Difference Between ACA and ACCA

ACA vs ACCA

ACA and ACCA are designations used for people working as qualified chartered accountants. While ACA is a certification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants, ACCA is a person accredited with Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. Both these qualifications allow a person to work as registered auditors, and both can practice to provide services to public as well as private companies. Difference between ACA and ACCA is a confusing one as both are similar in nature. However, ACA and ACCA differ in syllabus content and set of papers. There are other differences as well, and they are highlighted in the article.

ACA is a traditional English qualification and is considered to be more prestigious. However, ACCA is touted as being more international despite the fact that ACA is more recognized in Australia and many other countries outside UK than ACCA.

ACA focuses on practical as well as technical aspects of accountancy which comes handy while giving advice to clients and also while working in tricky situations. ACCA is rather more technical in nature. For ACA, a person needs to clock at least 2 years of technical work experience to qualify as a full professional. On the other hand, for ACCA, you just need to sit and pas the exam.

While ACA is more recognized in England, ACCA is international in nature and recognized in many countries outside UK.

While ACA is generally for people working in a practice, ACCA is a popular and all round qualification that suits any organization.

It usually takes 3 years to pass both the qualifications. (more if you have to re-sit for some papers)

Summary • Both ACA and ACCA are international certifications allowing people to work as qualified chartered accountants. • ACA stands for Institute of Chartered Accountants, while ACCA stands for Association of Certified Chartered Accountants. • ACA and ACCA differ in syllabus and papers.