Choosing between ACCA and CA can feel confusing for many students. Both courses offer great career options in finance and accounting. However, the types of jobs, countries where they are accepted, and study style of each course are very different. The ACCA course (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is a global qualification. It helps students work in many countries like the UK, UAE, Singapore, and more. On the other hand, CA (Chartered Accountancy) is India’s top finance qualification. It is accepted mostly in India and helps people get top-level jobs in tax, audit, and accounts.
ACCA vs CA: Overview
Before we compare the career options, let’s understand what ACCA and CA courses teach and how they prepare students for the real world. Both are accounting-based professional courses, but they follow very different learning paths.
ACCA—A Global Professional Qualification
ACCA is short for Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, a UK-based body. It is accepted in 180+ countries, which makes it a great choice for international careers. The course focuses on IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) and includes 13 exams. Students also complete an ethics module and 3 years of work experience to become an ACCA member.
ACCA helps you work in fields like
- Financial reporting
- Audit and assurance
- Taxation
- Business strategy
- Risk management
- Financial management
You can work in MNCs, consulting firms, and global banks with an ACCA qualification.
CA—Chartered Accountancy
CA is short for Chartered Accountants, and the course is managed by ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India). CA is one of the most respected courses in India. It includes three exam levels—CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final. It also requires three years of articles in a CA firm.
CA focuses on:
- Indian taxation and GST
- Audit and assurance
- Cost accounting
- Company law
- Financial reporting
A CA is mostly trained to work in Indian laws, systems, and financial practices. But with extra learning, many CAs now work globally, too.
| Feature / Criteria | ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) | CA (Chartered Accountant – India) |
| Governing Body | ACCA Global (UK-based) | ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India) |
| Recognition | Global—recognized in 180+ countries | National—Mostly recognized in India |
| Course Duration | 2–3 years (flexible) | 4.5–5 years (minimum) |
| Number of Papers | 13 papers (exemptions available) | 3 levels (Foundation, Intermediate, Final) |
| Eligibility | 10+2 from commerce or equivalent; Bachelor’s can get exemptions | 10+2 or equivalent |
| Syllabus Focus | International Reporting Standards (IFRS) | Indian Accounting Standards (IND AS), taxation, laws |
| Articleship Requirement | 36 months (can be done before/during/after exams) | 3 years mandatory after clearing Intermediate group |
| Exam Frequency | 4 times a year (Quarterly: Mar, Jun, Sep, Dec) | Twice a year (May and November) |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | High (low pass percentages) |
| Pass Percentage | 40%–50% (average) | 10%–15% (Final level) |
| Flexibility in Exams | High—one paper at a time, online exams available | Low—group system and fixed schedule |
| Exemption Availability | Yes, for B.Com, CA Inter, MBA, etc. | No exemptions in any level |
| Training Pay/Stipend | Varies based on company/internship | ₹7,000 – ₹15,000 per month |
| Course Fee (India) | ₹3,00,000 – ₹3,50,000 (including coaching) | ₹2,00,000 – ₹2,50,000 (including coaching) |
ACCA vs CA Career Opportunities—Job Roles in India
Let’s now see how job roles differ between CA and ACCA in the Indian job market. While both can work in the finance industry, the type of jobs they get and the skills they use are different.
Job Roles for CA in India
CAs work mostly in tax audits, financial statements, company audits, and cost analysis. Their training is focused on Indian laws, which makes them perfect for domestic businesses. Most CAs work with firms that provide audit and tax services. They also work with large companies in their finance departments. Many join Big 4 firms like Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG.
In India, companies prefer CAs for roles involving Indian financial rules. These include GST filings, income tax returns, audit reports, and compliance with the Companies Act. If you want to work with Indian government audits and public companies or start your consultancy, CA is a great choice.
Typical job roles include:
- Internal Auditor
- Statutory Auditor
- Tax Consultant
- Financial Accountant
- Cost Accountant
- CFO (after experience)
Many Indian companies still prefer hiring CAs over ACCAs for roles that involve Indian tax filing, GST, or company law.
Job Roles for ACCA in India
ACCA professionals often work with MNCs or companies that report their accounts globally. Their training in IFRS and global audit standards makes them suitable for shared service centers, international finance teams, and global audit support functions. While they may not get Indian tax or audit roles easily, they are preferred for roles that involve global accounts.
In India, many companies have foreign clients and need people who understand global reporting. ACCA candidates fill this gap. They also work in outsourcing firms, where they prepare financial reports for UK- and EU-based clients.
Common job roles for ACCA members in India:
- Financial Analyst
- IFRS Consultant
- Statutory Auditor (for global accounts)
- Tax Executive (international tax)
- Risk Analyst
- Reporting Manager
Global companies like EY, Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, Accenture, Grant Thornton, and HSBC actively hire ACCA-qualified candidates.
ACCA vs CA Career Opportunities—Global Job Scope
A major factor to consider while choosing a course is the international scope. Let’s now compare how well each qualification is accepted globally.
Global Reach of ACCA
ACCA is a truly global certification. It is recognized in over 180 countries, including the UK, UAE, Singapore, Australia, Canada, and more. Employers in multinational companies and financial hubs prefer ACCA because it follows IFRS, which is the accounting standard in most countries.
