ACCA, or the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, is not merely another accounting qualification — it’s a passport to a successful global career. With its demanding curriculum and respected reputation, ACCA is a beacon for those who want to fly high in the global finance world. After completing the ACCA course, the candidates can expect a good range of salaries globally. When someone qualifies for the course, the salary range ranges from £25,000 to £35,000 per year in the UK and around INR 6 lakhs in India. The salary increases as and when the experience of the individual increases, and also if the candidate gets enrolled in further courses. The exact salary depends on the location, industry, and size of the company the individual belongs to. The average salary for a qualified accountant in London is INR 48 lakhs and in India, it is between INR 19-30 lakhs.
What is ACCA?
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a world-renowned body of professional accountants. Present in more than 180 countries, ACCA has made its mark on the world map, molding the finance profession and building a community of exceptionally talented professionals. Its international stature speaks for itself, with employers globally actively searching for ACCA-qualified members to head their finance departments.
What is ACCA Average Salary in India?
An ACCA-qualified professional at an entry level typically makes good pay compared to other accounting certifications, with figures usually beginning from around ₹6-10 lakhs (in India) in the annual range.As ACCA associates gain experience and become fully qualified ACCA members, they receive higher incomes. On average, an Indian ACCA member’s salary will fall between INR 6 lakhs to INR 15 lakhs every year. Since the Indian economy is growing and financial rules are getting more complicated, the demand for professional accountants with ACCA credentials has also increased. The salary can escalate further depending upon years of service, specializations, and work as a manager.
ACCA Salary in India for Freshers
The freshly qualified ACCA individual’s salary ranges from 4-6 lakhs annually. These entry-level jobs hold significant potential for entry into finance and accounting, with room for salary increases as experience is gained. The high demand for ACCA-qualified professionals in India, from constantly growing business and corporate landscapes and intricate financial vistas, makes it one of the best professional qualifications to secure an unshakeable foundation for your career. The salary depends on industry, company size, job location, etc. Candidates qualifying for ACCA can expect a higher salary than those in the other courses belonging to the same field in multinationals across India. There are multiple job opportunities for ACCA freshers.
ACCA Jobs | Expected Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Accountant | INR 2.2 LPA – 4.1 LPA |
| Accounts Assistant | INR 1.3 LPA – 4.2 LPA |
| Financial Analyst | INR 4.6 LPA-19 LPA |
| Financial Manager | INR 5.8 LPA-12 LPA |
| Finance Manager | INR 5.8 LPA- 12 LPA |
Salary After ACCA | India Vs Abroad? 1 Cr PA ? | ACCA Jobs and Salaries 2024
ACCA Salary Based on Experience
The salary path indicates the demanding nature of ACCA qualifications and their critical position as organizations navigate increasingly complex financial environments, with remuneration levels reflecting expertise in finance and commercial skills. The members’ roles, worth, and recognition give them high-salary member types, which can be seen in escalations through salary scales from year to year. Salary after ACCA heavily depends on experience level, the details of which are stated below.
Entry-Level (0-2 Years of Experience)
For entry-level roles, the wage brackets ₹6 to 10 lakhs per annum. When ACCA members gain experience, they can boost their salaries greatly. The salary range for entry-level employees after ACCA in various countries is as follows:
| Country | Fee |
|---|---|
| UK | £25,000 – £35,000 per year |
| USA | $50,000 – $65,000 per year |
| India | ₹300,000 – ₹600,000 per year |
| Middle East | AED 120,000 – AED 180,000 per year |
Mid-Level (3-7 Years of Experience)
Mid-level professionals with 3 to 5 years of experience can expect salaries ranging from ₹12 to ₹20 lakhs per annum in India. The expected salary range for mid-level employees after ACCA is below for reference.
| Country | Fee |
|---|---|
| UK | £40,000 – £65,000 per year |
| USA | $70,000 – $100,000 per year |
| India | ₹700,000 – ₹1,500,000 per year |
| Middle East | AED 200,000 – AED 350,000 per year |
Senior-Level (8+ Years of Experience)
Professionals in senior roles or with extensive expertise may earn ₹20 to ₹35 lakhs or more annually. The expected salary range for the senior level after ACCA has been mentioned below.
| Country | Fee |
|---|---|
| UK | £70,000 – £120,000+ per year |
| USA | $110,000 – $150,000+ per year |
| India | ₹1,800,000 – ₹3,500,000 per year |
| Middle East | AED 400,000 – AED 600,000+ per year |
Specialized Roles
Professionals transition to specialized fields (such as forensic accounting or financial risk management) or pursue strategic consulting roles (some of the highest in demand); their salaries typically increase due to the advanced skills and more profound professional knowledge required. Normally, the per annum salary for such specialized roles starts from ₹15-30 LPA upwards to as high as ₹35 lakhs (all numbers depend on your work experience and what job level you join.) This premium indicates the fundamental importance of these roles for business strategy, compliance and financial integrity. They are well-paid positions because of the degree they underpin in an industry. The salary is also dependent on the roles people take on. The details are stated below.
