The world of accounting and finance has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade.
From manual bookkeeping and routine calculations, the industry is now powered by data analytics, automation and decision-making.
Today, finance professionals are analyzing the company’s bottom-line profit figures and aims to achieve the end business goals.
The ACCA qualification is designed to meet the requirements of an evolving industry by equipping learners with skills in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, risk management, ethics, and strategic finance.
With over 200,000+ members and 600,000+ students across more than 180 countries, ACCA is one of the popular accounting qualifications around the world.
In this article, we explore the careers after ACCA, including the highest-paying jobs, courses and salary expectations in India.
What is ACCA: An Overview
The full form of ACCA stands for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. It is an international accounting body based in the United Kingdom which grants the Chartered Certified Accountant qualification.
Established in 1904, the ACCA helps professionals pursue a career in accounting, finance, auditing, tax and business management around the world.
The ACCA certification requires individuals to complete three levels (Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional), 13 exams (subject to exemptions) and a 36-month Practical Experience Requirement (PER).
ACCA imparts knowledge in areas of financial reporting, financial management, business strategy, risk management, professional ethics etc. This combination of technical expertise and practical skills makes ACCA one of the most respected credentials across different fields and domains.
In India, ACCA is recognized among employers, including multinational corporations, multinational accounting firms and banking and financial institutions.
The ACCA is considered one of the sought-after accounting qualifications for various corporate finance & accounting jobs in the country. This encourages applicants to pursue highest paying jobs after ACCA in India, depending on skills, experience and job role.
ACCA course details are summarized below:
| Category |
Details |
| Qualification |
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) |
| Recognition |
ACCA professionals are highly valued by multinational corporations (MNCs), Big Four firms, financial institutions, consulting companies, and corporate organisations in India and abroad. |
| Eligibility |
- Candidates who have completed 10+2 or an equivalent qualification can enrol in the ACCA programme.
- Graduates in Commerce, Finance, Accounting, or related disciplines may be eligible for exemptions from certain examinations based on their academic qualifications.
- ACCA offers up to 9 exam exemptions at the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills levels for students with relevant prior learning
- No exemptions are granted for the Strategic Professional level
- Must provide official academic transcripts or professional certificates to claim credits
|
| Number of Exams |
A total of 13 examinations, although exemptions may reduce the number of papers required for eligible candidates. |
| Exam Frequency |
ACCA examinations are conducted quarterly in March, June, September, and December, allowing students flexibility in planning their certification journey. |
| Exam Format |
All ACCA examinations are computer-based and designed to assess both technical knowledge and practical application. |
| Key Skills Developed |
- Financial Reporting
- Auditing
- Taxation
- Risk Management
- Strategic Thinking
- Business Analysis
- Compliance and Regulatory Knowledge
- Professional Ethics
- Budgeting and Forecasting
- Financial Management
|
| Popular careers after ACCA course |
- Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Auditor
- Tax Consultant
- Business Advisor
- Finance Manager
- Risk Analyst
- Management Accountant
- Corporate Finance Professional
|
| Work Environment |
Workload for ACCA professionals can become demanding during audit seasons, financial year-end closings, and major reporting periods. |
| Professional Development |
ACCA members must complete Continuous Professional Development (CPD) requirements to stay updated with industry trends, regulations, and emerging technologies while continuously enhancing their skills. |
| ACCA Membership Benefits |
- Global recognition and credibility
- Strong career growth opportunities
- Access to professional resources and learning tools
- International networking opportunities
- Industry insights and updates
- Continuous professional development
- Opportunities for career advancement and global mobility
|
Careers After ACCA Course
Professionals with an ACCA certification can work in areas such as financial reporting, auditing, taxation, budgeting, compliance, risk management, business advisory, financial planning, and strategic decision-making.
The qualification helps candidates specialize in fields such as Forensic Accounting, Risk Management, Taxation, Audit, Corporate Finance, and Financial Consulting. They may move to leadership roles based on additional qualifications, experience, skillset and industry demands.
