ACCA Vs CA - Which is Better for Your Career?

Aindrila

Updated On: December 13, 2023 06:58 pm IST

ACCA course is, in many ways different from the CA programme. Where one is a globally recognised programme, the other is considered highly in India. Read the full article to know which is better for you. 

CA Vs ACCA

If you have chosen the path to practice finance, auditing and accounting as a professional then you are bound to come across the terms ACCA and CA. Where one is globally recognised the other one is immensely popular in India. On their journey to becoming a CA (Chartered Accountant), young aspirants often face an impediment of choosing between ACCA and ICA. If you are one of those candidates then this article is for you.

Let us find out which of CA and ACCA is better for you and why. But before that, you must have a clear understanding of the two programmes. For that, refer to the following links.

Difference Between ACCA and CA - Major Highlights

Here are the basic differences between ACCA and CA course that you must be aware of before making a final selection.

Course Features

ACCA

CA

Full-Form

Association of Certified Chartered Accountant

Chartered Accountancy

Professional Body

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)

Course Focus

The course focuses on Taxation, Auditing, Accounts Handling, Management Accounting, etc.

This programme mainly focuses on Finance and Financial Accounting.

Duration/ Tenure

Candidates are required to complete the course within three years with two to three more years of training.

Depending upon the difficulty level of the programme and candidates’ eligibility, this programme can be completed in three to five years with an additional year of training.

Course Levels

Two Levels:

  • Fundamentals

  • Professionals

Three Levels:

  • CA Foundation (formerly known as CPT)

  • CA Intermediate (IPCC)

  • CA Final (FC)

Papers

Total of 14 Papers

  • 9 Papers (Fundamentals)

  • 5 Papers (Professionals)

Total of 20 Papers

  • 4 Papers (CA Foundation)

  • 8 Papers (CA Intermediate)

  • 8 Papers (CA Final)

Articleship

3 Years

Recognition

Globally Recognised (180 countries)

Recognised in India

Course Fee

INR 2 Lakh to INR 3 Lakh

Less Than INR 1 Lakh

Flexibility

ACCA is supposed to be much more flexible than the CA course as students are allowed to attempt a single paper in each attempt.

The CA programme is not flexible and students are required to attempt a minimum of one group at a time.

Signing Authority

An ACCA does not have the authority to sign the audit report in India.

A practising Chartered Accountant (CA) has the authority to sign the audit report in India.

CA Vs ACCA Eligibility Criteria

To study a course it is important to find out the eligibility criteria and if the candidates fulfil the requirements. 

CA Eligibility Criteria

Candidates who want to study CA need to follow either of the two routes, the CA Foundation Route or the CA Direct Route. We have mentioned the criteria for both routes along with a few exemptions.

CA Foundation Route

Here are the eligibility criteria for the CA Foundation course - 

  • Students can enrol in the Chartered Accountancy Foundation course if they have finished their class 10th board exam from a recognized organization in India or if they have taken an exam regarded equivalent by the Central Government.
  • After passing the Class 12th examination from a board specified by following the laws of India or an examination recognised as equivalent by the Central Government, then candidates are qualified to appear for the CA Foundation Examination.
  • From the date of enrollment in the course, candidates can only appear in the Chartered Accountancy Foundation exam if they have completed their 4 months of study.
  • Every year, candidates who register for the CA program on or before January 1 or July 1 are eligible to take the May/ November exams.
  • There are no such age constraints imposed upon the candidates by ICAI who want to study the CA Foundation course. 

Eligibility Criteria for CA Direct Entry Route

Candidates who want to get direct admission to the CA Intermediate course must meet the following eligibility requirements -

  • Commerce graduates/ postgraduates with at least a 55% aggregate or equivalent score are eligible to apply for this direct entry route. 
  • The candidates must, however, have studied Accounting, Auditing, Mercantile Law, Corporate Laws, Taxation (including Direct Tax Laws and Indirect Tax Laws), Costing, Economics, Management (including Financial Management), Business Administration, or Management Accounting.
  • Graduates/ postgraduates from non-commerce backgrounds need to have obtained a minimum of 60% aggregate or its equivalent grade from any university examination recognized by the UGC. (including Open University).