Financial Controller
A financial controller with ACCA credentials annual salary is between ₹15 to ₹30 lakhs. The range of salaries can be very broad depending on how large the company is, what industry it’s in, and geographically where this specific role lies. For senior financial controllers or individuals working at reputed MNCs, ACCAs can demand salaries of more than ₹35 lakhs per annum, indicating how proficient and specialized this Scottish associate professional course is in the strategic financial domain. The salary of the financial controller has been stated below.
| Country | Fee |
|---|---|
| UK | £60,000 – £100,000 per year |
| USA | $90,000 – $130,000 per year |
| India | ₹1,200,000 – ₹2,500,000 per year |
| Middle East | AED 300,000 – AED 500,000 per year |
Finance Director
A Finance Director with an ACCA qualification can earn a salary ranging from ₹25 lakhs to ₹50 lakhs p.a. The actual range will depend on the organization’s size, industry, and role location. Salaries in these top financial leadership roles can go up to ₹50 lpa and more, especially if we consider larger multinational companies or high-growth sectors, indicating the inherent value ACCA accreditation provides for such aspirational profiles.
| Country | Fee |
|---|---|
| UK | £90,000 – £150,000 per year |
| USA | $130,000 – $200,000 per year |
| India | ₹2,500,000 – ₹5,000,000 per year |
| Middle East | AED 500,000 – AED 800,000 per year |
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
CFOs with ACCA typically earn between ₹40 lakhs to 75 Lakhs per annum. However, that range can be wide, depending on the company’s size, the industry, and the geographic location. CFOs in top MNCs or lucrative industries can draw salaries north of ₹75 lakhs per annum, which further underlines the importance played by ACCA professionals in shaping and driving finances for big corporations.
| Country | Fee |
|---|---|
| UK | £120,000 – £200,000 per year |
| USA | $150,000 – $250,000 per year |
| India | ₹3,500,000 – ₹7,000,000 per year |
| Middle East | AED 600,000 – AED 1,200,000 per year |
Factors Affecting ACCA Salary
Salaries can also vary based on the industry in which an ACCA professional works:
- Banking and Financial Services: Typically, salaries are higher due to the complexity and scale of financial operations.
- Public Practice: Competitive salaries with potential for rapid career progression.
- Corporate Sector: Varies widely, with multinational corporations paying more than smaller firms.
- Public Sector and Non-Profit: Generally lower than the private sector but can offer other benefits such as job security and work-life balance.
Experience
An ACCA professional’s salary is not a fixed value. It’s susceptible to a range of factors that can cause considerable differences. Experience is one of the main determinants of earning capacity. This is how experience can determine the salary scenario for ACCA professionals:
Entry-Level (0-3 years)
Starting Salaries: New ACCA affiliates generally begin with lower pay since they are still accumulating practical experience.
Range: Entry-level ACCA professionals in India can get anywhere from INR 4-8 lakhs per annum, depending on the sector and city.
Mid-Level Experience (3-7 years)
Salary Boost: ACCA professionals can enjoy a great salary boost as they transition to jobs with increased responsibility after working for a number of years.
Range: Salaries can shoot up to INR 10-20 lakhs per annum, particularly those who have transitioned into management or specialized areas.
Senior-Level Experience (8+ years)
Leadership Positions: ACCA professionals with long experience tend to be in senior management positions, and these are associated with a hefty pay increase.
Range: Here, the pay can vary between INR 20 lakhs and more than INR 30 lakhs per annum. For executives who are in executive positions like CFO, the limit can be quite high, frequently going beyond INR 50 lakhs.
