The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Chartered Accountant (CA) are two major financial credentials. While both offer recognition, professional pathways and opportunities, they differ in curriculum, international recognition, job prospects, and long-term earning potential.
In this ACCA vs CA guide, we will discuss the same with a a thorough comparison in eligibility, job roles, and earning potential to help you decide which may be more appropriate for your professional goals.
ACCA vs CA in the UAE: The Major Differences
This is a thorough explanation of the differences between ACCA and CA.
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Recognition and Mobility
ACCA’s worldwide renown is one of its greatest benefits. More than 180 nations, including the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and several regions of Asia, recognize ACCA. Because of this, ACCA is a perfect qualification for professionals looking for worldwide mobility, whether it be to work for global corporations or find employment overseas. Although CA is well-respected, its worldwide recognition is restricted to particular areas.
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The History
Founded in the UK in 1904, ACCA is one of the biggest and oldest accounting organizations in the world. On the other hand, an Act of Parliament in 1949 established the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) as a statutory organization. It’s possible that a large number of students and their parents are unaware that ACCA is more established than ICAI.
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ACCA vs CA Course Duration
Depending on how quickly you study, the ACCA course duration can change. Usually, it takes three to four years to do this. CA programs, on the other hand, often require four to five years.
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ACCA vs CA Exam Structure
Because of the flexibility of the ACCA curriculum, students can decide when to take exams and study modules at their own pace. CA courses, on the other hand, are rigorous and have a set schedule. ACCA covers a wide range of topics linked to finance, including corporate ethics, taxation, and financial management. In contrast, CA places a greater emphasis on accounting, auditing, and taxation, with a particular emphasis on national rules and regulations.
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Passing Scores
A minimum score of 50% is required for students to pass any ACCA exam, regardless of level. While in CA, a student must receive at least 40 points on each paper and an overall score of 200 out of 400 in order to pass the CA Foundation test.
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Exemptions
In CA, commerce graduates and postgraduates with 55% or higher grades are usually eligible for the few exemption alternatives. To be eligible, individuals often need to pass every exam at every level. On the other hand, out of the 13 ACCA Papers needed to become an ACCA associate or member, students may be eligible for up to nine exemptions (based on their academic background).
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ACCA vs CA scope in the UAE
ACCA career opportunities in the UAE are remarkable; some key positions include Financial Accountant, Auditor, Tax Advisor, Financial Analyst, and Business Consultant.
CA professionals are specialized in more regionally focused roles. Some common job roles for a CA include Internal Auditor, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Tax Consultant, Forensic Accountant, and Financial Controller.
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ACCA vs CA Salary
A newly qualified ACCA in the UAE can earn between AED 60,000 and AED 90,000, which is roughly AED 5,000 to 7,500 per month. The exact ACCA salary in the UAE varies as per the location, level of expertise, and industry. Starting pay for chartered accountants in the UAE is around AED 80,000 to AED 85,000 per annum.
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The Difficulty Level
ACCA isn’t always simple, but CA is sometimes perceived as more difficult because of the quantity of papers and preparation time. CA is generally considered harder because of the years required, the number of papers, and the course levels. ACCA offers additional exam flexibility. If you fail one subject in CA, you have to retake the entire group of subjects. You can only retake the topic you failed in ACCA whenever it’s convenient for you.
So, these were the major differences between ACCA and CA. Now it’s on you; choose the right option for you. If you’re looking for an online ACCA course in the UAE, Mirchawala is a pioneering ACCA institute, offering comprehensive training with expert tutors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q:What are the additional requirements for Articleship and Training in CA?
Ans: Yes, CA students need to complete their two-year practical training with these two options:
- a) Articleship: Enroll in a recognized firm as a practicing chartered accountant. On the resume, the 24-month training is only considered training.
- b) Corporation Experience: Depending on availability and selection, work with a corporation. On the résumé, this time is included as work experience. However, there aren’t many corporate opportunities for CA students.
Q: How is ACCA better than CA?
Ans: When discussing ACCA vs CA scope in the UAE, ACCA offers greater career options and international employment opportunities because of its higher pass rate and recognition in 180 countries.
