The ACCA salary in the USA attracts many Indian students and international professionals who want to build global careers in finance and accounting. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a globally respected qualification based in the UK, but its value reaches across countries, including the United States. In 2025, ACCA members working in the US earn competitive salaries across various industries like audit, financial consulting, investment banking, and corporate finance. Professionals holding the ACCA qualification can earn between $60,000 to $120,000 per year depending on their job title, experience, and location. While ACCA is not a replacement for the US CPA (Certified Public Accountant), many employers still value the ACCA qualification, especially in multinational corporations, audit firms, and shared service centers. The demand for ACCA members in the US is increasing, especially in companies that follow international financial reporting standards (IFRS) or operate globally.
What is ACCA and is it Recognized in the USA?
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a professional qualification for accountants. It is based in the UK and accepted in more than 180 countries. The ACCA course includes 13 exams, the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM), and 36 months of practical work experience known as PER (Practical Experience Requirement).
Although the USA has its own qualification, the CPA (Certified Public Accountant), many American and global companies still value ACCA-qualified candidates. This is especially true for roles in financial planning, auditing, reporting, and risk management that require global knowledge of IFRS and international tax laws.
Employers in the US recognize ACCA for its strong technical training and ethical standards. However, ACCA members may still need a work visa or an additional license for certain regulated roles in public accounting or tax consultancy in the USA.
Even with those limitations, companies such as PwC, EY, Deloitte, KPMG, IBM, JPMorgan Chase, and Citi hire ACCA professionals for key finance and business roles in the US.
What is the Average ACCA Salary in USA in 2025?
The ACCA salary in USA depends on multiple factors, including experience level, location, job title, company size, and the sector. On average, ACCA members in the United States earn between $65,000 and $120,000 per year.
Freshers or entry-level ACCA candidates usually start around $50,000 to $65,000 annually. Mid-level professionals with 3–5 years of experience can earn between $75,000 to $95,000. Senior managers and directors with 8+ years of experience and a strong industry background can earn over $100,000 to $150,000.
Bonuses, insurance, and benefits add more value. Roles in metro cities like New York, Chicago, or San Francisco usually offer higher packages compared to smaller cities due to the cost of living and job competition.
| Job Title | Experience Level | Average Salary (USD) |
| Junior Accountant | 0–2 years | $50,000–$60,000 |
| Financial Analyst | 2–4 years | $65,000–$80,000 |
| Internal Auditor | 3–5 years | $70,000–$90,000 |
| Finance Manager | 5–7 years | $90,000–$110,000 |
| Risk and Compliance Officer | 5–8 years | $95,000–$115,000 |
| Financial Controller | 7–10 years | $110,000–$130,000 |
| Finance Director/VP Finance | 10+ years | $130,000–$160,000 |
These figures are averages and may vary depending on industry and state.
Industries Offering High ACCA Salaries in the USA
In the USA, ACCA-qualified professionals work in many industries. The highest-paying sectors include financial services, consulting, information technology, healthcare, energy, and manufacturing. Each industry has different finance needs, and ACCA members bring global knowledge that supports those roles.
Financial Services and Banking
Banks and investment firms hire ACCA professionals for budgeting, forecasting, financial risk management, and regulatory compliance. Roles in cities like New York, Boston, and San Francisco pay above-average salaries in this sector.
Consulting and Audit
Top consulting firms such as Deloitte, PwC, and Accenture hire ACCA members for advisory, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), internal controls, and financial planning. Salaries here are higher due to long working hours and project complexity.
Technology and Startups
Companies in tech need finance professionals to handle valuation, cost controls, tax reporting, and investor reporting. ACCA members work as FP&A analysts or finance leads in tech hubs like Silicon Valley and Austin.
Manufacturing and Energy
Large manufacturing and energy firms hire ACCA professionals for roles in operations finance, compliance, and treasury. These roles may involve cross-border reporting, which is where ACCA’s IFRS training helps.
Factors That Influence ACCA Salary in USA
Not every ACCA member earns the same. Salaries vary based on a few important factors. Understanding these helps professionals improve their earnings and plan better career moves.
