We often face difficulty in choosing a qualification as our career is going to be in the same chosen line. The choice becomes more difficult when it comes to choosing between 2 most sought after international qualification which is ACCA and CIMA. While both the courses seem similar, both hold very different approaches and allow you to specialize in different areas of accounting.

Confused, aren’t we? Well, it’s not that confusing if you ask “which course is right for you” instead of asking “which is the right course? “

Let us give you a brief insight into both the qualifications to make the choice easier for you. Here we are going to discuss-

• Introduction: ACCA and CIMA
• Basic Criteria of ACCA and CIMA (a comparative look)
• Why ACCA for you
• Why CIMA for you

Introduction about ACCA vs. CIMA

Firstly, ACCA and CIMA are both international qualifications that are globally accepted and highly regarded qualifications in Finance and Accounting. Each qualification is considered to be a benchmark of quality and assurance in accounting.

ACCA stands for Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and is one of the largest global entity for Professional Accountants since 1904 supporting 6,86,000 members and students in 183+ countries. CIMA stands for Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and is one of the largest global entity for Management Accountants since 1919 with 2,27,000 members and students operating the heart of business in 179+ countries.

Basic Criteria of ACCA and CIMA (Comparision)

Why ACCA for You:

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is one of the largest global body for professional accountants in the world.
• This course is a unique combination of  Accountancy, Finance & Management 
• Makes you more Employable & Industry Relevant 
• Flexibility- Can be pursued right after Class X and completed before graduation. Professionals are entitled to a fastrack route thereby the course is completed in a year. 
• Recognized in 183 countries having certification rights in 78 countries like China, Hongkong, Singapore, entire European Union & Middle East, etc.
• Opportunity to earn a BSc degree from Oxford Brookes University & MSc degree from the University of London.
• Editor’s Recommendation: ACCA Course Details, Eligibility, and Salary

Why CIMA for You

• Relevance: The most relevant finance qualification for business.
• Practical Orientation: CIMA is a beautiful combination of CA & MBA. Helps you to be the ‘Brains behind the Business’, with the judicious blend of theory & practical.
• Flexibility: Can be pursued right after Class X and completed before graduation. Professionals are entitled to a fastrack route thereby the course is completed in a year. 
• CGMA: CIMA members are entitled to the CGMA designation, powered by AICPA & CIMA, two of the world’s most prestigious organizations.
• Employers Choice: The employers most preferred business qualification.
• Editor’s Recommendation: CIMA Course Details, Eligibility, and Salary

Both ACCA and CIMA aspirants acquire different sets of skill and after completion, of course, will require a different level of responsibilities.

Recommendation:

Whether to choose ACCA or CIMA depends on your long term career ambition. We recommend ACCA for those who seek career toward auditing (in certain jurisdictions except India), tax and compliances and CIMA for those who are interested in business and industry with managerial skills, commercial awareness, and good negotiation.