Industries that offer job opportunities to ACCA professionals are as follows:
| Industry |
Major Employers |
Common Roles and Functions |
| Big Four Accounting and Consulting |
|
- Audit, Assurance
- Taxation
- Advisory
- Consulting
- Risk Management
- Strategy and Transactions
|
| Banking and Financial Services |
- HSBC
- JPMorgan Chase
- Citigroup
- Standard Chartered Bank
|
- Investment Banking
- Corporate Banking
- Commercial Banking
- Asset Management
- Wealth Management
- Treasury and Trade Solutions
|
| Technology and IT |
- Accenture
- Infosys
- Oracle
- SAP
|
- Financial Analysis
- Finance Operations
- Corporate Finance
- Internal Audit
- Business Planning
- Treasury
- Investor Relations
|
| Consumer Goods and FMCG |
- Unilever
- Nestlé
- Procter and Gamble (P&G)
- PepsiCo
|
- Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)
- Management Accounting
- Corporate Finance
- Internal Audit
- Business Strategy
|
| Energy and Oil & Gas |
- Shell
- BP
- ExxonMobil
- Chevron
|
- Financial Controlling
- Project Finance
- Internal Audit
- Risk Management
- Corporate Finance
|
| Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare |
- Pfizer
- Johnson & Johnson
- Novartis
- Roche
|
- Financial Reporting
- Tax Planning
- Business Analysis
- Compliance
- Corporate Finance
|
| Manufacturing and Industrial |
- Siemens
- General Electric (GE)
- Schneider Electric
- Honeywell
|
- Cost Accounting
- Financial Management
- Budgeting
- Internal Audit
- Business Finance
|
| Consulting and Professional Services |
- Accenture
- Capgemini
- Cognizant
- Infosys Consulting
|
- Financial Advisory
- Business Consulting
- Risk Advisory
- Financial Transformation
- Compliance Services
|
Overview of ACCA Salary in India
Fresh graduates with an ACCA certification can earn between INR 2.8 to 4 Lakhs Per Annum depending on industry, role, and expertise.
Starting a career in a Big 4 firm (EY, PwC, Deloitte or KPMG) can offer better pay packages along with exposure, faster promotions, and stronger career growth opportunities.
Job location also plays an important role in determining ACCA salary in India. As per the Wallstreet School, the financial hubs like Mumbai and Delhi offer salaries that are 10 to 20% higher than those offered in cities like Pune, Bengaluru, or Hyderabad in the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector.
Since ACCA offers a global certification, individuals can also pursue some of the highest paying jobs abroad across major financial markets. An overview of the salary offered for senior-level roles is as follows:
| Country |
Typical Salary Range for Senior Level Job Roles |
| United Kingdom (London) |
£55,000–£120,000 |
| United States |
$100,000–$220,000 |
| Germany |
€80,000–€110,000 |
| United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
AED 300,000–540,000 per year (tax-free) |
Job Opportunities After ACCA in India
ACCA professionals are known for their expertise in preparing financial reports, supporting financial audits, managing budgets, and handling taxation work.
They also help companies make better business decisions using financial data. This makes them the top choice for various financial audit firms, banking and consulting and corporate organizations.
