Which is Better CA Or ACCA? Step-by-Step Comparison

Exclusive Scholarship

Let's Convert CGPA to Percentage

Shishir
Management

After the launch of GST in 2017, the demand for Chartered Accounts increased. And courses like CA and ACCA are coming in trend.

Students who have completed their 12^th and have a strong foundation in accountancy and Finance consider these courses after 10+2 as there are many exciting opportunities after 12^th in the finance and accounting sector.

After completing your education, you can try your luck in courses like CA and ACCA. Both the courses are related to managing finance and demand an extensive knowledge of taxation and money management.

Below, we will discuss both the courses and figure out Which Is Better, CA Or ACCA? So that you can choose the one that suits you best.

What Is A CA Course?

The full form of CA is Chartered Accountant. Chartered Accountancy is a 5-year professional course, that provides knowledge in subjects like accounting, auditing, taxation, and finance. The CA course is among the most challenging courses to pursue in India. The course has three levels i.e. Foundation, Intermediate, and Final.

Chartered Accountant is a globally recognised profession because of the expertise in financial management, tax planning, and compliance with financial regulations. The Chartered Accountant degree is awarded by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) once you have passed all the levels of this course.

What Is An ACCA Course?

The full form of the ACCA is the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. ACCA course is a global accounting qualification that covers topics like accounting, auditing, tax, and financial management. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) offers this course and the degree is recognized in over 180 countries. It has three levels i.e. Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional.

This flexible course allows you to study at your own pace while managing your personal life. You may get exemptions if you already have some qualifications, which can shorten the course. After completing the course, you’ll be ready for accounting jobs in companies worldwide.

CA Or ACCA: Overview

Particulars	CA	ACCA
Full-Form	Chartered Accountant	Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
Offered by	Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)	Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
Focus	Indian accounting, taxation, auditing, and financial laws	International accounting standards, finance, and management
Recognition	Primarily in India	Recognized in over 180 countries worldwide
Eligibility	Requires completing the Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels	Open to students from various backgrounds; flexible entry requirements
Duration	Generally 3-4 years (depending on pace and exams)	Flexible duration; typically 3-4 years, depending on exemptions
Career Opportunities	Focus on roles in India (audit, tax consultancy, etc.)	Global opportunities in accounting, finance, auditing, and management

ACCA or CA: Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria For CA

The CA course eligibility criteria as per the levels are as follows:

CA Course Levels	Eligibility Criteria
Level 1: CA Foundation	Candidate must have cleared 12th from a recognized board in India.
	A Commerce student needs a minimum of 50% marks.
	A Non-commerce needs a minimum of 55% marks.
Level 2: CA Intermediate	Candidate must have cleared CA Foundation (unless direct entry).
	Graduated candidates in the commerce stream must have scored a minimum of 55% marks in their graduation degree.
	Graduated candidates in the non-commerce stream must have scored at least 60% marks in their graduation degree.
Level 3: Article ship	Candidates must have completed one of the two groups of CA Intermediate.
	Must have Undergone ICITSS training.
	For direct entry, articleship starts with inter-registration.
Level 4: CA Final	Candidates must have cleared both groups of CA Intermediate.
Level 4: CA Final	Students must have completed 2.5 years of practical training.

Eligibility Criteria For ACCA

Candidates must have obtained at least 50% in their 10+2 mark sheet.
Additionally, candidates must obtain at least 65% in mathematics, English and accountancy.
If a candidate does not meet the above requirement, then he/she needs to pursue and finish the foundation in ACCA diploma.
Candidates must be 18 years old while applying for the exam.

