For students exploring a career in finance, understanding the salary comparison between CA and ACCA is essential. In India, a fresher Chartered Accountant (CA) typically earns between ₹7 to ₹9 lakhs per annum, while an ACCA-qualified fresher can expect an annual salary ranging from ₹6 to ₹8 lakhs. Salaries increase with skills and experience. Students often ask, CA and ACCA, which is better? The answer depends on job goals. Let us compare both in detail now.
CA vs ACCA Salary: Which Pays More in 2025?
Choosing between CA and ACCA can be confusing. The main difference lies in the location where you plan to work. CAs are best for Indian jobs. ACCAs are better for global careers. The average CA salary in India is slightly higher than the ACCA salary in India, but globally, ACCAs may earn more. The ACCA vs CA salary comparison depends on company type, job role, and country.
Recognition of CA and ACCA in India and Abroad
CA is a top-level course in India. Indian companies know this course very well. ACCA is famous outside India. It is accepted in 180 countries. When comparing the professional recognition of these two accounting qualifications, it’s clear both hold substantial value.The recognition is equal in value but depends on the region. Indian jobs prefer CA, while foreign jobs prefer ACCA. Both are good for finance careers.
Demand in the Indian Market
In India, every company needs CAs. They handle tax, audit, and company law. ACCAs are hired by global companies working in India. The ACCA vs CA job opportunities differ by industry. For Indian laws, companies hire CAs. For global rules like IFRS, they hire ACCAs. Big cities offer more ACCA jobs due to MNCs.
Global Opportunities Comparison
CAs can work abroad but must pass local exams. ACCAs do not need new exams in many countries. They get jobs in the UK, UAE, and Singapore. The ACCA vs CA for international jobs shows that ACCA is better for working abroad. If students want global careers, ACCA is a better choice.
Duration and Completion Rate Impact on Salary
CA takes around 5 years and is very tough. Many students fail in the CA exams. ACCA is easier and takes around 3 years. The CA and ACCA duration is shorter for ACCA. Faster completion means earlier jobs. This gives ACCA a salary edge early in the career. The CA and ACCA pass rate is higher for ACCA, making it a quicker choice.
Final Verdict on Pay in 2025
In India, CA salaries are higher than ACCA. However, in other countries, ACCAs earn more. The future of both ACCA and CA depends on goals. For Indian roles, CA is best. For global jobs, ACCA is better. Both courses give good pay but differ by market.
Salary Trends for CA and ACCA Professionals in India
Salary growth shows how a career pays over time. Both CA and ACCA salaries have grown in India. More companies now need finance professionals. The ACCA vs CA salary in india changes every year. Both careers offer good money and growth if you stay updated with skills.
Historical Growth of CA Salaries
CA salaries have gone up a lot in the last 10 years. In 2010, CA freshers earned around ₹5 lakhs. In 2025, they earn ₹9 lakhs. This growth is due to the high demand for CAs in India. Companies need them for taxes and audits. The CA vs ACCA salary shows CA leading in India.
Historical Growth of ACCA Salaries
ACCA salaries have also grown, especially in cities like Bangalore and Mumbai. In 2015, fresh ACCAs earned ₹4 lakhs. Now, in 2025, they get ₹6–8 lakhs. The ACCA vs CA salary comparison shows ACCA closing the gap. More MNCs now hire ACCAs, pushing their pay up.
Impact of Experience
With more experience, both get better salaries. A CA with 10 years of experience can earn ₹30 lakhs. An ACCA with 10 years of experience can get ₹25 lakhs. The ACCA vs CA career growth is equal after 5–10 years. Companies pay more to those with good work records.
Influence of Skillsets
Skills increase salary for both. They earn more if a CA knows GST, finance tools, and data. If an ACCA knows IFRS and budgeting, they also earn more. Skills matter more than just the title. The more useful skills you have, the higher your salary will be.