Some Exemptions

There are a few exemptions available for students who want to study CA:

  • Candidates who have qualified for the Intermediate level examinations conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICAI) are eligible for direct entry. 
  • CA aspirants who have qualified for the Intermediate exam organized by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India are also suitable for direct entry.
  • Aspirants in their last year of study may also apply for the Intermediate course on a provisional basis. Such candidates' registration would be valid only upon submitting final year mark sheets or passing certificates within six months of appearing in the final year graduation examination and completing ICITSS (Orientation Course and Information Technology).
  • ICITSS can be taken and finished by a candidate during the provisional registration period (Orientation Course and Information Technology).

ACCA Eligibility Criteria

For candidates who want to take up the ACCA certification course, we have provided the eligibility criteria for this course:

  • The minimum educational requirement that one needs to have in order to join this course is passing completing 10+2 in Commerce stream from a recognised board. 
  • Candidates must have 50% aggregate marks in their Class 12 board examination. 
  • Aspirants who want to take up ACCA must have studied Mathematics and English as compulsory subjects in Class 12.
  • Candidates who hold a B.Com degree or CA certificate or IPCC can also apply for the course availing a reduced course period. 

CA Vs ACCA - Which is Tougher?

Considering the duration, the number of papers, course levels and flexibility of both the courses, it is of no surprise that the CA course is usually considered to be tougher than ACCA. But, this is completely a subjective topic and the results may vary in your case.

According to the data collected through a survey in 2018, the passing percentage of ACCA was over four times than that of CA. 40 per cent of the total students managed to pass ACCA, whereas only 9.09 per cent could pass CA. Due to this humongous difference in the percentage, CA is generally considered to be harder to pass than ACCA.

One of the reasons why ACCA is slightly easier to tackle than CA is its flexibility in terms of exams and articleship. In CA, subjects are grouped together. So, if you fail to pass a subject in that group, you will have to rewrite all the subjects in that group again. On the other hand, in ACCA, this is not the case. If you fail an exam, you will have to rewrite that particular subject only. Students are also free to attempt exams in ACCA as per their convenience.

ACCA Vs CA - Which is Better for a Career?

Both the courses have their own characteristics which make them one of the most preferred professional courses in the field of finance and accounting. However, when it comes to career opportunities in India Vs abroad, both the courses can be placed at different levels. Now let’s find out which of ACCA and CA is better for a career in India and which is better for a career in abroad.

ACCA Vs CA - Which is Better for a Career in India?

CA is one of the high yielding and most recognised courses in India. Students through CA are taught and specialised in the tax and financial systems of India. Because of this, employers or companies in India usually look for CA candidates rather than ACCA. In simple words, a CA certificate holder has a larger share of employment in the market than an ACCA certificate holder. Another reason behind this is the signing authority. ACCA.s in India are not authorised to sign the audit report but a practising CA is authorised to do so.

However, many multinational companies have started to settle abroad to cater to their clients. These international corporations settled in India look for an ACCA rather than a CA. This makes ACCA certificate holders easy to grab jobs at companies like JP, PwC, KPMG, etc.

CA Vs ACCA - Which is Better for a Career Abroad?

ACCA is a globally recognised course and is accepted in 180 countries around the world. One who holds an ACCA certificate can work in companies abroad. An ACCA certificate holder has the knowledge of the CA course along with additional knowledge of UK Laws, FAAP and IFRS. So, if you are interested in making a career abroad, ACCA would be a better option for you.

CA Vs ACCA - Job Prospects

The candidates after completing their CA and ACCA have lots of job opportunities available for them. Let’s take a look at the sectors where a CA and an ACCA certificate holder can get job opportunities.

CA Job Opportunities

A CA can work in sectors such as:

  • Audit and Taxation
  • Tax Advisory Firms
  • Cost Accountants
  • Insurance Sector
  • Corporate Houses (including planning and budget team)
  • Law Firms
  • Project Finance or Financial Advisory
  • Banking and Financial Services (Government and Private)
  • Investment Banking Firms
  • Chartered Accountant Firms
  • Outsourcing
  • Academics

ACCA Job Opportunities

After getting the ACCA certificate, candidates can work as a:

  • Accountant
  • Auditor
  • Chartered Accountant (CA)
  • Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
  • Financial Accountant
  • Management Consultant
  • Finance Manager
  • Equity Research Analyst
  • Corporate Analyst
  • Investment Banker
  • Cashier 

CA Vs ACCA - Which Has More Advantages?

