Explore Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Do ACCA after CA

Discover the reasons why pursuing ACCA after CA can accelerate your career with international opportunities, skill enhancement, high pay, top firm prospects, accelerated learning.
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3 min
22 October 2025

Pursuing ACCA after completing CA enables finance professionals to gain global recognition, expand their technical and analytical expertise, and unlock international career opportunities. This guide explores the key advantages of the ACCA qualification, its differences from CA, available exemptions, and its potential to enhance earning prospects, making it a strategic pathway for those aspiring to build careers with multinational organisations across the world.

Pursuing ACCA after CA: Is it beneficial?

If someone is considering what to pursue after CA to strengthen their financial career, ACCA is a highly valuable choice. It is especially beneficial for professionals aiming to work with multinational firms or explore opportunities abroad. The ACCA curriculum complements and builds upon the knowledge acquired during CA, offering deeper insights into areas such as advanced performance management, taxation, and auditing, presented through a global lens.

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CCA exemptions for CA

Chartered Accountants (CAs) may be eligible for exemptions from certain ACCA exams based on their prior qualifications. For detailed information, visit the CA page.

Difference between ACCA and CA

Feature

ACCA

CA (Indian Chartered Accountant)

Focus

Emphasises global accounting standards (IFRS) and broader financial management

Concentrates on Indian accounting principles, taxation, and corporate law

Recognition

Recognised in over 180 countries worldwide

Primarily recognised within India

Career Path

Opens opportunities in international roles and multinational organisations

Focuses on careers in Indian firms, audit practices, and tax consultancy

Auditing Rights

Does not authorise signing audited financial statements in India

Grants statutory rights to sign audits in India

Flexibility

Offers self-paced learning with exams held four times a year

Follows a structured exam schedule with mandatory articleship

Entry Eligibility

Can be pursued after completing Class 10

Generally requires completion of Class 12 (+2)

 

5 reasons why you should do ACCA after CA

1. International opportunities: ACCA provides global recognition and opens up career opportunities in numerous countries, allowing CAs to work internationally.

2. Skill set expansion: Pursuing ACCA after CA helps in acquiring a broader skill set, including knowledge of international accounting standards and practices.

3. High compensation: ACCA qualification can lead to higher earning potential and better compensation packages compared to national qualifications alone.

4. Chance to work for top firms: ACCA is highly valued by top accounting and finance firms worldwide, increasing the chances of working with prestigious companies.

5. An accelerated learning pathway: Chartered Accountants can complete ACCA in a shorter time due to exemptions, making it an efficient way to gain an additional qualification.

Conclusion

Becoming a Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) offers numerous benefits, including global recognition, enhanced career opportunities, and higher earning potential. It complements the Chartered Accountancy (CA) qualification by expanding skills and opening international doors. For financial support during your studies, consider exploring a CA loan or a professional loan to manage your expenses and further your professional growth.

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Frequently asked questions

Which 4 papers of ACCA after CA?

After completing CA, you are exempted from several ACCA papers due to the overlap in the curriculum. Typically, you need to complete the following four papers:

  1. Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
  2. Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
  3. Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
  4. Advanced Performance Management (APM)

These papers focus on advanced topics and strategic decision-making skills, complementing the foundational knowledge gained through the CA qualification.

Is ACCA easy for CA students?

For CA students, the ACCA qualification can be relatively more manageable due to the following reasons:

  • Overlap in Curriculum: Many of the subjects in CA and ACCA have significant overlap, which means CA students are already familiar with a large portion of the ACCA syllabus.
  • Exemptions: CA graduates receive exemptions from several ACCA exams, reducing the overall workload.
  • Advanced Understanding: The rigorous training and comprehensive nature of the CA curriculum provide a strong foundation, making it easier to grasp ACCA's advanced topics.

Can I shift from CA to ACCA?

Yes, you can shift from CA to ACCA. The process is straightforward:

  1. Register with ACCA: You need to register as an ACCA student.
  2. Apply for Exemptions: Submit your CA qualification for exemptions. ACCA provides exemptions for up to 9 papers based on your CA qualification.
  3. Complete Remaining Papers: After receiving exemptions, you need to complete the remaining ACCA papers, typically four strategic level papers.

What is the cost of ACCA in India after CA?

The cost of completing ACCA in India after CA includes registration fees, exemption fees, exam fees, and study materials. Here is a rough estimate:

  • Registration Fee: Around £89 (approximately ₹8,000)
  • Exemption Fees: £114 per paper (approximately ₹10,000 per paper)
  • Exam Fees: £140-£180 per paper for strategic level exams (approximately ₹13,000-₹16,000 per paper)

Therefore, the total cost can range between ₹70,000 to ₹100,000, depending on various factors like the number of exemptions and exam fees.

Is it worth doing ACCA after CA?

Pursuing ACCA after CA can be worthwhile for several reasons:

  • Global Recognition: ACCA is internationally recognised, enhancing your global mobility and career prospects.
  • Broader Career Opportunities: ACCA opens up opportunities in various fields such as finance, accounting, audit, taxation, and consulting.
  • Strategic Skills: The ACCA qualification focuses on strategic business skills, which can complement your technical expertise gained through CA.
  • Networking: Being part of ACCA provides access to a global network of professionals, which can be beneficial for career growth and opportunities.

However, it's important to consider your career goals, the time commitment, and the financial investment before deciding to pursue ACCA after CA.

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