Detailed Comparison On CA vs ACCA | Which Is Best For You? Understand From Accounting Experts

When considering a career in accounting, two of the most prestigious qualifications stand out: CA (Chartered Accountant) and ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). Both qualifications open doors to excellent career opportunities, but which one is right for you? In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down the differences between CA and ACCA to help you make an informed decision.

Overview of CA and ACCA Courses

What is CA (Chartered Accountant)?

CA is one of the most respected accounting qualifications in India. Chartered Accountants are known for their deep expertise in taxation, auditing, and Indian laws. The governing body for CA in India is the ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India). The CA qualification is highly regarded for roles such as auditors, tax consultants, and CFOs, particularly in Indian-based firms and government roles.

What is ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)?

ACCA is a qualification recognised globally in more than 180 countries, with its governing body based in the UK. ACCA members are known for their proficiency in international finance, IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards), taxation, business ethics, auditing, UK-based laws, and global business regulations. The ACCA qualification is ideal for those looking to work in multinational companies or those who seek careers in countries outside of India.

CA vs ACCA: Key Comparison Points

1. CA vs ACCA – What’s More Difficult?

CA is often considered more challenging due to its multi-stage exams (Foundation, Intermediate, and Final), and the rigorous pass rates. In contrast, although ACCA offers multiple levels to build up knowledge, its flexibility in its exam structure allows students to take exams one at a time, but it still requires a high level of discipline and understanding.

2. Let’s Compare The Syllabus Of ACCA & CA

• CA Syllabus: Primarily focuses on Indian laws, taxation, and auditing. It’s designed to prepare accountants for the Indian financial landscape.
• ACCA Syllabus: Focuses on global finance standards such as IFRS, audit, tax, financial management, management accounting, strategic management, financial reporting, and international business laws. It is more internationally oriented while CA is limited to India.

3. CA vs ACCA – Which Accounting Course Is More Flexible?

• CA: The CA program offers limited flexibility with fixed exam schedules and stages.
• ACCA: Offers greater flexibility. ACCA students can appear for individual papers at different exam sessions, and the program offers a wide range of exemptions based on prior qualifications.

Also Read – 5 Additional Certifications That Can Benefit You After CA

4. ACCA vs CA – Job Profiles & Salaries

• CA Career: CAs often find roles in taxation, audit, and finance leadership positions like CFO or Tax Consultant. Salaries for CAs in India are competitive, with top firms offering high-paying roles.
• ACCA Career: ACCA graduates are sought after in multinational companies and global finance roles. Positions like Global Finance Manager or Financial Analyst are common, and ACCA professionals may command higher salaries, especially in international roles.

5. CA vs ACCA – How Many Exemptions Do These Courses Offer?

• CA qualification does not grant any exemptions. Everyone pursuing CA will have to take all the exams mandatorily.
• In ACCA, CA graduates or students with other qualifications like BCom are eligible for exemptions. It allows them to bypass several papers (up to 9 papers) decreasing their timeline and their study load considerably.

Also Read – All You Need to Know About ACCA Exemptions After CA

6. ACCA vs CA – Signing Authority

• CA: CAs have the authority to sign audited financial statements in India, which is a critical advantage for those looking to practise in India.
• ACCA: While ACCA is globally recognized, ACCA members do not have signing authority in India. However, they are eligible for senior financial roles worldwide or have the option of starting their practice in many other countries, especially the UK.

Also Read – Countries where ACCA holders have the signing authority

7. ACCA vs CA – Professional Body Qualifications Required

• CA: To become a CA, students must complete the CA Foundation, Intermediate, Articleship (practical training), and Final exams under ICAI.
• ACCA: To qualify as an ACCA, students need to complete 13 exams (with potential exemptions), an Ethics and Professional Skills module, and fulfil the Practical Experience Requirement (PER).

Still unsure which of these accounting courses is best for you? Book a call with Proschool experts!