Considering all aspects of these courses mentioned above, here we have drawn a conclusion for which course is more advantageous.

  • Flexibility with Aritcleship: In this category, the ACCA programme wins. One of the many advantages of ACCA over CA is that you are allowed to pursue your articleship while writing exams. In that way, you can finish your course in 3 - 4 years. But in the case of the CA course, you can only begin to pursue your compulsory articleship after clearing the second level of CA - IPCC.

  • Initial Salary: Since the CA programme focuses on the Indian tax and financial system, companies here usually look for a CA more than for an ACCA. So, the initial salary offered to Chartered Accountants is usually higher than that of ACCA. The average initial salary of a CA in India is up to INR 8 LPA or above and for an ACCA, it is up to INR 5.7 LPA.

  • Duration: Again, if you are interested in completing the course in a short duration of time and get employed, ACCA is the course for you. The minimum time required to complete CA is about 4.5 to 5 years. ACCA, on the other hand, can be completed in three years along with the articleship, only if you manage to strike a balance between writing exams and articleship.

  • Recognition: As we have mentioned earlier, ACCA is a globally-recognised programme. Which means that candidates who have completed the course are eligible to apply in 180 different countries. CA, on the other hand, has a monopoly in India as it specialises in Indian systems. So depending on where you want to work, you can choose one of these two courses.

  • Course Expenses: Since ACCA is offered by the UK, it is a bit more expensive in comparison to the CA programme. CA costs around less than or equal to INR 1 lakh, whereas ACCA costs between INR 2 lakhs and INR 3 lakhs. So you can choose a course as per your budget.

  • Level of Difficulty: Whether you find a course tough or not is completely a subjective question. The answer to this question varies for different people. But according to the data collected through surveys, CA course is considered to be harder to pass than the ACCA programme. Now the case may be different for you. So, you must go through the topics taught in each of the courses before making a decision.

ACCA Vs CA - Which will be Beneficial?

Candidates who are confused between ACCA vs CA should understand which course will be beneficial for them. Read below which course will be beneficial for you:

  • Those who wish to practice their degree in India or plan to start their own business should pursue Chartered Accountancy whereas, candidates who want to grow their profession outside India should pursue ACCA. 
  • ACCA and CA are both prestigious accounting courses that offer diverse career paths. ACCA is an international credential recognized in multiple countries, while CA is a national qualification.
  • In today's circumstances, CA beats ACCA from every angle, from industry demand to scope to reputation to profitability and everything that candidates should know.
  • In terms of difficulty, the ACCA course is known for its flexible exam format and global acclaim. The CA course, on the other hand, is regarded as more rigorous and demanding due to its detailed syllabus and strict examination structure.
  • The syllabus for ACCA covers a wide range of subjects, providing a thorough understanding of accounting principles and practices. The CA syllabus, on the other hand, is more focused on Indian accounting and taxation regulations.
  • Internship or articleship is an essential part of both the ACCA and CA courses. ACCA requires a minimum of three years of practical experience, whereas CA mandates a three-year articleship program.
  • In conclusion, the choice between ACCA and CA depends on the goals and preferences of the candidates. ACCA offers global recognition and flexibility, making it suitable for those interested in international careers. Whereas, CA provides a strong foundation in Indian accounting regulations and is favoured for careers in India’s finance industry.

Related Articles

Click on the link given below to know more:

Does a B.Com Degree Really Help in Becoming a CA?

CA or B.Com - Which One Do I Choose after 12th?

CMA Vs CFA - Which One Should I Choose?

Which is Better - B.Com or CS?

Hope these differences drawn above help you finalise a course to embark upon your journey to becoming a professional in the field of your dream. For admission related help or assistance in the CA or ACCA course at top colleges in India, please fill our CAF (Common Application Form) and avail expert guidance until the enrollment. You can also call us on our toll-free number - 1800-572-9877.

For more such updates, stay tuned to CollegeDekho. Good Luck!

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FAQs

Who are eligible to study CA?

