Are you at the crossroads of your accounting and finance career? The accounting profession offers excellent career prospects and opportunities for progression. However, the journey begins with a crucial decision: choosing the right qualification. For many, especially recent college graduates, this choice can seem daunting due to the plethora of courses and certifications available. Two of the most renowned and common certifications in the field are the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
In this blog, we will explore the key differences and similarities between ACCA and CPA, providing insights into their structures, durations, eligibility criteria, potential job roles, and global recognition.
Whether your goal is to become a Chartered Accountant or to enhance your skills in accounting and finance, we’re here to guide you through making a well-informed decision that aligns with your career aspirations.
ACCA is a globally recognised professional accounting body based in the UK. With over 241,000 members across 178 countries, ACCA offers pathways to becoming a Chartered Certified Accountant.
It covers areas like financial accounting, taxation, management accounting, audit, and business ethics, providing diverse career opportunities worldwide. ACCA’s eligibility criteria is relatively flexible, allowing applications even from those without a finance background.
CPA is a prestigious designation primarily recognised in United States. Administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the CPA exam evaluates candidates on US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), auditing standards, taxation, and business laws.
CPAs are highly skilled professionals proficient in various accounting tasks, including financial reporting, tax filing, and profitability optimisation. Regarded as the “gold standard” in accounting and finance, the CPA qualification is akin to a specialist MBA and is essential for careers in public accounting, corporate finance, and government agencies.
ACCA:
ACCA professionals typically work as taxation and accounting inspectors in both public and private entities. Their global recognition provides opportunities for international positions across diverse industries.
With ACCA, you can pursue roles in financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, financial analysis, and consultancy. Potential organisations include public accounting firms, multinational corporations, financial institutions, and government agencies. More information is available here.
CPA:
CPA professionals primarily provide financial advice to small and medium-sized firms. The focus on U.S. accounting practices with CPA offers advantages for careers within the United States, particularly in auditing, taxation, and financial consulting.
CPAs often find roles in public accounting firms, corporate finance departments, and government agencies, or establish their practices.
ACCA:
ACCA provides a comprehensive understanding, encompassing various dimensions of accounting and finance, incorporating international standards and practices. Given its status as an international organisation, ACCA members enjoy global mobility, capable of working in any part of the world. ACCA expertise covers the taxation and accounting systems prevalent in major countries.
CPA:
In contrast, CPA centres its focus specifically on U.S. accounting principles and regulations. Administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, this certification empowers professionals to practise as accountants in the USA or in regions with US regional offices.
ACCA:
ACCA does not require licensure; instead, it offers membership upon qualification completion. You will be eligible to become an ACCA member once you complete your exams.
CPA:
On the other hand, CPA is a licensure qualification that requires candidates to meet specific educational requirements, pass the Uniform CPA Exam, and fulfil experience criteria. Once licensed, CPAs gain authority to provide certain accounting services that require a license, such as auditing public companies.
ACCA:
ACCA boasts a vast global presence, spanning over 180 countries. It holds Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with various professional accounting bodies, enabling members to receive exemptions or expedite their qualifications in other countries. With support from about 210 “approved employers,” ACCA holds a dominant position in Singapore’s accounting sector.
CPA:
The CPA certification holds significant esteem within the United States and enjoys international recognition. However, the applicability of the CPA license beyond the U.S. may differ based on individual country regulations and criteria. Although CPA is recognised in Singapore as the “gold standard”, the popularity of the qualification is approximately 14% lower compared to ACCA.
| ACCA | CPA | |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Structure | The ACCA qualification comprises 13 exams, segmented into three levels: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Applied Professionals. Its curriculum covers a wide array of subjects, including financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, audit, and assurance, among others. Each level holds different qualification equivalents. | The CPA certification features four exam sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). It emphasises U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and U.S. taxation. Completion of all four exams is necessary to obtain the CPA degree. |
| Duration | The duration of the ACCA qualification varies depending on individual circumstances and prior education. Typically, candidates complete the 13 exams over a period of 3 to 4 years, although some may finish sooner with exemptions. | Preparation and passing of all four sections of the CPA exam can take between 8 months to a year. Becoming a CPA professional generally requires 1 to 2 years. Candidates must score at least 75 out of 99 per section within 18 months to pass. |
| Eligibility | ACCA does not impose specific educational prerequisites to begin the qualification process. However, individuals aiming for ACCA membership must fulfil specific qualifications and work experience, which may differ by country. It is perfect for those with no prior experience in Accounting and/or Finance field. | To pursue the CPA certification, candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited university and fulfil 150 credit hours of education, typically including coursework in accounting or related fields. |
| Exam Frequency | ACCA exams occur four times annually, scheduled in March, June, September, or December. These exams take place at authorised centres worldwide on fixed dates. Additionally, certain levels offer On-demand exams, providing flexibility for candidates to schedule exams at any time of the year. More information is available here. | The continuous testing model offers candidates greater flexibility, eliminating fixed exam dates. Candidates can take the CPA Exam year-round without restrictions, except for waiting to receive scores from previous attempts of the same section or in case of significant changes to the Exam. |
Deciding whether CPA or ACCA is more suitable for you depends on several factors, including your career goals, geographical aspirations, educational background, and personal preferences. Here are four areas to consider when making your decision:
By carefully considering these factors and conducting thorough research, you can determine whether CPA or ACCA aligns better with your career aspirations and goals.
Author: Verlin You
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