Should I go to study ACCA or get a simple accounting degree?

Owing to the ever-expanding global economy, there is a high demand for accountants and a large number of students are hoping to make a successful career in accounting. Accounting certifications include ACCA, AAT, CIMA, CA, out of which ACCA is considered the most prestigious certification. If you are also planning to pursue a career in the field of accounting, but confused between ACCA and a simple accounting degree, this article is useful for you.

What’s the main difference between accounting degree and ACCA?

Accounting Degree:

It is an academic degree that is awarded by a university and generally takes two to four years to complete.

ACCA:

ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is a professional accounting qualification awarded by the ACCA, a global body for professional accountants.

What should you consider between ACCA and Accounting Degree?

A simple Accounting Degree is the same as other undergraduate programs and provides you with academic knowledge in the field of finance. However, ACCA is a professional accounting qualification and is a certification.

ACCA or accounting degree which course is better?

Accounting Degree:

With a wide range of subjects, the course structure is made up of core accounting knowledge and relevant fields.

ACCA:

The curriculum of ACCA takes you through the subjects that focus on technical features of accounting which are actually needed for a professional accountant.

Which is more difficult between ACCA and Accounting Degree?

Accounting Degree:

Generally, accounting degree is considered to be easier than ACCA as it is the first stage with the progression of difficulty throughout your 3 years of study. 

ACCA:

It is known to be the most-toughest if compared to the accounting degrees as it is the Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in one qualification.

Which is faster: ACCA or accounting degree?

Accounting Degree:

It takes approximately 4-5 years to complete an accounting degree including Bachelors's and Masters's degrees.

ACCA:

ACCA certification takes around 3 years to complete.

Are they both equally recognized?

Accounting Degree:

This will be recognized in the country you are taking a degree in but may not be accepted internationally, all depending on the university.

ACCA:

ACCA certification is accepted worldwide.

What are your career options?

Accounting Degree:

Here you get a lot of options to make a career in the accountancy field or any other field.

ACCA:

Usually, ACCA members only work in the accounting and finance fields.

What should you consider?

If you have also thought of any career option outside accounting, an accounting degree might be the right choice for you. An accounting degree will give you more options to work in similar businesses such as Market research, Real Estate, and Media and Advertising.

The choice of ACCA course restricts the candidate with very fewer options which are directly related to accounting. Furthermore, top accounting firms look for a professional qualification in their employees. Hence, it would be great to opt for a degree in accounting to ensure versatility and also for good placements.