Let’s Compare The Exam Structure, Duration, and Costs of ACCA & CA

Exam structure

• CA: A three-tier exam process (Foundation, Intermediate, Final) with pass rates being historically low, making it a challenging qualification to obtain.
• ACCA: ACCA has a simpler structure with 13 papers (Knowledge, Skills, and Professional levels). Students can take exams at their own pace.

Duration

• CA: Typically takes 4-5 years, including the 3-year mandatory articleship.
• ACCA: ACCA can be completed in 2-3 years, depending on exemptions and personal pace.

Costs

• CA: Relatively cost-effective, especially in India, but requires significant investment in coaching and exam preparation.
• ACCA: ACCA tends to be more expensive due to its international recognition, but the return on investment is higher, especially for those aiming for global roles. It is also worth examining that if you add in the training fees for CA, the cost gap between the two qualifications reduces considerably.

Also Read – Becoming an ACCA in 2024: Essential Steps & Tips By Experts

Global Recognition

• CA: Primarily recognized within India, with some international recognition in countries with mutual recognition agreements.
• ACCA: ACCA is recognized in over 180 countries, offering a significant advantage for those seeking a global career.

Career Options & Work Experience

• CA Career Prospects: CAs dominate Indian roles related to auditing, taxation, and financial leadership. However, their career opportunities abroad are relatively limited.
• ACCA Career Prospects: ACCA offers global opportunities, particularly in multinational companies and international financial markets.
• Work Experience: CA students must complete a 3-year articleship, while ACCA students must complete the 36 months Practical Experience Requirement (PER) to gain notable experience.

ACCA vs CA – Job Opportunities in India vs. Abroad

Job Opportunities For ACCA In India

• Growing Recognition: ACCA is increasingly recognized in India, particularly by multinational corporations (MNCs) and Big Four accounting firms like Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG. Companies with international operations prefer ACCA professionals for their expertise in global accounting standards, such as IFRS.
• Industries That Prefer ACCA:
  • Financial Services: Investment banks, asset management firms, and insurance companies.
  • Corporate Finance: MNCs and large Indian firms looking for finance professionals adept in international regulations and cross-border financial management.
  • Consulting: Global consulting firms value ACCA members for their broad skill sets.

Also Read – 10 Trending ACCA Job Profiles In India

Job Opportunities For CA In India

• Stronghold in Domestic Roles: CAs have a longstanding reputation and are highly valued in India for roles related to taxation, auditing, and compliance.
• Preferred Industries:
  • Tax Consulting: Indian tax laws and GST have CAs at the forefront of consultancy services.
  • Auditing: CAs hold the authority to audit and sign financial statements, making them indispensable in audit firms and corporate audit roles.
  • Public Sector and Government: CAs often find stable, high-responsibility roles within government accounting departments and PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings).

Job Opportunities For ACCA Abroad

• Global Scope: ACCA is recognized in over 180 countries, making it ideal for candidates looking to work internationally. ACCA professionals can secure roles in financial hubs such as the UK, Middle East, Canada, and Singapore.
• Roles Abroad:
  • Financial Controller
  • Global Financial Analyst
  • Finance Manager in Multinational Corporations

Job Opportunities For CA Abroad

• Limited Scope: CAs face challenges abroad due to the local nature of their expertise, especially when Indian accounting standards don’t align with international regulations.
• Exceptions:
  • Countries with mutual recognition agreements (e.g., the UK and Australia) may provide better opportunities.
  • CAs may also work abroad in firms with substantial Indian business interests.

Also Read – Is B.Com + ACCA: A Smart Choice for Your Career in 2025?

CA vs ACCA – Challenges of Each Path

Challenges Faced By CA Students:

• Lengthy and Rigid Process: CA typically takes 4-5 years to complete, with a mandatory 3-year articleship that demands full-time commitment. This can be tough to balance with academic studies or work.
• Low Pass Rates: With pass rates as low as 10-15% for certain CA Final exams, it’s a qualification known for its high difficulty.
• Intensive Articleship: The articleship is a double-edged sword—it provides valuable experience but is often grueling, involving long hours and heavy workloads.
• Limited Flexibility: CA has fixed exam schedules, which means students must adhere to strict timelines without much room for adjustments.

