Have you recently completed your Chartered Accountancy (CA) and are now contemplating your next move?
With the competitive landscape of finance and accounting, it’s natural to think if adding another degree to your portfolio is worth it. One of the commonly preferred choices of CA professionals is pursuing the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). But is ACCA after CA truly a beneficial step? If so, then after ACCA can I do CA?
In this article, we bring you all the comprehensive details on how to do ACCA after CA, the benefits, cost and duration to complete it and why it is worth it.
For many finance professionals, an ACCA course after CA is the next logical step. But why is it a lucrative career? Read further to find out.
ACCA, offered by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, is a globally recognised course in over 180 countries. Thus, it offers great career opportunities internationally. Unlike CA, which is more well known and reputed in India, ACCA provides you with a broader canvas to showcase your skills and expertise.
Top 5 Reasons for Pursuing ACCA After CA
- Provides Global Mobility – One of the key advantages of pursuing ACCA after CA is the global mobility it offers. With ACCA, you can work in several international countries without any of their additional local qualifications.
- Offers Flexibility – ACCA after CA is also best for working professionals who don’t wish to leave their jobs. The flexible study options allow you to study from anywhere in the world while working at your job.
- Enhances Career Opportunities – As discussed above, ACCA is a globally recognized certification suitable for accountancy professionals. While CA holds limited opportunities, ACCA professionals are hired internationally by top MNCs and Big 4s. Some of these include reputable accounting firms like KPMG, Deloitte, PwC and EY. Multinational and banking firms like Accenture, JG Morgan, TATA, HUL, IBM and others also hire preferring CA professionals with ACCA certification. Besides, you get a higher salary for ACCA after CA.
- Can avail Exemptions – For those who do acca course after ca inter or finals only need to clear fewer exams from all 13 papers. Also, the CA articleship is considered for professional work experience requirement.
- Easy Path To ACCA membership – By skipping up to 9 papers, a CA professional gets the added advantage of becoming an ACCA-certified professional in much less time, probably 1-1.5 years.
What Is The Cost And Duration Of ACCA After CA?
Pursuing ACCA after CA involves several costs. Some of these include registration, exam fees, and study materials costs. Here’s a breakdown of ACCA course details after CA, including cost, ACCA fees after CA and time of completion:
Cost of ACCA after CA
ACCA after CA cost includes:
- Registration fees – It is a one-time fee that students have to pay at the time of registration to ACCA. It costs approx INR 3200. This fee has to be paid each year to keep the student status active.
- Joint Examination Scheme – Examination fees can range from INR 12,800 to 32,000 per paper depending upon whether you apply for acca course after ca inter or finals.
- Affiliate subscription fee – This is the fee to gain affiliate status. It costs around INR 16,000 approx for 3 years.
- Membership Fees – This is paid on becoming a successful member of ACCA. It also costs around INR 16,000.
You can pay your ACCA after CA fees online at myACCA.
Additionally, you will need to invest in study materials and possibly tuition fees if you opt for the best ACCA coaching institute. Looking for a top ACCA coaching institute with backed placement and 97% plus success rate? Join Ikka ACCA classes today.
ACCA Duration After CA
Completing ACCA after CA typically takes less time. However, the average ACCA course duration after CA can differ depending on the number of exemptions and your study pace. Here’s a general timeline:
- After CA Foundation – If you’ve completed the Foundation CA (CPT) and have yet to finish your graduation, you’re not eligible for exemptions in ACCA. However, once your graduation is complete, you can finish ACCA in approximately 2 to 2.5 years.
- After CA Inter: For those who cleared the Inter CA exam (IPCC), you are eligible for exemptions from 5 ACCA papers. This can reduce your ACCA journey to about 1.5 to 2 years.
- After CA Final – On being a CA, ACCA course duration stands at 1 to 1.5 years
What Are The Exemptions Available For CA Professionals In ACCA?
