Choosing the right career path is one of the most important decisions in life. If you are pursuing your dream career in accounting and finance, two of the most popular professions are ACCA and CA.
Both qualifications open doors to excellent jobs and opportunities. However, they are different in structure, flexibility, and passing rates. ACCA is recognised globally, while CA is more focused on India.
So, if you feel confused about which entrance to crack, first understand the differences between the two. In this blog, we will compare the ACCA and CA entrance exams to ease your confusion. Let’s see which path suits you best!
The fundamental distinction between ACCA and CA entrance exam
To find the right fit, go through what both courses offer you. For instance, the ACCA can bring you closer to working abroad. On the other hand, the CA entrance exam can get you a government job in India, or you can land a high-paying job in the private sector.
In this table, we have simplified some of their differences:
| Feature | ACCA | CA |
| Full form | Association of Certified Chartered Accountants | Chartered Accountancy |
| Professional body | Association of Certified Chartered Accountants | Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) |
| Course duration | 2 to 3 years (including practical experience) | 3 to 5 years (including extra training) |
| Course focus | Taxation, auditing, accounts handling, management accounting | Finance and financial accounting |
| Course fees | INR 2-3 lakhs | INR 1-2 lakhs |
| Course levels |
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| Papers | 13 papers | 20 papers |
ACCA and CA entrance exam: A detailed comparison
Whether you are preparing for the ACCA or CA entrance exams, both are prestigious qualifications. Your choice depends on your career goals.
Here’s a comparison that will help you to decide:
Relocation possibilities
- ACCA: One of the most significant advantages of ACCA is its global recognition. It will allow you to work in over 180 countries. This includes markets of the UK, Australia, and the UAE.
- CA: On the other hand, CA is primarily recognised in India. Once you crack the CA entrance exam, your career opportunities will mostly be limited to India. However, this qualification is highly respected within the country.
Course flexibility
- ACCA: ACCA offers a flexible course structure. Because of its flexibility after the registration, you can choose one paper at a time. This helps working professionals who need more time to balance work and study.
- CA: The CA course, however, is more rigid. You need to attempt one group of papers at a time. This means that balancing your job and CA studies could become challenging.
Exemptions
- ACCA: ACCA allows you exemptions based on your educational background:
- Graduation: 4 papers exempted
- IPCC + Graduation: 6 papers exempted
- CA qualified: 9 papers exempted
- First-year B.Com: 5 papers exempted
- CA: In comparison, CA permits exemptions only for the Foundation course if you are a commerce graduate or postgraduate. The rest of the CA exams are mandatory.
Signing authority
- ACCA: As an ACCA member, you can sign off on financial statements in many countries worldwide, excluding India. This can be advantageous if you plan to work internationally.
- CA: In India, only CAs can sign financial documents. This is why appearing in the CA entrance exam is essential for those who want to perform audits and legal accounting work in India.
Job prospects and pay packages
- ACCA: ACCA’s global reach can make you highly valued by multinational corporations. Depending on designation and work experience, an ACCA member can earn between INR 6.4 and 39.5 LPA annually. However, the only limitation is that you cannot work in government roles.
- CA: CAs are in high demand across India. The best part is they get opportunities in both private companies and government sectors. Compared to ACCA holders, CAs have a broader range of job options. The salary here ranges between INR 2-18 LPA.
Wrapping up
ACCA and CA have excellent earning potential and the possibility to build a successful career.
If you aspire to work internationally and enjoy a flexible course structure, ACCA is your right choice. On the other hand, if your focus is on a stable career in India, especially in government jobs, CA could be a better fit.
Choose wisely and study hard to keep success within reach! Best of luck with the ACCA and CA entrance exams.
FAQs
- Can a CA professional work in other countries outside India?
Yes, CAs can work abroad. Although, they need to have additional certifications for official authority in foreign countries.
- Is work experience required to complete ACCA or CA?
Yes, both courses require practical experience. ACCA mandates 36 months, while CA requires 36 months plus extra training.
- Are ACCA and CA courses available for distance learning?
ACCA is widely available online and is ideal for remote learners. However, the CA requires in-person sessions, especially during training.