With an ACCA qualification, you can apply for jobs abroad without doing any extra courses. You can even migrate to countries like the UK or Dubai with just the ACCA qualification and relevant work experience.
Students with ACCA can also work as:
- Global Finance Managers
- International Business Consultants
- Audit Associates for foreign clients
- Cross-border tax specialists
Many Indian ACCAs now work in Dubai, Singapore, Canada, and Europe.
Global Reach of CA
The Indian CA qualification is mainly accepted within India. If a CA wants to work abroad, they must study extra papers or clear conversion exams. Some countries allow CAs to apply for jobs, but global companies still prefer ACCA, CPA, or CIMA over CA.
Many Indian CAs work in international locations, but they usually get in through Big 4 firms or after building strong work experience in India first.
So, in terms of global mobility, ACCA has a clear edge over CA.
CA vs ACCA Career Opportunities—Salary Comparison
Let’s now look at salary expectations for both ACCA and CA professionals in India and abroad. While both offer good earnings, the numbers vary by experience, company, and location.
Salary of CA in India
CAs in India earn well, especially if they clear the exam with a good rank or have strong experience in articles. A fresher CA can earn between ₹6–8 lakh per year. As they gain experience, their salary can go up to ₹20 lakh per year or even more.
Large firms and industries like FMCG, banking, consulting, and manufacturing offer higher salaries. CAs in senior roles such as CFO or financial controller can earn above ₹30–40 lakh per year. If you start your practice, your earnings depend on the number of clients you handle.
Salary of ACCA in India
ACCA salaries in India are slightly lower at the fresher level. Freshers usually earn ₹5–7 lakh per year. However, as they grow in MNCs and international firms, their salaries increase fast. Within a few years, they can earn ₹10–15 lakh annually.
In global locations like the UAE or UK, ACCAs earn very well. For example, an ACCA in the UK can earn £35,000 to £70,000 yearly, depending on role and experience. In the UAE, salaries range from AED 10,000 to AED 25,000 per month for qualified ACCAs.
ACCA vs CA—Work-Life Balance and Flexibility
Career success is not just about money. Let’s compare how both courses affect your study time, work pressure, and lifestyle balance.
CA – Intense But Respected
CA is a very tough course. Students often study 4–5 years to complete it. The exam pass rate is low (5–15% per attempt). The articleship is also full-time and requires long work hours. However, once you complete CA, the job will be stable and well respected.
CAs working in busy firms or during audit season may face high pressure. However, they also have the option to start their practice and enjoy better control over their time.
ACCA—Flexible and Career-Friendly
ACCA is more flexible. Students can choose how many papers to attempt per session. You can study while working, and the exams are held four times a year. The pass rates are higher than CA (40–50%).
Work-life balance is better in most ACCA jobs, especially in MNCs that follow standard working hours. ACCA is ideal for students who want international exposure without too much pressure during their studies.
CA vs ACCA Career Opportunities FAQs
1. Which course has more job opportunities — ACCA or CA?
Both ACCA and CA offer great job opportunities but in different areas. CA offers more roles in Indian audit, taxation, and compliance. It is ideal for working with Indian firms or opening your own CA practice. ACCA offers more global roles in multinational companies, especially in financial reporting, analysis, and international audit. If you want to work in India, CA gives you more options. If you want global exposure, ACCA is better.
2. Can I get a job abroad with a CA qualification?
You can, but it’s harder compared to ACCA. CA is focused on Indian laws, so employers abroad may not understand its full value. To work in countries like the UK, Canada, or the UAE as a CA, you may need to clear additional local exams like the CPA or get work sponsorship. On the other hand, ACCA is recognized in 180+ countries, which makes global job searches easier.
3. Do ACCA professionals earn more than CAs in India?
In India, CAs usually earn more at the start, especially if they rank high or work in top CA firms. However, ACCA salaries increase faster in multinational companies due to international exposure and global accounting knowledge. After 3–5 years of experience, the salary gap often closes, and ACCA professionals can even earn more in global roles.
4. Which course is harder: ACCA or CA?
CA is tougher than ACCA in terms of exam pattern, volume of syllabus, and pass percentage. The CA course has a pass rate of 5–15%, while ACCA has a pass rate of around 40–50%. CA also includes a 3-year full-time articleship, which makes it more demanding. ACCA offers modular exams and more flexible study options, which make it easier to manage.
5. Can I do ACCA after completing CA Inter or B.Com?
Yes, you can. If you’ve already passed CA Inter or B.Com, you can apply for exemptions in ACCA. This means you won’t have to write all the papers from the beginning. You may get up to 9 exemptions, depending on your past qualifications. This saves time and helps you complete ACCA faster.
6. Can ACCA professionals start their firms like CAs?
In India, only CAs registered with ICAI can sign audit reports, file tax returns, or offer certain regulated services. ACCA professionals cannot open a statutory audit firm in India. However, ACCAs can still work as financial consultants, internal auditors, IFRS trainers, or freelance accountants. In countries like the UK or UAE, ACCAs can open their practice depending on local laws.