Candidates who have completed their Class 10 from a recognized board of examination are eligible to study the CA Foundation route, even students who register on or before January 1 or July 1 are eligible to take the May/November exams. For the CA Direct Entry route, candidates who have studied their graduation or post-graduation in the commerce stream with at least a 55% aggregate or equivalent score can apply for this route.

Who can join the ACCA certification programme?

Individuals need to complete their Class 12 in Commerce stream from a recognized board of education with a minimum aggregate of 50%. These candidates should have studied Mathematics and English as compulsory subjects in their Class 12. Candidates who have a B.Com degree or CA certificate or IPCC can also take the ACCA certification course provided they have prior working experience. 

What subjects are taught to the CA students?

Candidates who are pursuing CA are taught:

  • Principles and Practices of Accounting
  • Business Law & Business Correspondence and Reporting
  • Business Mathematics and Logical Reasoning & Statistics
  • Business Economics & Business and Commercial Knowledge, in their Foundation course.

For IPCC:

  • Accounting
  • Corporate and Other Laws
  • Cost Accounting and Financial Management
  • Taxation
  • Auditing and Assurance
  • Enterprise Information System & Strategic Management
  • Advanced Accounting
  • Financial Management & Economics for Finance

For the Final course:

  • Financial Reporting
  • Strategic Financial Management
  • Corporate Laws and Economic Laws
  • Advanced Auditing and Professional Ethics
  • Strategic Cost Management and Performance Evaluation
  • Electives
  • Direct Tax Laws and International Taxation
  • Indirect Tax Laws

What is the significance of ACCA certification and the CA programme?

ACCA also known as Association of Certified Chartered Accountant is a certification programme that focuses on Taxation, Auditing, Accounts Handling, Management Accounting, etc. Candidates are required to complete the ACCA course within three years with two to three more years of training. Whereas, CA refers to Chartered Accountancy that is taught only by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). This course focuses only on Finance and Financial Accounting and can be completed in three to five years of a time period.  

Among CA and ACCA, which is tougher?

CA is any day much tougher than ACCA considering the number of years, the number of papers, course levels and the versatility of both courses. While students can start preparing for the CA course after their Class 12, candidates can start the ACCA certification course only after their graduation or postgraduation. Due to the flexibility of the tests and papers, ACCA is easier to complete than CA. 

What skills should an individual possess to study CA?

To study CA, candidates need to have certain skills that will help them to pursue the course. The skills required for the candidates to study CA are:

  • Perseverance
  • Interest in numbers
  • Understanding of concepts
  • Analytical abilities 
  • Budget management
  • In-depth knowledge of financial accounting and controlling
  • Understanding of financial reporting
  • Knowledge of tax consulting
  • Evaluation and management auditing

Which companies/ organizations recruit an ACCA certificate holder?

Candidates holding an ACCA certificate have immense scope in the job market. They are hired by some of the best recruiters as these candidates possess high level of skills. The top recruiters are:

  • PWC
  • KPMG
  • EY
  • UPS
  • Caterpillar Inc.
  • Grant Thornton LLP
  • Northern Trust
  • Deloitte
  • Accenture 
  • HDFC Bank
  • Infosys
  • Reliance
  • FedEx

What are the initial salaries for a CA student and an ACCA certificate holder?

Since the CA programme focuses on the Indian tax and financial system, companies here in India usually look for a CA more than for an ACCA. So, the initial salary offered to Chartered Accountants is usually higher than that of ACCA. The average initial salary of a CA in India is up to INR 8 LPA or above and for an ACCA, it is up to INR 5.7 LPA.

What are the expenses of CA and ACCA courses?

Since the ACCA certification programme is offered by the UK, it is a bit more expensive in comparison to the CA programme. CA costs less than or equal to INR 1 lakh, whereas ACCA costs between INR 2 lakhs and INR 3 lakhs. So, candidates need to choose a course as per their budget.

Which companies hire a CA graduate?

Many CAs practice independently while some join reputable companies. The CA graduates are hired by some top companies such as:

  • Hindustan Unilever Ltd
  • Deloitte
  • Reliance Industries
  • KPMG
  • ITC
  • Tata Company
  • Aditya Birla Sun Life
  • SBI Bank
  • Kotak  Mahindra
  • Ernst & Young
  • Grant Thornton

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