CA Vs ACCA: Syllabus

CA Course

CA Foundation

CA Intermediate

CA Final

1. Accounting

2. Business Law

3. Quantitative Aptitude

Business Mathematics
Logical Reasoning
Statistics

4. Business Economics

1. Advanced Accounting

2. Corporate and Other Laws

3. Taxation

Income Tax Law
Goods and Service Tax

4. Cost and Management Accounting

5. Auditing and Ethics

6. Financial Management and Strategic Management

Finacial Management
Strategic Management

1. Financial Reporting

2. Advanced Financial Management

3. Advanced Auditing, Assurance and Professional Ethics

4. Direct Tax Laws & International Taxation

5. Indirect Tax Laws

6. Integrated Business Solutions

Corporate and Economic Laws
Strategic Cost & Performance Management

ACCA Course

Fundamental Level

Skills Level

Strategic Professionals Level

Business and Technology
Management Accounting
Financial Accounting

Corporate and Business Law

Performance Management

Taxation
Financial Reporting
Audit and Assurance
Financial Management

Strategic Business Leader
Strategic Business Reporting
Advanced Financial Management
Advanced Performance Management
Advanced Taxation
Advanced Audit and Assurance

ACCA Vs CA: Which Is Better?

Choose CA if

Choose ACCA if

You want to work only in India.
You are interested in auditing, taxation, and Indian financial regulations.
You aim to know more about Indian accounting laws and practices.
You are looking for a well-designed career path with clear stages
You want a degree that is highly respected within the Indian market.
You want to broaden your understanding of Indian laws, including GST, ITR, and other Indian tax systems.

You aim to work globally or with multinational companies.
You want a flexible study schedule that allows for self-paced learning.
You are interested in global accounting standards, financial management, and international taxation systems.
You want to make a career in finance management, risk management, or corporate governance across borders.
You are searching for a degree that is accepted globally.
You want to develop your career through international job opportunities.
You prefer a broader range of career paths, such as banking, corporate finance, and consulting.

CA Vs ACCA: Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities After CA

Career Path	Description
Auditor	They work as an external or internal auditor in various sectors in India.
Tax Consultant	They offer tax consulting services, specializing in GST, income tax, and corporate tax in India.
Financial Analyst	They analyze financial data and provide reports to help companies make informed decisions.
Corporate Finance	They manage financial strategies for companies in India, focusing on budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
Investment Banking	They help companies to raise capital, issue stocks, and manage mergers and acquisitions.
Teaching and Academics	They teach future accountants, auditors, and financial experts in educational institutions.

Career Opportunities After ACCA

Career Path	Description
Financial Accountant	They manage financial records and prepare financial statements for companies worldwide.
Management Accountant	They help businesses plan, control, and manage their finances, working across various industries globally.
Tax Consultant	They provide tax consulting services, including international tax regulations and cross-border compliance.
Audit and Assurance	They provide audit and assurance services to ensure companies comply with global accounting standards.
Corporate Finance	They work in mergers, acquisitions, financial modelling, and strategic financial planning in a global context.
Risk Management	They identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks for businesses globally.
Consulting	They advise businesses on financial strategies, performance improvement, and global compliance.

Conclusion

As India is becoming a popular market for Chartered accountants, courses like CA and ACCA are becoming popular constantly. Choosing between CA and ACCA is completely based on your career goals. If you plan to work only in India, then the CA course is perfect for you, and if you are looking for international opportunities, then the ACCA course is best.

While both courses offer knowledge in almost the same fields, their approach makes a difference. A CA course is designed to meet the needs of the Indian market, whereas an ACCA course is designed to fulfil global demands. Students need to consider their approach while choosing between CA and ACCA courses.

FAQs

Q.1 ACCA or CA, which is tough?

Ans. CA course is more difficult than the ACCA course.

Q.2 Which qualification is more recognized globally?

ACCA is more recognized globally, with a presence in over 180 countries, while CA is primarily recognized in India.

Q.3 What are the career prospects for CA and ACCA-qualified professionals?

Ans. CA and ACCA-qualified professionals have excellent career prospects in accounting, finance, and related fields.

Q.4 Which qualification is more suitable for entrepreneurship?

Ans. CA qualification is more suitable for entrepreneurship, as it provides a deeper understanding of Indian accounting and taxation laws.

Q.5 Can I get an exemption from certain papers in ACCA if I am a CA-qualified professional?

Ans. Yes, CA-qualified professionals can get an exemption from certain papers in ACCA, depending on their qualifications and experience.

Share the Post: