ACA vs. ACCA — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on January 10, 2024
ACA is a UK-based chartered accountancy qualification, while ACCA is a global accountancy body offering the Chartered Certified Accountant qualification.
Difference Between ACA and ACCA
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The ACA qualification is awarded by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), focusing on UK accounting practices, taxation, and business strategy. ACCA, or the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, provides a global qualification, with emphasis on international financial reporting standards and a broader range of topics in finance and management accounting.
ACA is often considered more rigorous due to its structured training requirements and the necessity to be employed by an approved employer to undertake the ACA training. ACCA offers more flexibility, allowing students to study independently or while working in a relevant role, which does not necessarily need to be with an ACCA-approved employer.
The ACA qualification typically takes three years to complete, with a minimum of 450 days of practical work experience required. The ACCA qualification can take anywhere from two to five years to complete, depending on the student's pace, with a requirement of three years of relevant work experience that can be obtained before, during, or after the studies.
ACA's syllabus is integrated with practical work experience, leading to a strong understanding of UK business and finance. ACCA's syllabus has a wider international focus, which may be more suitable for those looking to work globally, and covers a broad range of topics in technical and management accounting.
Both ACA and ACCA are well-respected qualifications in the field of accountancy, with ACA being more UK-centric and ACCA recognized in over 180 countries globally. Employers typically regard both qualifications highly, but preference may depend on the geographical location and nature of the business.
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Comparison Chart
Governing Body
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
Geographic Focus
Primarily UK
Global, with recognition in over 180 countries
Work Experience Requirement
450 days under an approved employer
3 years, can be completed before, during, or after studies
Syllabus Focus
UK-specific accounting practices
International financial reporting standards
Study Flexibility
Less flexible, requires employment with approved employer
More flexible, allows independent study
Compare with Definitions
ACA
ACA is administered by the ICAEW.
She is studying for her ACA exams through a course accredited by the ICAEW.
ACCA
ACCA offers a broad syllabus covering technical and management accounting.
His ACCA studies included diverse subjects like financial management and strategic business planning.
ACA
ACA training requires 450 days of practical work experience.
His firm offers an ACA training program that fulfills the work experience requirement.
ACCA
ACCA is a globally recognized accountancy qualification.
She chose ACCA because she wanted a qualification that was recognized internationally.
ACA
ACA is a UK chartered accountancy qualification.
After completing her ACA, she became eligible to practice as a chartered accountant in the UK.
ACCA
ACCA is known for its flexible study options.
ACCA's flexible study options allowed her to work full-time while preparing for exams.
ACA
ACA holders are recognized as Chartered Accountants.
As an ACA qualified professional, he is now a member of the ICAEW.
ACCA
ACCA requires three years of work experience that can be gained flexibly.
He completed his work experience requirement for the ACCA qualification while studying.
ACA
ACA qualification is seen as prestigious in the accounting field.
Gaining her ACA status significantly boosted her career prospects in finance.
ACCA
ACCA members are entitled to use the 'Chartered Certified Accountant' designation.
After passing the ACCA exams, he added the prestigious 'Chartered Certified Accountant' title to his resume.
ACCA
(slang) An accumulator bet.
Common Curiosities
What does ACA stand for?
ACA stands for Associate Chartered Accountant.
What does ACCA stand for?
ACCA stands for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
How long does it take to complete the ACA qualification?
The ACA qualification typically takes around three years to complete.
Can ACCA be studied independently?
Yes, ACCA can be studied independently or alongside employment.
Is work experience mandatory for ACA?
Yes, 450 days of practical work experience with an approved employer are mandatory for ACA.
Is ACCA recognized internationally?
Yes, ACCA is recognized in over 180 countries globally.
Can I complete ACCA's work experience requirement before starting the exams?
Yes, the work experience for ACCA can be obtained before, during, or after completing the exams.
Which qualification is more UK-centric, ACA or ACCA?
ACA is more UK-centric compared to the internationally recognized ACCA.
Are ACA and ACCA qualifications considered equivalent?
Both are highly respected, but they are not considered equivalent due to their different focuses and structures.
Is ACCA more suitable for those seeking a career in international finance?
Yes, ACCA's international recognition makes it suitable for a career in international finance.
Do I need to work for an approved employer to study ACA?
Yes, to qualify for ACA, you must be employed by an ICAEW-approved training employer.
What is the global reach of the ACA qualification?
While respected globally, ACA is more recognized within the UK and some Commonwealth countries.
Are the ACA and ACCA exams similarly structured?
The exams have different structures, with ACA emphasizing UK accounting and ACCA covering a broader international perspective.
Can the ACA and ACCA qualifications lead to different career paths?
While both can lead to similar career paths in accountancy, the choice may influence specialization and geographic work location.
What professional title do ACA and ACCA holders obtain?
ACA holders become 'Chartered Accountants,' while ACCA holders become 'Chartered Certified Accountants.'
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