Sectors with the Highest Salaries
CAs get high pay in banks, audit firms, and government jobs. ACCAs get high pay in MNCs and IT companies. In the CA vs ACCA scope, both are useful, but in different sectors. Pick a sector in which you’d like to grow faster in your career.
ACCA vs CA Salary: A Comparative Breakdown
The best way to compare is with numbers. Below is a salary table for BA and ACCA at different career stages. This will help students choose smartly.
| Parameter | CA (Chartered Accountant – India) | ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) |
| Starting Salary (India) | ₹6–₹8 LPA | ₹4–₹6 LPA |
| Average Salary (India) | ₹10–₹15 LPA | ₹6 – ₹10 LPA |
| Top-End Salary (India) | ₹30+ LPA (Big 4/ MNC CFO level) | ₹20+ LPA (Senior positions in MNCs) |
| Starting Salary (Abroad) | Limited opportunities without additional exams | £25,000–£35,000 in UK / SGD 3,500+ in Singapore |
| Average Global Salary | Varies; often needs local qualifications | £40,000–£60,000 in UK / AUD 70,000+ in Australia |
| Industries Hiring | Audit, Taxation, Finance, Government | Finance, Consulting, MNCs, Investment Banking |
| Top Recruiters | Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, Indian firms | HSBC, Barclays, Standard Chartered, Accenture, KPMG |
| Global Recognition | High in India, limited globally | Globally recognised in 180+ countries |
| Ease of Migration/Work Abroad | Requires local CA exams in most countries | High mobility; accepted in the UK, UAE, Singapore, Australia |
| Job Roles (Entry-Level) | Audit Associate, Tax Consultant, Analyst | Financial Analyst, Audit Associate, Accounts Executive |
| Job Roles (Senior) | CFO, Financial Controller, Tax Head | Finance Manager, Risk Manager, Global Reporting Head |
| Time to Qualify | 4–5 years typically | 2–3 years (with exemptions) |
| Flexibility in Career Switching | Moderate | High—Suitable for global finance, consulting, MNCs |
| Career Growth Rate | Fast in India | Fast globally, steady in India |
City-Wise Salary Differences
In Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata, CAs earn more due to firm demand. In Bangalore and Pune, ACCAs get higher pay because of MNCs. Salary depends on the city and industry type. Students must check job locations when planning their careers.
Company-Wise Comparisons
CA members earn well in Indian companies like SBI, LIC, and PSUs. ACCAs earn well in global firms like Deloitte, Shell, and Accenture. Job role matters a lot. Strategy and finance planning roles pay more for ACCAs.
Freelance Opportunities
CAs can freelance for GST, tax returns, and audit support. ACCAs can freelance in finance writing, budgeting, and IFRS consulting. Freelancing grows fast and helps build a client base for both.
Entry-Level vs Experienced Salary for CA and ACCA
When people start, their salary differs from what they get after years of work. The ACCA vs CA salary comparison changes over time. More years mean more pay. Let’s see how salaries grow over time.
Entry-Level Salaries
At the start, CA freshers get ₹7–9 lakhs annually. ACCA freshers get ₹6–8 lakhs. In Bangalore, ACCA freshers may get up to ₹10 lakhs in top MNCs. In smaller cities, the salary may be lower. First jobs help build skills and networks.
Mid-Level Salaries
With 5 years’ experience, CAs earn ₹15–20 lakhs. ACCAs earn ₹12–18 lakhs. Salaries rise fast if you switch jobs smartly. Mid-level roles include team leads and finance managers. This is the stage where career growth becomes faster.
Senior Level Salaries
After 10 years, a CA earns up to ₹30–40 lakhs. An ACCA can reach ₹25–35 lakhs in India. In global jobs, this is even higher. Roles include CFO, Head of Finance, and Directors. A good experience adds high value to the salary.
Comparison of Promotions and Raises
CAs in Indian firms get annual promotions based on exams and results. ACCAs in MNCs get appraisals based on skills and output. The structure differs. In both paths, innovative work and skills matter more than the years.