Geographic Variations
Like any other professional, the salary of an ACCA professional is highly impacted by the location in which one practices. Major cities like London, New York, Dubai, etc., can offer more packages than smaller cities worldwide. Check out the table below for salary and job profile of ACCA in India.
| City | Average Salary (Junior Posts) | Senior Posts Salary Range | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | INR 6-12 lakhs per year | INR 20 lakhs to more than INR 30 lakhs per year | Financial powerhouse of India |
| Delhi | INR 5-10 lakhs per year | INR 18-28 lakhs per year | Vast economic and industrial base |
| Bangalore | INR 5.5-11 lakhs per year | INR 19-30 lakhs per year | Hub of tech firms and startups |
| Hyderabad | INR 5-9 lakhs per year | INR 17-27 lakhs per year | Emerging global business presence |
These are approximate figures and will differ according to demand for ACCA professionals in each city, the sectors that dominate there, and the size and global presence of the firms operating there.
Industry
Various industries may provide different compensation packages as a result of their differential economic realities, profitability, and demand for specialized financial knowledge.
| Industry | Salary Range (Freshers/Junior Roles) | Salary Range (Senior Roles) | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services and Banking | INR 6-15 lakhs per annum | INR 20 lakhs to more than INR 40 lakhs per annum | High-paying roles in investment banking & financial analysis |
| Oil & Gas/Energy | INR 7-16 lakhs per annum | INR 22-45 lakhs per annum | Capital-intensive industry with high revenue potential |
| Information Technology (IT) & Software Services | INR 5-12 lakhs per annum | INR 18-35 lakhs per annum | High global demand and international operations |
| Manufacturing | INR 5-10 lakhs per annum | INR 18-30 lakhs per annum | Salary varies based on company size & global reach |
| Consulting | INR 8-14 lakhs per annum | INR 25-50 lakhs per annum | Strategy & management consulting firms offer high salaries |
Company Size
The size of a company may significantly affect the salary of ACCA professionals, as larger companies usually have greater resources to provide better compensation packages and extra benefits.
Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
- Entry-Level: INR 3-6 lakhs per annum.
- Mid-Level: INR 7-14 lakhs per annum.
- Senior-Level: INR 15-25 lakhs per annum.
Large Companies
- Entry-Level: INR 5-10 lakhs per annum.
- Mid-Level: INR 12-24 lakhs per annum.
- Senior-Level: INR 25-50 lakhs per year.
Multinational Corporations (MNCs) and Big Four Accounting Firms
- Entry-Level: INR 6-12 lakhs per year.
- Mid-Level: INR 15-30 lakhs per year.
- Senior-Level: INR 35- 50+ lakhs per year.
Smaller firms can pay lower starting salaries but can offer other advantages like more intimate working relationships, a wider range of work, and quicker career advancement because of less hierarchical organizations.
ACCA vs CFA vs US CPA vs US CMA Salary
The salary of ACCA, CFA, US CPA, and US CMA professionals is differentiated by experience, location, and industry. The CFA professionals are typically best paid for their investment management skills, followed by US CPA and US CMA, while the ACCA remuneration is competitive in finance and accounting jobs across the world.
| Qualification | Entry-Level Salary (INR) | Mid-Level Salary (INR) | Senior-Level Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA | 5-12 LPA | 12-25 LPA | 25-50+ LPA |
| CFA | 8-18 LPA | 18-35 LPA | 35-60+ LPA |
| US CPA | 7-15 LPA | 15-30 LPA | 30-50+ LPA |
| US CMA | 6-14 LPA | 14-28 LPA | 28-45+ LPA |
Conclusion
After qualifying for the ACCA course, the individual can start a promising career in accounting and finance in India. Fresh ACCA graduates can typically expect starting salaries ranging from ₹4 lakh to ₹6 lakh per annum. The salary potential increases considerably with experience, industry specialization, and the addition of further certifications. Overall, an ACCA credential offers a strong starting salary and substantial opportunities for career growth and financial advancement. ACCA salary for freshers is the information that every ACCA candidate should know.
Salary for ACCA FAQs
What is the average starting salary for an ACCA fresher in India?
The average salary of an ACCA fresher in India is between ₹4 lakh and ₹6 lakh per year.
How does the industry impact the salary of an ACCA professional in India?
The salary can be impacted by the industry specification, e.g., the finance and technology sectors, as compared to the other sectors.
Do larger cities in India offer higher salaries for ACCA professionals?
Like any other career option, for ACCA career options as well, the bigger cities offer better salary structures and living standards.
How much can an ACCA professional in India expect to earn after gaining a few years of experience?
After a few years of experience, a professional can earn anything between ₹8 lakh to ₹12 lakh per year, depending on their role and the industry.
Are there additional certifications or skills to boost an ACCA professional’s salary in India?
Yes, additional certifications such as CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), CPA (Certified Public Accountant), or specialized skills in financial analysis, data analytics, or corporate finance can significantly boost an ACCA professional’s salary and career prospects.
