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ACCA vs CA: Which Course Is Better for Global Career Opportunities?

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ACCA vs CA: Which Course Is Better for Global Career Opportunities?

Posted by NIFM
13-Jan-26 01:06PM

Financial career planning is critically important to students in the world of finance in India. Currently, there is growing interest in both Chartered Accountancy (CA) and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualifications. In 2026, as India continues to integrate more and more into global markets, the CA vs ACCA Debate will continue to grow and intensify.


These two designations carry much weight in our profession, but not for the same type of career ambitions. Will you choose a designation that represents the "Gold Standard" of Auditing in India (CA), or do you want a designation that allows you to work for Employers in 180+ countries (ACCA)? This guide takes a look at Global Recognition of the ACCA, Comparing CA vs ACCA Salaries, and Career Trajectories of Each Designation, with the intention of guiding your decision in this area.

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What is CA (ICAI)?

The Chartered Accountancy designation is available through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and is the most respected designation for Accounting in India. Because of CA's Indian Focus, a majority of the coursework is focused on taxation, technology, corporate laws, and auditing standards applicable to India.


The CA has the exclusive right to sign Audited Financial Statements in India, and therefore, the salary for CAs in India in 2026 remains competitive with similar professionals worldwide. However, as most of the coursework for a CA is based on Indian laws and focuses, they are also less likely than ACCA to find immediate opportunities working overseas. 


If you are specifically looking to work with the Indian Regulatory Authorities, read our guide to learning more about The Role of the Reserve Bank of India in the Indian Economy.

What is ACCA (UK)?

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), a worldwide organisation founded in the UK, is sometimes referred to as Global CA. ACCA has a strong emphasis on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and on management accounting.


Unlike the more structured approach to studying for the CA qualification provided by the ICAI, ACCA has a modular structure which enables students to study for and sit their exams individually, instead of in groups. In addition, this focus on Strategic Leadership and Strategic Thinking makes ACCA a viable option for many students looking to work with Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and multinational companies.

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Comparative Analysis: Side-by-Side

When it comes to comparing ACCA against CA 2026, the differences in structure and global presence are striking.


Feature

Chartered Accountancy (CA)

ACCA (UK)

Governing Body

ICAI (India)

ACCA (Global/UK)

Primary Focus

Indian GAAP, Tax, Audit, Law

IFRS, Management Accounting, Strategic Finance

Exam Structure

Group-wise (Passing all in a group is mandatory)

Paper-wise (Modular flexibility)

Global Recognition

Primarily India & countries with MOUs

180+ countries worldwide

Passing Rate

Generally 5% - 15%

Generally 40% - 50%

Statutory Power

High (Can sign Indian Audits)

Limited in India (Cannot sign audits)


Both ACCA and CA require the applicant to understand how to analyse financial statements. For further detailed information on the technical elements of this area, please refer to our article that explains how to analyse a Company's Balance Sheet.

The "Global Opportunity" Deep Dive

If your objective is to gain an international qualification in accounting, ACCA is likely to provide you with more options.


  • Career Opportunities: ACCA qualified professionals are in high demand across many countries, such as the UK, Canada and the majority of Middle Eastern countries, where ACCA qualified individuals receive remuneration similar to CA qualified individuals.

  • MNCs in India: In addition to the high level of global esteem granted to CA qualified personnel, ACCA qualified individuals are also experiencing an increase in demand from leading MNCs such as Deloitte, KPMG, Ernst & Young and will likely continue to in the future.

  • Knowledge Base: The CA gives you knowledge about the unique intricacies that exist in the Indian market, while the ACCA gives you that same understanding, but from a more international perspective. If you are studying for your technical papers, we have a resource available on Financial Reporting with the ACCA that may be helpful for you.

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Salary & ROI in 2026

The Return on Investment (ROI) for both the CA and ACCA courses will be very good; however, if you compare salaries for each, the salary for the CA will vary according to the types of positions someone has, while ACCA salaries will also vary, but tend to be lower to start out, and rise much faster in MNCs.


  • CA Salary in India 2026: A fresher CA can expect to earn anywhere between ?8 lakh and ?12 lakh per annum (LPA), depending on the firm.

  • ACCA Salary in India 2026: A fresher ACCA will typically earn an average starting salary between Rs. 6 lakh and Rs. 9 lakh per annum. That said, MNCs offer a tremendous growth opportunity for those with ACCA qualifications.


While CAs often earn higher starting salaries due to statutory rights, ACCA holders will often reach comparable salaries quickly due to their ability to transition into FP&A or Global Taxation roles.

The "Smart" Path: Can You Do Both?

One of the common questions prospective ACCA candidates ask is, "Can I do ACCA after completing CA Inter?" Yes! This is the smartest route to take!


  • Exemptions - When you complete your CA program, you will be eligible for up to nine exemptions. This means that as an ACCA candidate, you would only need to pass four professional-level papers in order to obtain a global qualification.

  • Skill Set - When you have the combination of being a CA with your experience in India and the ACCA's global standard, you are going to be able to call yourself an Unbeatable Global Auditor.


If you are looking to expand your financial portfolio options into personal wealth management, you may want to consider how to become a certified Financial Planner in India for your career path.

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Conclusion

The decision of ACCA vs CA should depend on where you wish to build your career.


  • Choose CA if you would like to work in India, file taxes in India, or be employed by traditional Indian accounting firms. To learn more about how to properly file taxes in India, see our post regarding know everything about Tax Deduction at Source (TDS).

  • Choose ACCA if you have plans to work for a Fortune 500 Company, want to work overseas, or would like flexibility in your exam schedule while working.


Both options have the potential to lead you into a successful career in finance. The option you choose will ultimately depend on your goals for where you want to be in five years – an Indian firm or a global office.

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