CIMA vs ACCA: Which is Best for Your Accounting and Finance Career?

Lakshmi

5 min read

Updated On Jul 21, 2025

CIMA vs ACCA is a common dilemma for finance aspirants. While ACCA has 247,00+ members in 181 countries, CIMA represents 696,000+ professionals. Both CIMA and ACCA offer strong careers but differ in focus, recognition and flexibility.

Your Complete Canada PR Roadmap- From Eligibility to Visa

What is CIMA?
What is ACCA?
Differences Between CIMA and ACCA
Eligibility Requirements for CIMA Vs ACCA
Average Salaries of CIMA Vs ACCA & Career Opportunities
ACCA or CIMA: Which is Better?
Looking for the Right Fit Between CIMA vs ACCA? Seek Advice from GetGIS Guidance!
Useful Links!

CIMA vs ACCA is a common dilemma for aspiring finance professionals aiming to specialise in management accounting or global accountancy. As of 2025 ACCA boasts over 247,000 members across 181 countries, while CIMA under the AICPA - CIMA banner, represents more than 696,000 professionals globally.

CIMA and ACCA both offer lucrative career paths, yet they differ in focus, flexibility and global recognition. Understanding their core distinctions and similarities is crucial for aligning your career goals.

What is CIMA?

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) is a professional association for management accountants in the United Kingdom. Members of the organization hold the CIMA qualification, which demonstrates proficiency in financial and business management.

What is ACCA?

ACCA stands for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. It is a global professional accounting body that offers the Chartered Certified Accountant qualification. The ACCA qualification is respected and recognized around the world, providing its members with the skills and knowledge needed to work in various sectors, including finance, accounting, consulting, and management.

Differences Between CIMA and ACCA

To have a clear view of the difference between the CIMA vs ACCA, it is essential to go through the table below to gain more insights.

Category	ACCA	CIMA
Organizing Body	Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)	Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
Recognition & Acceptance	Recognized globally with over 300 Approved Learning Partners	Globally accepted and backed by AICPA-CIMA, representing over 696,000 professionals
Exam Pattern	Applied Knowledge Applied Skills Strategic Professional	Operational Level Management Level Strategic Level
Course Duration	3 Years	3 Years
Course Complexity / Pass Percentage	Hard (30% – 40%)	Moderate (50% – 60%)
Program Fees (approx.)	Registration: EUR 30 Applied Skills: EUR 129 per paper Professional: EUR 71–EUR 227 Total: EUR 1500–EUR 2000	Registration: EUR 85 Gateway/Professional Fee: EUR 425 Exams: EUR 120 - EUR 299 Total: EUR 2500–EUR 3000
No. of Papers	13	16
Study Focus	Accounting, Auditing, and Taxation	Business Strategy and Management Accounting
Skills Gained	Technical knowledge of accounting, finance, and compliance	Strategic decision-making, leadership, and business performance management
Job Prospects	Financial Consultant, Internal Auditor, Taxation Manager, Accountant, Finance Manager	Management Consultant, Project Manager, Forensic Analyst, Finance Controller
Average Salary (India)	INR 6 to INR 8 LPA	INR 5 to INR 8 LPA
Who Should Pursue It?	Candidates Interested in numbers and finance Career in accounting, auditing, taxation Aspiring to work independently	Candidates Interested in strategy and business Career in management accounting Aiming for leadership roles

Eligibility Requirements for CIMA Vs ACCA

Studying ACCA necessitates a minimum requirement of two A levels and three GCSEs across various subjects to initiate studies at the Fundamentals level. Alternatively, individuals holding a degree from an ACCA-accredited university might qualify to commence directly at the Professional level. Furthermore, prior academic achievements could potentially exempt candidates from certain examinations.

In contrast, embarking on CIMA studies offers flexibility. Beginning at either the Certificate or Professional level is feasible, with no mandatory prerequisites at the Certificate level. Progression to the CIMA Professional qualification is attainable based on existing qualifications, potentially leading to exemptions from specific papers.

Average Salaries of CIMA Vs ACCA & Career Opportunities

CIMA graduates have a wide array of employment opportunities across both corporate and public sectors, with potential roles in diverse industries such as Investment Advisory, Risk Advisory, Audit and Assurance, and Accounting Advisory.

Average CIMA Salary in 2025

The CIMA graduates have great opportunities worldwide and here is a list of average salaries for CIMA graduates with their average salary.

