ACCA vs ACA: Which Is Easier, Faster & More Rewarding?

No doubt, both ACCA vs ACA qualifications seem similar to people. The fact is, they are different rather considerably in terms of their awarding bodies, regional recognition, training structure, and the type of practical experience they emphasize.

To find out which one among both ACA vs ACCA is easier, faster to complete and more rewarding, read the blog further to compare and make an informed decision. 
 

ACCA vs ACA: An Overview

To have an overview of ACCA vs ACA, first of all, let us talk about ACCA, an internationally recognised qualification. It equips you with the skills and knowledge to work in accounting, finance, and management roles across the globe. Its curriculum is divided into 3 levels,

• L1 – Applied Knowledge Level 

1. 1. 1. Business and Technology (BT)
      2. Management Accounting (MA)
      3. Financial Accounting (FA)

• L2 – Applied Skills Level

1. 1. 1. Corporate and Business Law (LW)
      2. Performance Management (PM)
      3. Taxation (TX)
      4. Financial Reporting (FR)
      5. Audit and Assurance (AA)
      6. Financial Management (FM) 

• L3 – Strategic Professional Level

• Essentials

1. 1. 1. 1. Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
         2. Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)

• Options

1. 1. 1. Advanced Financial Management (AFM) 
      2. Advanced Performance Management (APM) 
      3. Advanced Taxation (ATX) 
      4. Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
         

You have to pass these 13 exams along with the ethics module and gain PER to become an ACCA professional. The organisation also exempt you for a few exams based on your previous qualification and experience. 

You must check your ACCA eligibility and ACCA course duration before pursuing the qualification ahead. It opens up a wide spectrum of job opportunities for you be it in the accounting, taxation, management, finance or any other related fields.

Now moving on to the other aspect of ACCA vs ACA. ACA is a globally recognised qualification that stands for Associate Chartered Accountant. It is issued by ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales).

The ACA qualification offers expertise in accounting, finance, and business, encompassing professional development, ethics, and practical work experience. To become one, you have to take three levels:

• Certificate

1. 1. 1. Accounting 
      2. Assurance 
      3. Business, Technology and Finance 
      4. Management Information 
      5. Principles of Taxation 
      6. Law 

• Professional

1. 1. 1. Audit and Assurance 
      2. Business Planning 
      3. Business Strategy and Technology 
      4. Financial Accounting and Reporting 
      5. Financial Management 
      6. Tax Compliance 

• Advanced 

1. 1. Case Study 
   2. Corporate Reporting 
   3. Strategic Business Management 

The ACA covers a broad range of subjects with which you need to complete 450 days of practical work experience at an authorized training employer. Ethics training is a crucial component of the qualification and is integrated throughout the program and assessed within exams. It is a highly respected qualification in the business world and can lead to diverse career paths in various sectors.

What Is ACCA? Key Details at a Glance

ACCA is an organisation conducting exams to qualify candidates as globally recognised Chartered Certified Accountants. Employers all over the world seek out ACCA members for their expertise in international accounting standards and professional ethics. So that they can lead their business to sustainable success. 

What’s more about ACCA members is that they are strategic thinkers with high ethical integrity, strong financial know-how and the right business acumen. To become an ACCA member, you have to pass a combination of exams, ethics and three years’ professional experience. 

It means that you will enter the workplace ready to make a difference in today’s fast-paced business world. Upon qualifying, you

• Become a member of the most forward-thinking accountancy body in the world, and those ACCA letters after your name will make a strong declaration before any employer that you have operated truly in the highest professional and ethical standards worthy. 
• Open the door to all sorts of global opportunities. Being an ACCA-qualified person means the qualification is known across the globe, so wherever life pushes you, doors will open for you to enter. It also gives you the chance for diversification, so you can add to your skills set in other areas during your professional years.
• Make the world a better place through ethics – Ethics are paramount to your course and indeed to the whole ACCA way of life. Which means once you are out there, you can put up and maintain what is already a high level of standards that organizations would want to proceed with into the future. 
• Get assistance throughout your journey-You will have access to high-class resources, discussion forums, insight, and expert advice that accompany you throughout your studies and professional life. 
• Build up your skills-Opportunities to learn new skills and obtain multiple other qualifications, including a BSc and MSc, can also be found along the way.

What Is ACA? Key Details at a Glance

ACA, or the Associate Chartered Accountant qualification, is a prestigious accounting certification. It is offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). With most recognised in especially in the UK and Commonwealth countries.