The subsequent sections discuss career progression and available job opportunities after ACCA in India:
Career Stage 1: Entry-Level Jobs After ACCA (0-2 Years Experience)
| Job Role |
Job Description |
Average Salary |
| Accounts Executive/ Junior Accountant |
Supports daily accounting operations, reconciliations, invoicing, ledger maintenance, and month-end closing activities. |
INR 2.8 to 3.1 LPA |
| Audit Associate |
Assists audit teams with documentation, evidence collection, transaction testing, and audit working papers. |
INR 2.7 to 3.2 LPA |
| Financial Reporting Analyst (Junior) |
Supports financial reporting, IFRS disclosures, reporting packs, and basic variance analysis. |
INR 3.6 to 4 LPA |
| Finance Analyst |
Prepares dashboards, tracks business performance metrics, and supports budgeting and reporting activities. |
INR 3.3 to 4.2 LPA |
Career Stage 2: Early-Career ACCA Roles (2–5 Years Experience)
| Job Role |
Job Description |
Average Salary |
| Senior Accountant/ GL Accountant |
Manages general ledger accounting, month-end close, reconciliations, audit support, and financial controls. |
INR 4.5 to 5.6 LPA |
| FP&A Analyst/ Business Finance Analyst |
Supports budgeting, forecasting, profitability analysis, financial modelling, and business decision-making. |
INR 5.6 to 7 LPA |
| Internal Audit/Risk & Controls Analyst |
Evaluates internal controls, identifies risks, supports compliance initiatives, and improves business processes. |
INR 9.3 to 12.7 LPA |
| Tax Analyst |
Assists with tax compliance, tax reporting, filings, audits, and regulatory documentation. |
INR 8 to 10 LPA |
Career Stage 3: Mid-Level Finance and Management Roles (6–9 Years Experience)
| Job Role |
Job Description |
Average Salary |
| Finance Manager |
Leads finance operations, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and manages finance teams. |
INR 13.3 to 14.7 LPA |
| Financial Controller (Assistant/Deputy Controller)* |
Oversees financial controls, compliance, audits, reporting accuracy, and governance processes. |
INR 18.2 to 20.1 LPA |
| Treasury/Cashflow Manager |
Manages cash flow planning, banking relationships, liquidity management, and treasury operations. |
INR 15 to 16.6 LPA |
*Experienced professionals in larger organizations may earn higher compensation.
Career Stage 4: Senior Finance Leadership Roles (9–12 Years Experience)
| Job Role |
Job Description |
Average Salary |
| Head of Finance/ Finance Director |
Leads finance strategy, governance, compliance, reporting, profitability initiatives, and business growth planning. |
INR 41.9 to 46.4 LPA |
| Head of FP&A/ Business Finance Head |
Oversees business planning, forecasting, performance management, strategic analysis, and investment decisions. |
INR 21.3 to 23.7 LPA |
Career Stage 5: Executive and C-Suite Careers After ACCA (15+ Years Experience)
| Job Role |
What You'll Do |
Average Salary |
| Chief Financial Officer (CFO) |
Drives financial strategy, risk management, capital planning, governance, investor relations, and long-term business performance. |
INR 55.9 to 61.8 LPA |
| Vice President (VP) Finance |
Leads enterprise-wide finance functions, strategic planning, financial transformation, and stakeholder management. |
INR 54.2 to 59.9 LPA |
*Career stage 4 and 5 are some of the highest paying jobs after ACCA in India. Some roles may receive performance-linked bonuses, profit-sharing incentives, stock options (ESOPs), or equity-based compensation.
As a result, their total earnings can be significantly higher than their base salary, especially in large multinational corporations, listed companies, and high-growth startups.