Challenges Faced By ACCA Students

• International Standards: ACCA covers IFRS and other global standards, which may be new to those only familiar with Indian accounting principles.
• Practical Experience Requirement (PER): While ACCA’s PER is flexible, finding relevant roles that meet the criteria can be a challenge, particularly for those new to the field.
• Higher Costs: ACCA is often more expensive than CA, especially when accounting for international exam fees, training, and membership costs.
• Exam Structure: ACCA exams can be taken individually at different times, which is flexible but requires strong discipline to stay on track and complete all 13 papers.

Tips For Overcoming These Challenges

• For CA Students

  • Build a support system of peers for joint study and motivation.
  • Use resources like mock tests and coaching classes to prepare for the CA Final.

• For ACCA Students

  • Take advantage of online forums, webinars, and ACCA-approved study materials to navigate complex topics.
  • Plan your PER early and network to find relevant job roles.

Also Read – 7 myths about ACCA making it the best career option after 12th commerce

Which Is Right for Your Career – CA or ACCA?

Choosing the right qualification depends on your career goals. If you plan to build your career within India, focusing on Indian tax laws and auditing, then CA may be the better option. On the other hand, if you’re interested in international opportunities and working for multinational corporations, ACCA is likely a better fit.

Ask Yourself:

• Do I want to work internationally or within India?
• Am I looking for flexibility in terms of exams and career paths?
• Do I want to specialise in Indian regulations or global financial standards?
• Do I want to open up an accounting practice in India?

Your answers to these questions will guide you toward the right choice.

If You’ve Chosen ACCA, Here’s How Proschool Can Help You!

If ACCA is the right path for you, consider Proschool’s ACCA Prep Course. Starting from your ACCA registration, Proschool hand holds you at every point, whether it’s offline/online coaching, doubt solving or dedicated revision classes. Here’s a detailed list of benefits that you get when enrolling with Proschool for ACCA Prep.

• Online/Offline Options: Whether you’re a student or a working professional, Proschool has your back with flexible study schedules. Choose between online sessions or classroom training available in 10 major Indian cities.
• Extensive Question Bank: Solve over 600+ questions for each ACCA subject. This hands-on practice helps you build confidence and master exam patterns.
• Job Assurance & Placement Support: Need job support? Proschool guarantees at least 3 job shortlists within 6 months of course completion for those eyeing entry-level roles.
• Exam Pass Commitment: We’re so confident in our teaching methods that if you don’t pass, you get unlimited classroom and doubt-solving sessions until you do. It’s like a safety net for your ambitions.
• Exemptions & Cost Savings: Save on registration fees and training costs. Plus, Proschool helps you secure exemptions for certain ACCA papers, making your journey a bit shorter and lighter on the wallet.

If you’re still unsure,  you can take advantage of an ACCA demo class to get a feel of Proschool’s teaching style and resources before committing.

FAQs

Is ACCA better than CA?

Both qualifications are valuable. CA is best suited for those looking to work in India, while ACCA is ideal for those seeking global opportunities.

Can ACCA earn more than CA?

In international roles, ACCA professionals can earn more, but CAs in India have highly competitive salaries, especially in leadership roles.

Is ACCA relevant in India?

Yes, ACCA is growing in relevance, especially in multinational corporations and global financial markets in India.

Which qualification offers better global job prospects?

ACCA offers better global job prospects, especially in multinational companies and international finance roles.

Can I pursue CA and ACCA together?

Yes, but managing both together can be challenging due to the demanding nature of the two qualifications.

Which is more difficult, CA or ACCA?

CA is considered more challenging due to its syllabus and rigid exam structure, while ACCA offers flexibility but still demands a high level of expertise.

Can CA members apply for ACCA exemptions?

Yes, CA members can receive exemptions from several ACCA papers, reducing the number of exams needed to qualify for ACCA.