Country	CIMA Average Salary	CIMA Salary (INR)
Canada	CAD 130,024	80,00,444
Australia	AUD 101,000	54,71,551
Netherlands	EUR 75,000	66,98,100
Sweden	SEK 321,600	20,54,386

Please note that these figures are averages and actual salaries can vary based on factors like experience, skills, location, and the specific role.

Career Opportunities for CIMA Certified Professionals

CIMA qualified professionals typically work in cost and risk management, financial planning, business strategy, growth initiatives and business analytics, driving strategic decision making within the organisation. In demand job profiles for CIMA professionals include:

Management Account
Business Analyst
Financial Analyst
Management Consultant
Financial Controller
Project Manager

Leading Employees Hiring CIMA Professionals include

Accenture
American Express
Astrazeneca
Atkins
AXA
BAE Systems
Bank of America
Barclays

Average ACCA Salary in 2025

The ACCA graduates get paid well worldwide. Here is a list of salary packages provided in the top countries. Have a look at the table below to learn more about the courses.

Country	ACCA Average Salary	ACCA Salary (INR)
Canada	CAD 80,000	₹49,22,442
Australia	AUD 70,000	₹37,92,164
Netherlands	EUR 32,400	₹28,93,579
Sweden	SEK 387,255	₹30,63,202

Have a look at Top Accounting Courses in Canada for International Students to know more about the accounting courses in Canada.

Career Opportunities for ACCA Certified Professionals

ACCA graduates have diverse employment opportunities across corporate and public sectors, with potential roles in fields such as Investment Advisory, Risk Advisory, Audit and Assurance, and Accounting Advisory. Popular Job Roles include:

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Statutory Auditor
Finance Manager
Internal Auditor
Forensic Accountant
Management Account
Corporate Treasurer
Financial Accountant
Fund Manager
Business Analyst
Tax Specialist

Top Global Companies Hiring ACCA Professionals:

KPMG
Deloitte
EY (Ernst & Young)
PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
BDO
Grant Thornton
Credit Suisse

ACCA or CIMA: Which is Better?

Addressing this frequently posed question is no straightforward task. If your inclination leans towards the managerial facets of accounting, desiring foundational managerial skills, CIMA is better poised to equip you for such responsibilities. On the contrary, ACCA places a greater emphasis on intricate taxation principles and external auditing procedures.

Consequently, those graduating from ACCA are more adept at navigating roles that involve independent work or positions within private firms, particularly in finance-centric domains. So you can try to choose according to the career perspective that you have decided to grow and enhance.

Get to know more about Accounting Jobs in Canada to have a clear glance at the scope of accounting jobs in Canada.

Looking for the Right Fit Between CIMA vs ACCA? Seek Advice from GetGIS Guidance!

If you're facing the tough choice between CIMA and ACCA, you can rely on GetGIS Guidance for personalized support. Our team specializes in offering tailored insights to assist you in making the best decision based on your career aspirations and goals.

Whether you're considering delving into the intricacies of the Indian taxation system with CIMA or setting your sights on the global opportunities offered by ACCA, our experts are here to provide the guidance you need for your professional journey. Book Your Free Consultation

Useful Links!

Tags
Canada PR

Planning to study in Canada? Explore provinces that improve your PR chances

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is ACCA's salary so low?

The diversity in ACCA salaries in India is influenced by multiple factors. Among these are the organization's size and reputation, the geographic location, and the economic climate within the industry, all playing pivotal roles in shaping the earning potential of ACCA professionals.

Who earns more ACCA or MBA?

An entry-level ACCA professional typically commands an annual salary ranging from 8 to 15 lakhs, which has the potential to increase with accumulated experience. In comparison, a fresh MBA graduate can expect to earn an average of 4 to 10 lakhs annually. ACCA offers flexibility for both undergraduate students and finance professionals already in the workforce.

Can I settle in the UK after ACCA?

For individuals aspiring to reside and work in the United Kingdom, it is important to acquaint yourself with relevant resources that can enhance your prospects. However, it's important to note that due to local laws and regulations, ACCA is unable to facilitate student visas or work permits.

Is CIMA qualified as a chartered accountant?

Upon obtaining the CIMA's, CGMA Professional Qualification, you will attain the status of a Chartered Global Management Accountant and gain the privilege of using the CGMA designation after your name.

Is CIMA higher than ACCA?

ACCA has a pass rate of 30% to 40%, while CIMA's pass rate ranges from 50% to 60%. Analyzing these pass rates suggests that ACCA is marginally more challenging than CIMA. However, both qualifications possess unique characteristics and demand diligence, discipline, and dedication to succeed.