Job Stability at Each Level
CAs get stable jobs in banks and public firms. ACCAs get high-paying but fast-changing roles. If you like stability, CA is better. If you like speed and change, ACCA gives that. The future of ACCA vs. CA depends on lifestyle goals, too.
Which Offers Better Global Salary Potential: CA or ACCA?
The world is full of jobs, and many students want global work. The debate on the ACCA vs CA for international jobs often ends with ACCA winning. Let’s see why.
Global Recognition
ACCA is recognised in 180+ countries. ACCA allows you to work in the UK, Singapore, UAE, and even Canada. CA is respected too, but extra exams are needed to work abroad. So, if you want to go global, ACCA is better.
Pay in Foreign Countries
ACCA professionals earn £40,000–£100,000 annually in the UK. That is ₹40–₹100 lakhs. In the UAE, they earn tax-free salaries. CAs may need to clear the CPA in the USA or CA in Canada to get similar pay. So ACCA gives faster access to global wages.
Global Firms’ Preferences
Companies like Amazon, Shell, and HSBC prefer ACCAs. These firms deal with global rules like IFRS. ACCA training covers these in detail. That’s why ACCA vs CA recognition abroad favours ACCA. It fits global roles better.
Ease of Migration
ACCA makes it easier to move. Countries accept the certificate without further exams. CAs must prove knowledge of local laws. That takes time and effort. So ACCAs move faster to international roles.
Job Roles Available Abroad
Global jobs need finance planning, budgeting, and compliance officers. ACCAs fit these roles well. CAs fit better in the Indian audit and tax. Both are great but serve different goals. The choice depends on where you want to work.
CA vs ACCA: Industry Preferences and Salary Packages
Different companies prefer different skills. Let’s see who prefers CA and who prefers ACCA. The scope of CAa vs. ACCA also depends on the company.
Audit and Taxation Firms
These firms prefer CA. Indian laws and taxes are strict. CAs are trained in these. Audit firms need people who know the ICAI rules. So, CA is best for audit roles in India. ACCA may get jobs, but with limited signing power.
Global Consulting and Advisory
These firms prefer ACCA. They work with foreign clients. ACCA training helps in global laws and reports. Roles here include consultants, analysts, and advisors. ACCAs earn high salaries in these firms.
Technology and Start-Ups
Both CA and ACCA get jobs here. ACCAs fit into planning and finance roles. CAs handle tax and cost control. Start-ups need both, but for different jobs. If you know tech tools, your salary is higher.
Banking and Insurance
CAs get high pay in Indian banks and LIC-type firms. ACCAs get high pay in private banks and foreign banks like HSBC. Both earn well, but their roles differ. Risk, audit, and compliance are top jobs here.
Government and PSUs
Government jobs go to CAs. ACCAs are not valid for signing audits here. So for PSU roles, choose CA. ACCAs must look for private or global jobs. The ACCA vs CA recognition is limited in public employment.
CA vs ACCA Salary FAQs
1. What is the difference between CA and ACCA?
CA focuses on Indian law, tax, and audit. ACCA focuses on global finance, IFRS, and strategy. CA is better for Indian firms. ACCA is better for international jobs.
2. What is the CA vs ACCA duration?
CA takes 5 years with articleship. ACCA takes 3 years. ACCA has flexible exam options and higher pass rates.
3. What are the CA vs ACCA course fees?
CA costs ₹2–3 lakhs. ACCA costs ₹2.5–4 lakhs, including exam and coaching. ACCA can cost more if you study full-time.
4. Which is better: CA vs ACCA for commerce students?
CA is better for Indian jobs. ACCA is better for international careers. Both are good, depending on job goals.
5. What is the difference between ACCA and CA in the UK salary range?
In the UK, ACCAs earn £40,000–£100,000. CA needs conversion exams in the UK. ACCAs earn more in the UK without extra exams.