ACCA Exemptions After CA
CA students can claim exemptions depending upon their CA progress.
- ACCA exemptions after CA inter – CA Inter students can claim exemptions for 5 ACCA exams. They need to appear for only 8 exams to become ACCA qualified.
- ACCA exemptions after CA Final – CA Final Students can claim exemptions for up to 9 exams out of the 13.
If you still have doubts and want to know exactly which exams can be exempted based on previous academic achievements, use the ACCA exemption calculator.
ACCA subjects after CA thus get reduced due to exemption benefits.
Exemption Process and Requirements:
To apply for exemptions, CA students need to:
- Firstly, log in to the ACCA website and register by creating a student account.
- Submit official proof of their CA qualification, awards and certificates.
Apply for the exemptions and pay the exemption fees
Can CA Apply for ACCA, and What Are the Exemptions?
Yes, CA professionals are eligible to apply for ACCA. They receive exemptions based on their CA qualifications. So, the number of exemptions depends on the level of CA completed, as detailed earlier.
How Does ACCA Compare With CA?
If you still have doubts about how to become ACCA after CA? Or wondering if it is feasible and possible, then the next section covers it all.
- Can You Do Both CA and ACCA?
Yes, pursuing both CA and ACCA is not only feasible but also beneficial. While CA gives you deep expertise in Indian accounting standards, ACCA broadens your knowledge of global accounting practices.
- Is ACCA a Good Addition to CA?
Absolutely. ACCA complements the CA qualification by providing global recognition, enhancing your knowledge of international accounting standards, and offering diverse career opportunities. It is a great way to make yourself stand out in the market.
Can You Switch From CA To ACCA?
If you want to completely switch your career from CA to ACCA, then this is very much possible. Since both qualifications have overlapping content, the exemptions you receive will make the transition smoother.
Can You Pursue CA After Completing ACCA?
For those thinking, can I do CA after ACCA? Your answer is a straight yes. While the reverse scenario is less common, it is still possible.
What Are The ACCA Course Structure And Requirements After CA?
After completing CA, the ACCA qualification structure becomes more streamlined due to exemptions. You’ll focus on the remaining exams, depending on your CA stage.
Entry Points and Exemptions for CA Professionals
- After CA Final: Exemption up to 9 papers.
- After CA Inter: Exemption for 5 papers
- After CA Foundation: No Exemption
Also, CA professionals can complete ACCA in 1 to 2 years.
What Career Opportunities And Benefits Are Available With ACCA After CA?
Pursuing ACCA after CA opens up a range of career opportunities, including roles in MNCs, consulting firms, and financial institutions. Not only that, you get equipped to negotiate better salaries and advance your career more rapidly.
By doing ACCA after CA, you can work as a financial analyst, auditor, consultant, or even a CFO.
What Are The Details Of The ACCA Certification Course After CA?
The ACCA qualification is divided into three levels. They are Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional.
How to Become ACCA After CA?
To become ACCA certified after CA, follow these steps:
- After registering on the ACCA website, you will need to pass the remaining exams. For CA professionals, this typically means completing 4 exams at the Strategic Professional level:
- Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
- Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
- Two optional papers out of four papers.
- Complete the mandatory Professional Ethics Module.
- Fulfill professional experience requirement of 36 months. Your practical training as a CA can count towards this requirement.
- ACCA exams are held four times in March, June, September, and December. Choose the exam dates and apply.
- Once you pass all required exams, apply for membership.
Frequently Asked Questions About 'ACCA After CA'
Yes, pursuing ACCA after CA is worth it, as it provides recognition and global opportunities. While CA is highly acknowledged, it has limited scope in India. ACCA degree proves to complement well with traditional CA designation. This ultimately makes the candidate more competitive in the job market.
CA professionals are eligible for up to nine exemptions out of 13 papers of ACCA. You can start at the professional level by appearing for 2 compulsory and 2 elective subjects.