CPA

Both CPA and ACCA are premier accounting degrees from the USA and UK, respectively. Both are equivalent to the CA qualification in India. The Key difference between CPA and ACCA is the GAAP they specialize in. CPAs are considered experts in USGAAP (used by companies listed on NYSE), while ACCAs work with UK GAAP (used by companies listed on LSE). Both accountants are considered equally well versed with IFRS (widely used in Europe). Another major comparison point is the number of exams, while ACCA has up to 16 subjective style exams, CPA only has 4 objective style exams. ACCA may take multiple years to complete, whereas most people can complete CPA in one year. However, this difference in style of testing doesn't result in a difference in salary. Both accountants get paid comparably and being a CA on top, surely adds value.

CFA or Chartered Financial Analyst is a credential that is offered as a part of the CFA programme. Apart from being a programme which is recognised globally, CFA provides its holders with a strong foundation of skills in investment analysis, portfolio management as well as the practical knowledge that a candidate would require in the present day investment industry. Being a CFA holder makes you a part of this worldwide network of professionals who believe in following professional and ethical standards of the highest degree. Clearing all three levels of this examination doesn't just land you the Certificate but it is also a testament to your professional qualities. The chartered finance analyst programme is a certification (https://www.imarticus.org/financial-analysis-prodegree/) from the CFA Institute. It is a globally regarded certification. It is essentially a self-study methodology, graduate level programme for professionals who want to pursue a career in investment. A person coming out of any discipline or academics can pursue the CFA programme. Applications to the programme are usually from students and undergraduates to an early professional who intent to get a boost to their career. Although it is important to note that just getting a certification will not guarantee the same. Passing all the three exams of CFA in itself is a very daunting job when compared to the efforts and commitment of the time required as against other management programs like the MBA. In fact, there are many MBA pass outs and CAs who join CFA to get into core investment banking jobs. CFA gives a great technical grounding and offers broad-based scopes suitable for investment banking, research analyst, equity research and portfolio management. The CFA course focuses on ethics, portfolio management, accounting, corporate finance, fixed income and equity investments, so basically if one does not have a very specific choice but needs to build their career in the field of finance then they should opt for the CFA certification as it is broad-based, opening many career opportunities. Passing a CFA Exam shows that the person pursuing the same has the ability to show commitment, tenacity, comes across as a professional with resilience, and rigour. In addition to the learnings from the course, the charter holders are also considered internationally mobile as well due to their association with the global professional network.