ACCA vs CPA – Eligibility, Difficulty & 9 Other Differences

Choosing the right accounting profession can have a significant impact on your career. If you want to pursue a global career in accounting, the Association of Chartered Accoutants (ACCA) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) are the two globally recognised qualifications.

Who earns more ACCA or CPA? ACCA vs CPA – which is better? While ACCA makes you a global chartered accountant, US CPA is a cornerstone to become Chartered Accountant of the US. This blog will throw light on key differences between ACCA and CPA.

What is ACCA?

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is the world’s largest and oldest accounting association formed in UK in 1904. ACCA is a global accounting qualification recognised in more than 180 countries. ACCA is one of the prestigious qualifications in the field of international finance and accounting. An ACCA candidate is consummate in accounting skills like financial accounting, management accounting, business ethics, auditing and financial accounting.

After completing this course, the ACCA body offers you the Chartered Certified Accounting designation.

What is CPA?

CPA stands for Certified Public Accountant, another globally recognised accounting profession provided by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Anyone wishing to work in the US in the accounting field must acquire the CPA qualification.

CPAs are proficient in financial accounting and reporting, auditing and attestation, taxation, corporate governance, financial and operation management, and strategic planning. CPAs are also well-versed with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, commonly known as GAAP. Students who have already completed US CPA can also pursue Canada CPA.

US CPA vs Canada CPA – Know the Differences

Also, in India, the CA designation is at par with the US CPA.

CA vs CPA – Know the Differences

13 Differences Between ACCA and CPA

Both ACCA and CPA are globally recognised qualifications in accounting. These accounting courses offer a ton of high-paying job opportunities and a great social status. Here are some differences between ACCA and CPA.

Which Course is Better – ACCA or US CPA?

Both ACCA and CPA are rewarding and high-paying careers in accounting and finance. Both these courses help you develop proficiency in taxation, audit, financial accounting, risk management, and forensic accounting – all these are key aspects of any business. Both qualifications offer significant advantages. However, the choice between the two depends on where you plan to live and work.

At Proschool, we can provide full-fledged coaching for US CPA and ACCA. For US CPA, we provide study material from Becker and live online classes by expert faculty having 25+ years of rich teaching working for US CPA.

Proschool offer both online and offline coaching for ACCA. We have 15+ ACCA coaching centres across India. We are an approved learning partner of ACCA. If you enrol with Proschool, you can get ACCA registration fee waiver. We offer unlimited classroom and doubt-solving session until you succeed.

FAQs

• Is it worth doing ACCA after CA?

Yes. Doing an ACCA after a CA holds tremendous value. ACCA after CA makes you a globally recognised, future-ready accountant. It gives you knowledge of IFRS accounting standards. Moreover, you can get a high-paying job anywhere in the world. ACCA after CA increases your earning potential significantly.

• Where can the candidates take CPA and ACCA exams in India?

You can take these exams from designated centres in various parts of the country.

ACCA centres in India:

• • Ahmedabad
  • Cochin
  • Calicut
  • Chandigarh
  • Ernakulam
  • Hyderabad
  • Jaipur
  • Bangalore
  • Chennai
  • Mumbai
  • Kolkatta
  • Mangalore
  • Pune
  • Trivandrum
  • Delhi

CPA centres in India:

• • Mumbai
  • Ahmedabad
  • Bangalore
  • Chennai
  • Hyderabad
  • New Delhi
  • Calcutta
  • Trivandrum

• Can I hold both ACCA and CPA credentials?

Yes. You can hold both these qualifications.

• Do ACCA and CPA require continuous professional education (CPE)?

Yes, ACCA professionals have to complete 40 units of CPD (Continuous Professional Development) and CPA students have to complete 40-80 hours of CPE every year to renew their license. The exact number of hours vary fron state to state.