When you ask “Is ACCA a global qualification?” the answer is yes. With 2,00,000+ members and and 530,100 future members you can call Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) world’s most respected professional accountancy qualifications.
No wonder students across the globe are choosing ACCA over traditional degrees. Still, a common question remains: “acca recognised in how many countries?” and “Does it offer signing authority everywhere?”
The truth is, recognition varies.
So, if you are wondering about acca recognised countries, this guide brings you the updated 2025 list of countries where ACCA is recognised, including the regions that offer full audit signing powers.
Finally, ACCA recognised in which countries? Below is the 2025 updated list of 180 countries ACCA is recognised.
Europe
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Malta
- Cyprus
- Switzerland
- Germany
- Poland
- Czech Republic
- Slovakia
- Hungary
- Romania
- Bulgaria
- Lithuania
- Latvia
- Estonia
- Greece
- Italy
- Spain
- France
- Netherlands
- Belgium
- Denmark
- Norway
- Sweden
- Finland
- Portugal
- Austria
Africa
- Zimbabwe
- Zambia
- Botswana
- South Africa
- Kenya
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Uganda
- Tanzania
- Malawi
- Mauritius
- Sierra Leone
- Lesotho
- Rwanda
- Namibia
- Eswatini
- Swaziland
Asia-Pacific
- Pakistan
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Bangladesh
- Nepal
- Maldives
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- China (including Hong Kong)
- Japan
- Indonesia
- Philippines
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Cambodia
- Australia
- New Zealand
Middle East & Gulf
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Oman
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Egypt
Caribbean & Latin America
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Jamaica
- Barbados
- Guyana
- Bahamas
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent
- Grenada
- Suriname
- Belize
- Panama
- Costa Rica
- Saint Lucia
- Dominica
- French Guiana
Pacific Islands
- Fiji
- Papua New Guinea
- Solomon Islands
- Vanuatu
Note: Recognition differs. Some regions give full statutory rights (like the UK, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Malta, etc.), while others recognise ACCA for employment, migration, or further certification
Is ACCA A Global Qualification?
Yes, ACCA is genuinely a global qualification that works across borders. Local accounting degrees that only make sense in one country. But ACCA carries the same weight in international job markets like Dubai, London, Singapore, or Toronto.
How is that possible? Well, here’s what makes ACCA a global degree:
- Standardized curriculum everywhere – Whether you study ACCA in Mumbai or Manchester, you learn the same standards, principles, and practices. This consistency is why multinational companies hire ACCAs.
- Professional mobility is built in – As we saw in point 1, you don’t need to “prove” your knowledge from scratch each time. You have career mobility to work from anywhere.
- Local partnerships strengthen global reach – Even in countries like Cyprus, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, and others, ACCA has joint agreements with the national accounting institutes. This means your ACCA qualification gets respected by local professional communities, not just international employers.
How Does ACCA Ensure Global Employability?
ACCA boosts employability through the following:
- Formal agreements with global accounting institutes: ACCA is the only qualification that maintains official mutual recognition agreements with bodies like CPA, ICAI, CMA, and other local institutes around the world. This means your qualification can be mapped or recognised under local regulations.
- Promoting cross-border employment: Because the syllabus is standardised worldwide, employers know exactly what skills you have. Whether you apply for a role in the Big 4, a bank, or a multinational company, your training speaks the same professional language everywhere.
- Continuous Professional Development (CPD) criteria: Learning doesn’t stop after exams. ACCA requires members to complete CPD each year. This ensures you stay updated with international accounting standards, technology changes, and new business practices. This ongoing learning requirement is exactly what global employers want to see.
What Countries Provide ACCA Members Signing Authority?
ACCA members enjoy full signing authority in several countries, making them attractive destinations for career development.
Here is the list of countries where ACCA is recognised for signing authority:
- UK – ACCA is a home-grown qualification in the UK. Members have full statutory rights to sign audit reports, financial statements, and assurance documents.
- Ireland – In Ireland as well, ACCA members can practice as auditors and sign financial reports, subject to standard regulatory registration.
African Countries with Strong ACCA Recognition
- Zimbabwe – ACCA is recognized as the main professional body in Zimbabwe, giving its members signing authority for audits and financial reporting.
- Zambia – This South African country approves ACCA-qualified people to sign audit reports and other statutory financial statements, giving them an essential role in the profession.
- Botswana – ACCA is the leading accountancy qualification here. Members hold signing authority in both private practice and corporate roles.
European Union Countries
- Malta – Malta is one of ACCA recognised countries where ACCA members can act as statutory auditors after completing the required professional experience and registering locally.
- Cyprus – In Cyprus, ACCA is recognised under the Joint Examination Scheme with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus (ICPAC). You need their membership + practising certificate to gain full signing authority.
Pacific and Caribbean Regions
- Fiji – ACCA members can act as practising auditors in Fiji. But that’s after they join the Fiji Institute of Accountants (FIA) and hold a valid Certificate of Public Practice (CPP)
- Caribbean Islands – In islands like Trinidad and Tobago, ACCA members can sign audit reports and financial statements due to long-standing recognition.
South-Asian regions
- Pakistan – ACCA is highly recognised in Pakistan. With additional registration from local authorities, members can gain audit signing authority.
- Sri Lanka – ACCA members are recognised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka). To sign audit reports, they must obtain practising rights through local registration.
Which Countries Require Extra Local Certification For Signing Authority?
Now that you know in which region ACCA qualification is recognised, you must also know that in some countries, ACCA members may need additional local certifications. Because not every ACCA recognised country also approves of a signing authority when it comes to filing statutory audits or public accounting.
Below are the countries that demand extra certification or membership with national accounting bodies for ACCAs:
Country/Region | Additional Certification Needed for ACCA Signing Authority | Regulatory Body |
India | Institute of Chartered Accountants of India(ICAI) | |
USA | Certified Public Accounting through state boards/AICPA | |
Canada | CPA through CPA Canada | CPA Canada |
Australia | CA ANZ membership | CA ANZ |
Middle East (Saudi Arabia) | AAA membership + local registration with SOCPA (Saudi Organization for Certified Public Accountants | Accountants & Auditors Assoc. |
p.s. These requirements don’t diminish ACCA’s global value. You can still work as a finance consultant, auditor, or in an advisory role. The license requirement is to have a legal authority to sign financial statements or perform audits.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACCA Recognised Countries
What Are The Major ACCA Recognised Countries?
India, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, the UAE, Singapore, Germany, and Malaysia are among the top countries ACCA is recognised.
Does India Accept ACCA?
Yes, India comes in the list of countries where ACCA is recognised. The Big 4 firms, MNCs, and consulting firms are always on the lookout for ACCA affiliates.