Among CA vs ACCA: Which Is Best In India?
- As the name implies, ACCA is an acronym for Association of Certified Chartered Accountants.
- Its important to note that candidates are primarily concerned with the laws and regulations that apply to a firm and how policies are implemented inside it.
- The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India [ICAI] awards the CA degree in India.
- At the Gazette Officer level, CA collaborates with the government as well as a private organization.
- There are two highly qualified finance courses, the CA and the ACCA, created for accountants and finance professionals who want to pursue a career in accounting, taxation, auditing, or finance.
- ACCA versus AC, a worldwide renowned course where one is like the Himalayas of hardness and the other is like the Nile river.
- We shouldnt compare the two exams because each one has a unique space in the industry.
- However, in response to several inquiries from students, weve compiled this guide on the differences between ACCA and CA in India, including the level of difficulty and other considerations. And why not?
- Everyone wants to make the greatest decision possible, and nothing is more essential than ones profession.
- When buying a new smartphone or laptop, do you keep the battery life in mind?
- Of course, we want our investments to last as long as possible. So, why dont we take this into account while making a job decision? Students in India have always preferred CA over the more recent ACCA certification.
- Some students choose the ACCA course over Indias most well-known and regarded degree because of its flexibility. However, pupils should keep in mind that everything simple to obtain has little worth.
"It is said that the harder you strive for anything, the more satisfied you will be once you have achieved your goal"
In this article, well go over some of the key differences between the two exams so you can make an informed decision. Before comparison, lets have a better understanding of the two exams.
What is Chartered Accountancy [CA]?
- The ICAI-issued Chartered Accountant degree is equivalent to the ACCA in terms of competence, although it differs slightly in terms of content.
- ICAI awards the CA degree in India. The content is heavily influenced by Indian law and business regulations, as well as accounting standards. Those who have completed their matriculation but have not yet enrolled in the course are eligible to do so.
- The training does not require any prior work experience. It does have a one-year internship, but it must be with a corporation or company.
- Chartered Accountants have a well-deserved reputation for professionalism and social responsibility. They are the only specialists in India permitted to audit a companys financial statements.
- Because the program is run by the ICAI (Indian Institute of Chartered Accountants), students may expect a bright future and limitless employment options.
- Because Chartered Accountancy is exclusively recognized in India, the course has been developed to follow Indian norms and laws.
- There are numerous local, national, global, and worldwide businesses that you may enter with Chartered Accountancy on your resume.
- After several recently enacted legislation significantly raised a demand for Chartered Accountants in our nation, it is predicted that the following five to ten-year period would provide several lucrative career prospects for newly certified CAs.
What is ACCA [Association of Chartered Certified Accountants]?
- ACCA is a professional organization based in London that specializes in accounting and finance.
- After finishing ACCA, you can join a chartered firm or start your career as a financial professional in any of the 180 countries where this course is accepted.
- ACCA is most widely recognized in the United Kingdom and Europe. The only other choice is CA if you want to undertake audit and attestation work in India.
- When it comes to accounting and finance, ACCAs goal is to encourage excellence across the world. This means it encompasses an understanding of UK GAAP, UK Laws, and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
- Britain, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has established the ACCA course, which is likewise regarded easier than Chartered Accountancy.
- The ACCA programs recognition of prior credentials is one of its most impressive features. It also acknowledges your CA Inter and CA Final Qualification after graduation and CA Inter.
- Only 9 of the 14 examinations in the ACCA course must be taken by a graduate or CA Inter pass out, whereas a CA must take only five papers after becoming a CA.
Lets Deep Dive into more CA VS ACCA:
CA and ACCA are well-known options on the market. Here are some key differences between the two.
- ACCA is a globally recognized degree that is approved in more than 180 countries.
- CA is only recognized in India because the course is tailored explicitly to Indian students needs.
- ACCA course has been around for over a century and is recognized worldwide.
- CA is exclusively valid in India and began in 1944.
A significant distinction between the two is the course content:
ACCA is far more advanced and includes all globally agreed-upon rules and regulations. It is only following the requirements of Indian constitutions and taxation policies that the course has been updated. Despite this, the subjects share many characteristics.
- Two to three years of accounting work experience is necessary, and a Bachelors degree to enroll in the ACCA course.
However, a Chartered Accountant degree is open to any Indian citizen who has completed Matriculation and awarded by ICAI [ Institute of Chartered Accountants].
Contrast Table Of CA Vs. ACCA
Lets see how CA comes up against ACCA:
Parameter |
CA |
ACCA |
Related to |
|
|
Affiliated To |
Institute Of Chartered Accountant India |
Association of Certified Chartered Accountants, UK |
Time Duration |
5-6 Years |
2-3 Years |
Practical Experience |
3 Years |
3 Years |
Pass % |
9% |
40% |
Salary Package |
3 to 10 Lakhs |
4 to 10 Lakhs |
Exam Pattern |
Papers to be cleared in groups |
14 Papers to be cleared individually |
Attempts |
2 attempts a year |
4 attempts a year |
Position |
Ca works with Govt. and as well as private organization at the level of Gazette Officer |
Candidate deals with the rules & regulations & implementation of policies within a company and complies with the auditing & taxation part |
Focused on |
National career opportunities |
Both on national and international career opportunities |
Exemption |
No Exemptions |
Maximum of 9 papers |
Additional Certificates |
No |
|
Knowledge Difference |
Specific for country of qualification and operation |
IFRS & GAAP training and international laws |
Recognition |
India |
Global |
Exam Structure |
Three Levels –
|
Two Levels –
|
Total Fee |
Below Rs 1 Lakh |
Between 2-3 Lakhs |
Signing Authority |
In India, the audit report may only be signed by a practicing Chartered Accountant. |
In India, ACCA isnt allowed to sign the audit report |
Flexibility |
CA is a rigid standard. To complete this task, a student must work in groups of three or more. |
Since students can only attempt one paper at a time, ACCA is seen as flexible. |
Prefer |
Companies in India choose CAs because they are familiar with Indian laws and terminology. |
ACCA is preferred by multinational corporations managing the business of foreign customers or firms based outside of India. |
Demand |
With the adoption of new legislation in the nation, this number is rapidly rising. |
It has a little scope now, but thatll change in the future. |
Conclusion: Which is better?
- If you wish to expand your practice in India or start your own, you should pursue Chartered Accountancy. However, if youre going to grow your profession outside of India, you should pursue ACCA.
- Nevertheless, in todays circumstances, Acca compared to Ca, CA beats ACCA from every angle, from industry demand to scope to reputation to profitability and everything in between.
- As a result, the team of Finance experts is critical in todays corporate environment. The CA and ACCA are comprehensive programs that cover nearly all of what financial professionals need to know.
- Professionals can serve the general public and private citizens, government agencies, non-profit groups, and corporations. Taxation, accounting, auditing, finance, and financial analysis are a few industries they serve.
- As a result, CA vs. ACCA courses enters the scene to ensure seamless operation of the firm.
However, if you are unsure, you should choose for Chartered Accountancy since, after passing Chartered Accountancy, you will be given nine exemptions from the 14 papers in ACCA, which implies that your effort in studying ACCA would be less than half of what it would have been had you completed CA.