Best Courses After ACCA
After completing ACCA, individuals can pursue higher education to build financial and management skills or specialize in a niche and emerging area. Some of the popular courses after ACCA are as follows:
| Course Name |
Type of Course |
Duration* |
How it Complements ACCA |
Career Outcome |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
Postgraduate Degree |
Typically 1–2 Years |
Adds leadership, strategic management, and business decision-making skills to ACCA's technical accounting and finance expertise. |
Senior management, consulting, corporate strategy, business development, and executive leadership roles. |
| Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) |
Professional Certification |
2–4 Years |
Expands knowledge of investment analysis, portfolio management, and capital markets beyond financial reporting and accounting. |
Investment banking, asset management, equity research, wealth management, and financial advisory roles. |
| Chartered Accountant (CA) |
Professional Qualification |
2–4 Years (depending on exemptions and progress) |
Strengthens expertise in auditing, taxation, assurance, and regulatory compliance, particularly within the Indian business environment. |
Chartered Accountant, Auditor, Tax Consultant, Assurance Professional, and Compliance Manager. |
| Master of Commerce (MCom) |
Postgraduate Degree |
2 Years |
Provides advanced academic knowledge in accounting, finance, economics, and business studies while complementing ACCA's professional focus. |
Finance professional, academician, researcher, lecturer, and accounting specialist. |
| Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Professional Degree |
3 Years (after graduation) |
Combines financial expertise with legal knowledge, particularly in taxation, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and business law. |
Corporate Lawyer, Compliance Officer, Legal Consultant, Tax Advisor, and Regulatory Specialist. |
| Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) |
Professional Certification |
1–3 Years |
Enhances skills in management accounting, budgeting, performance management, and strategic business planning. |
Management Accountant, Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) Professional, Business Partner, and Corporate Finance Manager. |
| Master of Science (MSc) in Finance or Specialised Finance Certifications |
Postgraduate Degree / Professional Certification |
1–2 Years |
Develops specialised expertise in corporate finance, financial modelling, risk management, and investment analysis. |
Financial Analyst, Risk Manager, Treasury Manager, Corporate Finance Professional, and Investment Specialist. |
| Forensic Accounting Certification or Postgraduate Programme |
Specialized Certification / Postgraduate Programme |
6 Months–2 Years |
Builds expertise in fraud detection, financial investigations, forensic auditing, and regulatory compliance. |
Forensic Accountant, Fraud Investigator, Compliance Officer, Risk Consultant, and Financial Crime Analyst. |
Final Thoughts
The ACCA qualification can open doors to diverse careers in accounting, finance, auditing, taxation, consulting, and corporate leadership.
Its global stature, industry focus, and high earnings have attracted many students aiming for a great career in the finance industry.
To build academic and professional capabilities simultaneously, you can also consider doing an undergraduate program which is accredited by ACCA-UK.
This integrated pathway can prepare you for a globally recognized accounting qualification from an early stage.
You can explore the course details at JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) to plan a successful global career in accounting and finance.
FAQs
Q1. What to do after ACCA in India?
A1: After ACCA, you can pursue careers in accounting, auditing, taxation, financial reporting, corporate finance, consulting, and risk management. You can also enhance your qualifications with courses such as MBA, CFA, CA, or specialized certifications.
Q2. Which is the highest paying job after ACCA?
A2: The highest paying jobs after ACCA in India are typically Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Finance Director, and Vice President (Finance). Experienced professionals in these positions can earn INR 50 LPA to 1 crore or more annually.
Q3. What is the highest package in ACCA?
A3: There is no fixed highest package for ACCA professionals. Senior executives in multinational companies and large corporations can earn compensation packages exceeding INR 50 LPA, including bonuses and stock-based incentives.
Q4. Who earns more, CA or ACCA in the Indian corporate sector?
A4: In the Indian corporate sector, Chartered Accountants (CA) generally earn more than ACCAs, particularly at the entry level and in senior strategic leadership roles.
However, salary outcomes depend heavily on the employer, the specific job function, and organization structure.
Q5. What job roles can I get after completing ACCA?
A5: Common roles include Financial Analyst, Auditor, Accountant, Tax Consultant, Finance Manager, Internal Auditor, FP&A Analyst, Risk Analyst, and Financial Controller. Career opportunities are available across multiple industries.
Q6. Are there global job opportunities after ACCA?
A6: Yes. ACCA is recognized in over 180 countries, creating opportunities in global financial hubs such as the UK, UAE, Singapore, Canada, Australia, and several European countries.
Q7. What is the starting salary after ACCA?
A7: Entry-level job roles offer salary packages between INR 2.8–4.2 LPA in India. Salaries may be higher in major cities and leading employers such as Big Four firms, multinational corporations, and financial institutions.