After the ACA program you qualify to hold senior roles in accounting, audit, tax, consultancy, and finance. It combines rigorous theoretical learning with practical work experience. The program ensures that you are not just exam-ready but job-ready too.

Here are the key highlights:

• Governing Body: ICAEW (UK-based)
• Number of Exams: 15 exams divided into 3 levels – Certificate, Professional, and Advanced
• Duration: Typically 3–4 years (including work experience)
• Practical Training: 450 days of technical work experience required
• Global Recognition: Especially valued in the UK, Europe, and international financial hubs
• Entry Route: Graduate or school-leaver pathways (many candidates train under ICAEW-authorised employers)

ACA holders can also become CFOs, finance managers, auditors, and strategic consultants in top firms worldwide. If you are looking for a structured, globally recognised qualification with real-world application, ACA is a strong contender.

ACCA vs ACA: What’s the Difference

Both are globally respected qualifications in the finance industry but they both differ in several ways be it structure, recognition or training. Let us go through the comparison table to understand the ACCA vs ACA, key differences,

Ultimately, both these qualifications lead to high-paying, strategic roles in finance. Your decision should depend on your location, career goals, and learning style.

Career Opportunities

It is no surprise that both qualifications ACCA vs ACA offer a wide range of career options in accounting, finance, audit, tax, and consulting. 

• ACCA offers more global flexibility, making it ideal for the aspirants who want to work in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. So, they are mostly hired for financial reporting, internal audit, risk management, business analysis, and international taxation roles.
• On the other hand, The ACA qualification is UK based, so you will get job roles in audit firms, investment banking, and corporate finance. Also, many ACA holders go on to become CFOs, finance directors, or partners in top firms.

In short, ACA is excellent for structured, high-level roles in the UK, while ACCA is better suited for international career mobility across diverse finance roles.

ACCA vs ACA Salary

The ACCA vs ACA salary varies as per the role you are hired for, geographical location, size of the organization and experience. 

So let us have a glance at the table below for a general comparison of ACCA vs ACA salary,

*Note: The salary figures may vary, these are just to give you a rough idea. So these are not exact. It may be a little less or even more than the mentioned figures.

While ACA professionals in the UK often command higher base salaries due to regional demand, ACCA offers excellent growth globally, especially in roles outside the UK.

ACCA vs ACA Pass Rates

The ACCA vs ACA pass rates differ as they both are different qualifications present unique challenges to students. So, obviously, the structure, exam pattern, and support system influence how candidates perform in each.

ACCA pass rates are typically lower, maybe due to the self-driven exams and taken globally with varied preparation levels. In contrast, ACA students often receive structured employer support, contributing to higher success.

Exam Difficulty

ACCA vs ACA exam difficulty can give you a clear idea on what to choose and why? 

ACCA exams are flexible and globally accessible. For you to pass, it requires strong self-discipline, especially when aspirants juggle work and study. Some like to self study and pass but subjects like Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) and Advanced Audit & Assurance (AAA) are considered particularly challenging. So, structured training support from reputable institutes like edZeb is recommended.

On the other hand, ACA exams are considered more technical. Especially Audit, Taxation, and Financial Accounting. The requirement to train under an authorised employer adds to the rigour. This 450-day work experience makes the process smoother for committed students as they learn by doing.

No doubt, both can be equally hard, ACA may feel harder due to its structured nature. ACCA is more flexible but requires your dedication and devotion  to crack it.

Global Recognition

ACCA is recognised in over 180 countries and is especially popular in India, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, and Africa. Students choose it to build international careers in multinational companies.

ACA, while highly respected, is most recognised in the UK, parts of Europe, and Commonwealth countries. Its strength lies in UK-based audit, assurance, and corporate finance roles, especially with Big 4 firms.

So, the key to ACCA vs ACA is that if you are planning to build your career outside the UK, ACCA offers broader recognition. If your focus is within the UK, ACA holds a stronger edge. Choose wisely by considering all these factors that may affect your decision.

While deciding on any of these qualifications always make sure that whatever you choose must align with your goals and aspirations. 

Conclusion

Choosing between ACCA vs ACA depends on your career goals, preferred work location, and learning style. If you want global mobility, flexibility, and recognition across multiple countries, ACCA is the right pick. If you’re targeting a structured, prestigious career in the UK with long-term goals in audit or corporate finance, ACA is ideal.

Both are world-class qualifications. It is not about which one is better rather about which one suits YOU better.

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