Become an ACCA Professional
How to become an ACCA member in India — the exam structure, exemptions, and global career options and salary.
Salary range
₹4–8 LPA → ₹20 LPA – much higher abroad
Certification
1 required
Key credential
ACCA
Where
India + Global
About this career
The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is a globally recognised qualification in accounting, audit, reporting, tax and financial management, recognised in 180+ countries. It is a popular route for Indian students who want international mobility — to GCCs, the Middle East, the UK and beyond — or a globally portable alternative or complement to the Indian CA. Qualification involves clearing up to 13 exams (with exemptions for commerce graduates, CAs and others), completing an ethics module and three years of practical experience. ACCA members work in audit firms, GCCs, MNC finance teams and consulting, often in IFRS-based reporting and controllership roles.
Certifications for a ACCA Finance Professional
ACCA Qualification · ACCA
Issued by ACCA (UK)
The qualification itself — up to 13 exams (exemptions available) + ethics module + 3 years' experience.
Your path to becoming a ACCA / Global Accountant
- 1
Get certified
ACCA Qualification (ACCA)
Issued by ACCA (UK)
- 2
Get hired
Land a ACCA / Global Accountant role
Employers like Big Four & audit firms, Global capability centres (GCCs)
Eligibility
- check_circle10+2 (with minimum marks) to register; graduates/CAs get exemptions.
- check_circleClear the ACCA exams, ethics module and experience requirement.
- check_circleEnglish proficiency (exams are in English).
What the role does
- arrow_rightPrepare and audit financial statements (IFRS).
- arrow_rightManage reporting, controllership and compliance.
- arrow_rightSupport tax, treasury and financial planning.
- arrow_rightAdvise on financial management and controls.
Salary bands
While clearing exams
Reporting/controllership
Gulf/UK roles pay a premium
Key skills
Who hires
Career progression
Step 1
Register & clear exams
Exemptions for grads/CAs
Step 2
ACCA Member
After ethics + experience
Step 3
Controller / Finance leadership
Often overseas
Frequently asked questions
ACCA or CA — which is better?expand_more
The Indian CA (ICAI) is the gold standard for practice in India; ACCA offers broader international recognition and mobility. Many professionals pursue ACCA for global roles or as a complement to the CA.
How many exams are in ACCA?expand_more
Up to 13 exams across Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills and Strategic Professional levels — but commerce graduates, CAs and others receive exemptions that reduce the number.
Is ACCA valued in India?expand_more
Yes, increasingly — particularly by Big Four firms, GCCs and MNCs for IFRS-based reporting roles, though ACCA members cannot sign statutory audits in India (only ICAI CAs can).
Ready to start your ACCA Finance Professional journey?
Prep the required certifications free with PrepClever — lessons, mocks and AI explanations.
Start preparing free arrow_forward