ACCA vs US CMA
Choosing between the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Certified Management Accountant (US CMA) can be pivotal for your finance career. Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Table Of Contents
CFA vs US CMA full comparison!
1. Professional Bodies & Global Recognition
ACCA (UK)
- Established: 1904
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Global Presence: Recognised in over 180 countries
- Members & Students: Over 250,000 members and 526,000 students worldwide
- Focus: Comprehensive accounting, finance, and business management
US CMA
- Established: 1972 by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)
- Headquarters: USA
- Global Presence: Recognised in over 150 countries
- Members: Over 140,000 members globally
- Focus: Management accounting, financial planning, analysis, and decision-making
2. Eligibility Criteria
Note: ACCA offers exemptions based on prior qualifications, potentially reducing the number of exams. It’s recommended to start ACCA after grade 12.
3. Course Structure & Duration
4. Syllabus & Focus Areas
ACCA Curriculum:
Knowledge Level:
- Business and Technology,
- Management Accounting
- Financial Accounting
Skill Level:
- Corporate and Business Law
- Performance Management
- Taxation
- Financial Reporting
- Audit and Assurance
- Financial Management
Professional Level:
Compulsory Papers
- Strategic Business Leader
- Strategic Business Reporting
Optional Papers (Any 2)
- Advanced Financial Management
- Advanced Performance Management
- Advanced Taxation
- Advanced Audit and Assurance
US CMA Curriculum:
Part 1:
- Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics.
- External Financial Reporting Decisions
- Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting
- Performance Management
- Cost Management
- Internal Controls
- Technology and Analytics
Focuses on analysing financial performance and making data-driven decisions.
Part 2:
- Strategic Financial Management.
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Corporate Finance
- Decision Analysis
- Risk Management
- Investment Decisions
- Professional Ethics
Emphasizes strategic decision-making and long-term financial planning.
Exam Pattern & Pass Rates
Work Experience Requirements
Career Opportunities & Salary
Investments For the Qualifications
Pursuing the ACCA qualification involves a total estimated investment of โน4 to โน4.5 lakhs. This includes all essential components – registration, annual subscriptions, exam-related costs, and professional coaching. Given its global recognition and comprehensive realtime syllabus, ACCA is a very powerful credential for those aiming to build a long-term global career in various domains of Business, Accounting & Finance.
On the other hand, the US CMA certification offers a more compact and cost-effective pathway, with a total investment typically ranging between โน1.5 to โน2 lakhs. The US CMA certification provides immense value with a shorter duration and a focused curriculum in Financial Planning, Analytics & Financial Management.
Please note that discounts are available for the above fees if you register and study through an ALP for ACCA and a Course Provider for US CMA. To know more about the discounts, please contact our counselor at synthesis learning
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Choose ACCA if you’re aiming for a stunning career in global finance and business. Itโs the ideal path if you aspire to work with the Big 4 or land international roles across diverse industries. With a typical duration of 2.5 to 3 years and an overall investment of โน4.5 to โน5 lakhs, ACCA is best suited for students who can commit the time and resources to build a strong global finance foundation.
On the other hand, choose US CMA if you’re looking to fast-track your career in financial planning & analysis and management accounting. It’s perfect for those targeting roles in MNCs, shared service centres, or FP&A teams. With a shorter duration of 6 to 12 months and a total investment of โน1.5 to โน2 lakhs, US CMA offers a focused and efficient route into high-demand corporate finance roles.