1. Location
Working in big cities like New York, San Francisco, or Chicago means higher salaries. These cities have more MNCs and financial institutions but also higher living costs.
2. Work Experience
More experience leads to better pay. Senior professionals with leadership skills earn up to 3 times more than freshers.
3. Sector and Company Size
Sectors like finance, consulting, and technology pay more. Larger companies have bigger budgets and offer better benefits.
4. Skills and Certifications
Skills like financial modeling, data analysis, ERP tools, and strategic planning boost salary. Some professionals also pursue certifications like CPA (USA), CFA, or MBA along with ACCA.
5. Job Role and Responsibilities
Managing a team or handling high-budget decisions earns more. ACCA professionals in decision-making roles or international reporting roles get higher packages.
Tips to Increase ACCA Salary in USA
If you’re an ACCA student or member planning to work in the USA, follow these steps to improve your salary and job profile.
1. Gain Practical Experience Early: Start internships or part-time roles in India or abroad while studying. Work experience counts during job selection and increases confidence.
2. Learn US GAAP and Tax Laws: Even though ACCA teaches IFRS, learning US GAAP helps work better in American firms. You can also take short online courses to understand the US tax system.
3. Improve Your Communication Skills: In US companies, strong communication is important. Be clear and confident in English, both written and spoken. This helps in interviews and team meetings.
4. Add Technical Tools to Your Skills: Learn tools like Excel (advanced), Power BI, Tableau, QuickBooks, and SAP. These tools are in demand and help manage data and reports better.
5. Join ACCA Member Networks: Connect with ACCA USA chapters and LinkedIn groups. Networking helps you find job openings, get referrals, and learn from senior professionals.
Job Roles Available for ACCA in USA
ACCA members work in different roles depending on their skills, experience, and company type. These roles involve budgeting, audit, reporting, and strategic decision-making.
- Financial Analyst
- Management Accountant
- Internal Auditor
- Risk and Compliance Officer
- Financial Reporting Specialist
- Treasury Analyst
- Finance Manager
- Business Consultant
- FP&A Analyst
- Corporate Strategy Associate
These roles are available in private companies, public corporations, government-linked firms, and startups.
Challenges for ACCA Professionals Working in the USA
Even though ACCA is respected globally, working in the USA comes with a few challenges. Candidates should plan accordingly.
1. Work Visa Requirement
Foreign professionals need a valid visa like H1B or L1 to work in the USA. Getting sponsorship is competitive, and not all companies support it.
2. Limited Use in Public Accounting
ACCA is not accepted by US state boards for signing audit reports. Only CPAs can do this. ACCA members must take additional exams to register as CPAs.
3. Need to Understand Local Laws
ACCA does not focus on US tax or GAAP. Professionals must learn these separately to handle US-specific roles, especially in compliance and reporting.
4. Cost of Relocation and Licensing
Living in the US is expensive. ACCA members may also need to spend on learning local rules, exams, or applying for state licenses depending on their job needs.
Despite these challenges, many ACCA members have built strong careers in the USA by staying focused and upgrading their knowledge regularly.
ACCA Salary in USA FAQs
1. Can I work in the USA after completing ACCA?
Yes, you can work in the US after ACCA, especially in multinational firms. You may need additional local experience, a work visa, or CPA license for public accounting roles.
2. How much is the average ACCA salary in USA?
The average salary ranges between $65,000 to $120,000 per year. Senior professionals may earn more based on experience and company type.
3. Is ACCA equal to CPA in the US?
No, CPA is the only recognized license for public accounting in the US. But ACCA is valued for internal finance roles, global reporting, and multinational companies.
4. Can ACCA professionals apply for CPA?
Yes, ACCA members can apply for CPA in certain US states. They may need to meet credit hours or take extra coursework before sitting for the exams.
5. Which cities in the US pay the most to ACCA members?
New York, San Francisco, Boston, and Chicago offer high-paying jobs due to large financial hubs and demand for global finance professionals.
