quick comparison:

 

Criteria

ACCA

CPA

Global Recognition

Highly recognized in 178 countries

Primarily recognized in the USA

Exam Requirements

13 exams (exemptions available)

4 exams

Time to Qualify

2-3 years (flexible)

12-18 months

Cost

$2,000 - $3,000

$1,500 - $3,000

Ideal Candidate

Those seeking global opportunities

Those focused on U.S. roles

 

Is ACCA Worth It in the USA?

The ACCA qualification can be worth pursuing in the USA under specific circumstances:

  1. Global Career Goals: If you aspire to work for multinational organizations or relocate internationally, the ACCA can give you a competitive edge.

  2. Complementing Other Certifications: Combining ACCA with a CPA or CFA can significantly enhance your career prospects and earning potential.

  3. Specialized Roles: Roles in international taxation, global financial reporting, and risk management often favor ACCA professionals.

However, if your career goals are solely U.S.-focused and involve traditional accounting roles, the CPA may be a more practical choice.

 

Insights from Finplan Edu

If you’re considering pursuing the ACCA qualification, Finplan Edu can be your trusted partner. As a premier provider of finance and accounting education, Finplan Edu has:

  • Qualified Finance Professionals: Over 9,500+ students have successfully achieved their career goals through Finplan’s comprehensive programs.

  • Global Recognition: Finplan Edu is renowned for its tailored ACCA training, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical application.

  • Student-Centric Approach: The institute offers flexible learning schedules, expert faculty, and career guidance to help students excel.

To learn more about how Finplan Edu can support your ACCA journey, visit Finplan ACCA Courses

Conclusion

The ACCA qualification is a powerful credential for finance professionals seeking global career opportunities. While its relevance in the USA might not rival the CPA, it offers significant value in roles requiring international expertise, particularly in MNCs and global finance hubs. With the right guidance and additional certifications, ACCA can lead to rewarding career prospects and competitive salaries in the USA.

If you’re ready to take the next step, consider partnering with Finplan Edu to kickstart your ACCA journey and unlock your potential in the world of global finance.

Also Read - Understanding ACCA Salary Trends in Dubai for 2024

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