CA or ACCA: Which is Better?
CA vs ACCA: Those planning a career in accounting must choose the course wisely. CA and ACCA are two most popular accounting courses. Check here difference between CA and ACCA. Also know which course is suitable for whom.
Which is Better?
For an individual planning a career in the field of Accounting; the obvious choice is CA or ACCA. Chartered Accountancy or CA is a popular profession in India and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants or ACCA qualification is its international counterpart. While CA is already popular in India, ACCA is fast gaining popularity among domestic aspirants. In this article, we have shared all about CA vs ACCA to help accounting aspirants in choosing the course best suited for their skill, interest and career goal.
- CA vs ACCA: Overview
- What is CA?
- What is ACCA?
- CA or ACCA: Difference Between CA and ACCA
- CA Salary and Career Option
- ACCA Salary and Career Option
- CA or ACCA: Which is better?
CA vs ACCA: Overview
To the question ‘CA or ACCA: Which is better?’, there is no absolute answer. Both CA and ACCA are recognized by competent authorities, have a curriculum that trains and equips one in key aspects of accounting and provide well-paying jobs. The basic difference between the two is:
Chartered Accountant or CA is conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), which is the official authority in India to also regulate the profession. One can practice CA as a profession in India only after being certified by the ICAI. CA course is ideal for those planning a career in accounting in India
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants or ACCA is a global qualification (UK) recognized in over 180 countries. ACCA is suitable for individuals planning a career in accounting at global level.
What is CA?
CA course structure is divided into three levels – CA Foundation, CA Intermediate and CA Final. One has to clear all three levels to be certified as a Chartered Accountant. The minimum passing marks in 40% in individual papers and 50% overall. Since the course is of high difficulty, multiple attempts are allowed to clear each course level. Given below is the overview of CA course.
| CA course |
Number of papers |
Topics |
|---|---|---|
| CA Foundation |
Four papers |
1.Accounting 2. Business Laws 3. Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning 4. Business Economics |
| CA Intermediate |
Six papers |
Group 1: 1. Advanced Accounting 2. Corporate and Other Laws 3. Taxation Group 2: 1. Cost and Management Accounting 2. Auditing and Ethics 3. Financial Management & Ethics Management |
| CA Final |
Six papers |
Group 1 1. Financial Reporting 2. Advanced Financial Management 3. Advanced Auditing, Assurance and Professional Ethics Group 2 1. Direct Tax Laws & International Taxation 2. Indirect Tax Laws 3. Integrated Business Solutions (Multidisciplinary Case Study with Strategic Management) |
Also Read: How to become a CA in India?
What is ACCA?
ACCA Course Structure is also divided into three levels – Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills and Strategic Professional. To pursue ACCA course, one needs to have completed at least high school. Candidates get upto 9 concessions based on their academic qualification like graduation, post graduation, CA Inter, etc. Based on your prior academic qualifications, if you are pursuing ACCA after graduation, CA Inter, M.com etc. candidates can get up to 9 exemptions. Minimum requirement for clearing an ACCA level is passing the subjects.
| ACCA Course |
Exam Level |
Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Knowledge |
Level 1 |
1. Business and Technology (BT) 2. Management Accounting (MA) 3. Financial Accounting (FA) |
| Applied Skills |
Level 2 |
1. Corporate and Business Law (LW) 2. Performance Management (PM) 3. Taxation (TX) 4. Financial Reporting (FR) 5. Audit and Assurance (AA) 6. Financial Management (FM) |
| Strategic Professional |
Level 3 |
1. Strategic Business Leader (SBL) 2. Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) Optional (any 2) 1. Advanced Financial Management (AFM) 2. Advanced Performance Management (APM) 3. Advanced Taxation (ATX) 4. Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA) |
Also Read: ACCA subjects and syllabus
CA or ACCA: Difference Between CA and ACCA
While both courses are similar in terms of skill enhancement and training, individual choose between the two considering their career goals. Check below a comparative table indicating basic difference between CA and ACCA.
| Particulars |
CA |
ACCA |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification body |
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants UK |
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India |
| Eligibility |
Class 12 pass or graduation |
Class 10 pass, Class 12 pass, graduation, post graduation, CA Intermediate, CA/CMA (5+ years of experience) |
| Scope |
Domestic |
International |
| Course structure |
13 exams |
Three levels – Foundation, Intermediate, Final |
| Practical experience |
3 years of practical experience |
2.5 to 3 years of practical training |
| Duration |
3-4 years |
3-5 years |
| Job roles |
Tax Consultant, Internal Auditor Statutory Auditor, Audit Manager, Financial Advisor, Corporate Accountant, CFO
|
Tax Advisor, Financial Analyst, Business Advisor, Management Accountant, Risk Management, Auditing, Forensic Accounting, CFO
|
| Average salary (starting) |
INR 6 to 8 LPA |
INR 6 to 8 LPA |
| Difficulty level |
High |
Low |
| Recognition |
Domestic |
Global (180+ countries) |
| Exam flexibility |
Have to retake exam of entire course group |
Can retake exam only in failed subject |
| Passing percentage |
Low |
High |
CA Salary and Career Option
The average CA salary in India for freshers ranges between INR 6 to 8 lakh per annum. Experienced professionals earn in the range of INR 11 to 15 lakh per annum. Having own CA firm or partnership can lead to much higher annual income (potential earning of INR 40 lakh to 1 crore). After gaining the CA degree from the ICAI, one can opt to take up a job in finance/audit firms or have independent practice. Most CA qualifying candidates aim to work for the Big 4 - Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY) and Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG).
CA Job Profiles:
- Tax Consultant
- Internal Auditor
- Statutory Auditor
- Audit Manager
- Financial Advisor
- Corporate Accountant
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
ACCA Salary and Career Option
ACCA salary globally can range between USD 40,000 to 1 lakh per annum. In India, the average salary for ACCA starts from INR 6 lakh. At mid level, one can expect ACCA salary INR 10-20 lakh per annum and at senior level the potential earning is up to INR 30 lakh per annum. Compensation offered by the Big 4 can be even higher, depending on experience and specialization.
ACCA Job Profiles:
- Tax Advisor
- Financial Analyst
- Business Advisor
- Management Accountant
- Risk Management
- Auditing
- Forensic Accounting
- CFO
CA or ACCA: Which is better?
The answer to this questions lies in the individual's qualification and aspirantion. If an individual plans to make a career in accounting internationally then they should opt for ACCA. If a candidate wishes to make a career in accounting in India or practice as a Chartered Accountant in India, them they should opt for CA. Apart from global exposure, oen must also evaluate flexibility, course structure, cost and skill requirement for CA and ACCA, and choose the one that suits them the best.
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