ACCA vs CPA Differences, Difficulty Level, Salary: Which is Better?

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) are both globally well-recognized qualifications by employers globally. Both of the courses have the potential of promising career opportunities, but they differ in various aspects which include focus areas, exam structures, global recognition, and much more. Depending on one aspiration people take up the courses among the two, however, both these courses are almost in the same domain of finance and accounting. When it comes to professional qualifications in accounting and finance, two certifications are of the top course globally: the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Both ACCA and CPA offer promising career paths, but they differ in various aspects, including focus areas, recognition, and exam structures. Exploring these differences can help individuals make informed decisions about which certification aligns best with their career goals.

ACCA Introduction

ACCA is a really important qualification for people who want to work in finance and accounting. It’s been around for a long time, since 1904, and it’s super respected all over the world, in more than 180 countries. ACCA helps people learn the skills they need for jobs like accounting, auditing, taxes, and managing money. What’s cool about ACCA is that it’s flexible. The exams can fit into your life, and they focus a lot on getting real-life experience. This helps you be ready for the fast-changing world of global business. Whether you’re just starting your career or want something new, ACCA can help you grow both personally and professionally in the exciting world of money and numbers.

CPA Introduction

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is a prestigious professional certification awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to individuals who demonstrate proficiency in accounting and auditing. Established in 1896, the CPA credential is highly regarded in the United States and is recognized internationally for its rigorous exam requirements and high ethical standards. CPAs play a vital role in various industries, including public accounting, corporate finance, government, and consulting. With a focus on U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and regulatory standards, CPA certification signifies expertise in financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and other areas of accounting. Whether you aspire to work in public accounting, corporate finance, or government, obtaining the CPA designation opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities.

ACCA vs CPA

When comparing the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualifications, several key differences emerge. ACCA is a globally recognized qualification, while CPA is primarily focused on the United States. ACCA covers a broad range of accounting topics, providing a comprehensive understanding of international accounting standards and practices. In contrast, CPA focuses specifically on U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and regulatory requirements, making it ideal for professionals seeking to specialize in U.S. accounting standards. Additionally, ACCA offers a flexible exam structure and allows candidates to gain practical experience alongside their studies, whereas CPA has a more standardized exam format with a strong emphasis on technical proficiency. While both qualifications offer valuable credentials for accounting professionals, individuals should consider their career goals and geographical preferences when choosing between ACCA and CPA.

Here is a tabular form of the differences between ACCA and CPA

Criteria	ACCA	CPA
Course Structure	Knowledge level (3 papers)Skill Level (6 papers)Professional Level (4 papers)	Auditing and Accounting (AUD)Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)Regulation (REG)Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)
Duration	6-24 months	1-1.5 Years
Eligibility	10 +2 Examination with 65% aggregate in Maths/Accounts and English and a 50% in other subjects	The exam is taken up after graduation in addition to 1 year of post graduation of 120 credit hours of education
Average Salary	8-9 lakhs pa	7-8 lakhs pa

ACCA vs CPA Which is Easier?

Although ACCA and CPA belong to the same field which is accounting and finance, there is quite a difference between them. On one hand, ACCA is a globally recognized course attracting employers from over 180 countries, and CPA is mainly recognized in the US. As CPA focuses more on the US GAAP Principles and Standards it becomes extremely difficult for students to focus if they are not at all familiar with the US standards.

ACCA is quite popular in India as well, but as CPA is focused in the US its aspirants are restricted.

ACCA vs CPA in India

In India, both the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualifications are recognized and valued in the accounting and finance industry, but they serve different purposes and have distinct areas of focus.

ACCA is an internationally recognized qualification that covers a broad spectrum of accounting topics, including international financial reporting standards (IFRS), management accounting, taxation, and auditing. It provides a comprehensive understanding of global accounting principles and practices, making it suitable for professionals aspiring to work in multinational companies or pursue opportunities abroad.

On the other hand, CPA is a designation primarily focused on U.S. accounting principles and regulations. While CPA is not as widely recognized in India as ACCA, it can still be valuable for professionals working in Indian companies with international operations or seeking to specialize in U.S. accounting standards.

In terms of recognition and opportunities within India, ACCA may have a slight edge due to its broader international focus and recognition. However, the choice between ACCA and CPA ultimately depends on individual career goals, industry preferences, and personal interests. Both qualifications offer valuable credentials and can open doors to rewarding career opportunities in the accounting and finance sector in India and beyond.

Conclusion

Both ACCA and CPA offer valuable credentials for professionals in the accounting and finance fields. The choice between the two depends on individual career goals, geographical location, and areas of specialization. While ACCA provides a broader international focus and flexibility in career paths, CPA offers a strong foundation in U.S. GAAP and regulatory frameworks. Ultimately, individuals should carefully assess their aspirations and the requirements of their desired career paths to determine which qualification best suits their needs.

Highlights In ACCA vs CPA, both of the courses have the potential of promising career opportunities, but they differ in various aspects which include focus areas, exam structures, global recognition, and much more.Both the courses belong to the same domain of auditing, finance and accountancy, but they differ in terms of course structure, course duration, eligibility as well as the expected salary after the course is completed.

ACCA vs CPA FAQs

Q1. What are the main differences between ACCA and CPA?

Ans. The key difference between ACCA and CPA is that ACCA is globally recognized in over 180 different countries, whereas CPA is designed to focus mainly on the United States. Also, ACCA has a broader scope where various areas of accounting are focused and CPA focuses only on the U.S. GAAP and other regulatory requirements.

Q2. Which certification is more suitable for a career in auditing?

Ans. As far as career is concerned, it is said that both ACCA and CPA-qualified students have the potential to pursue very promising careers, but somehow CPA is given more preference as it focuses on U.S. regulations and so building a career in the U.S. becomes very easy.

Q3. Are there any prerequisites for pursuing an ACCA or CPA?

Ans. The requirements for pursuing a CPA are more as compared to pursuing ACCA. For taking up ACCA, students need to clear certain exams, and for CPA a bachelor’s degree with clearance of Uniform CPA Examination is needed.

Q4. Which certification is more widely recognized internationally?

Ans. ACCA is recognized in over 180 countries worldwide, making it highly valuable for professionals seeking international career opportunities. CPA is primarily recognized in the United States but may also hold value in some international markets.

Q5. Can I pursue both ACCA and CPA simultaneously?

Ans. While it’s technically possible to pursue both certifications, it may require significant time and effort due to the differences in exam content and focus areas. Individuals should carefully consider their career goals and the feasibility of pursuing both qualifications simultaneously.