is ACCA is equal to CA internationally

[sara_khan]

my question is is acca is equal to ca in international market. because i m planning to go to canada but on there official website there is no info about acca there r only CFA, CA and CGA only. plz help me?

[kamranACA]

Dear,

In so many countries, ACCAs, ACMAs and CAs are considered to be at par for publishing jobs in the newspaper. This also happens in Pakistan. I heard on this forum that same is the case at UK.

In Pakistan, it is not a hidden thing, that CAs are considered on top. Normally jobs go to others, if CAs dont want to join or if remunerations do not cater the professional worth of a CA.

So much has been written and posted about ACA v/s ACCA. I need not to speak any more on this topic. Off course ACCAs are getting good jobs as well. Their curriculum is well designed and they are in so many cases considered equal to other accountancy qualifications, specially at GULF. I personally do not find them equal to CA, at least in Pakistan. It is my sole view. It has apparently no binding or imposition on others. Others may feel it to be the best. I dont have any objection on any one's conclusion.

In Canada and USA, ACCAs are not too much considered but still ACCAs can get jobs there. In Canada, CAs, CPAs, CFAs and CGAs are considered for this profession. However, Canada is a good place for new entrants, professionals and investors.

On searching, you will hopefully find a job at Canada.

One more thing, Canada normally falls short of one's expectations. Keep it in mind that it is not comparable to UK or USA.

Regards,

Kamran.

[usman zafar]

I cant say much after Sir Kamran's elaboration as he was one of my fav. teachers in CA-Final.
But i want to add something

dear I am an ACCA (UK) member and CIA (USA) designation-holder. I am a CA-finalist undergoing my few last month articles in AFF. In my early career I was a freak when it came to comparing accountancy qualifications and doing research about them. I wanted to do CIMA(UK), CISA, as well as CFA and a CA from a foreign country (other than PAK).
But as i progressed and interacted with Pakistani and Foreign employers (After undergoing interviews with PWC,KPMG,E&Y(Ireland,Australia, Dubai, Bahrain)I understood onething that gone are the days when Employers focused on your academic and professional qualifications. All they want is that you should be a qualified accountant at least and the differentiating factor after that is not whether u r CA (PAK),ACCA or ICAEW. The distinguishing factor is your experience of various sectors that you worked in and in what capacity.
Forexample if one merely passes CISA exam and doesnot acquire IT Audit experience, blve me CISA for him is worthless (inspite of gr8 demand for IT Audit professionals all over the developed world). in the same way if one has a CFA designation and hasnt worked in investment or finance related environments CFA is worthless for him. So pick up what field u want to work in and gain related qualifications and experience(I am emphasizing experience!!!). A person with a bucketfull of qualifications with no intention to work in the related field has wasted his money and time unless ofcourse u dont wanna join teaching profession. I hope Sir Kamran will also agree with me.

Regards,
Usman ACCA,CIA

[ausmanpk2001]

ACCA is recognised in 96 countries around the world as "recognised statutory qualification", i.e. you can conduct audit & it has excellent market repute in those countries too; i.e. in your language "equal to ca" in those countries.

But unfortunately, it is not a recognised statutory qualification in canada.

You'll have to pass some exams & undergo 3 years practical training in a firm to qualify as a Canadian CA after ACCA.

The case of ACCA was pending in the canadian province of ontario some time ago. ACCA might have been granted recognised status by now

You can visit ACCA Canada website for more information.

[kamranACA]

xxx

[kamranACA]

[quote]<i>Originally posted by kamranACA</i>
<br />Dear Usman Zafar,

You are absolutely correct.

I dont disgaree with your observation. The matter of a specific qualification is of emphasis only when some body is a fresh candidate for a job. After the passage of time, it is your experience which counts.

You speak truely in practical terms.

Further, morally I dont want to keep you in dark. I am not the Kamran which you have construed me. I have never been invloved in professional teachings anywhere. I have been teaching the studnets of my firm for some time, but that was not for earning intent. It was merely to update my own knowledge. I have not been your teacher. However, I appreciate the respect you have shown for your teacher. He must be a lucky man who found students like you.

God bless you Usman Zafar.

Regards,

Kamran.

[sara_khan]

so after all in above discussion its mean acca is not equal to CA?
or usman zafar says that only experience is count in todays world so a I.comm or Bcomm is enough to get the dream job? if yes so why is people going to ACCA, CA, CFA ,CIMA etc are they mad?

[kamranACA]

Dear Sara_khan

What I understood from Usman's post is that he was explaining to equalize various premier level qualifications of the world after getting into some serious job engagement.

I know from which point he is talking. Yes, off course, experience counts, when one is a recognized person among his circle. Various persons having different qualifications could be found on top despite the category of the premier qualification he/she has.

Where I too much prefer CA over other qualifications, I also know the exceptions to the rule. I know a CIMA qualified who was General Manager Finance Power Wapda and was then promoted to MEMBER FINANCE of wapda. The persons who know these posts must know what do these mean. There were so many CAs and ACMAs working under him. There could be 100 reasons for his placement and preference over CAs but the reality is reality that he was Member Finance.

We can also quote other such examples.

This was the base for which I agree that experience relevant to some job counts and is preferred even over a better qualification. (Better in any one else's opinion).

I understnd that Mr. Usamn Zafar was of same view. Yes, off course a good qualification has a meaning and is required to get in for good executive jobs.

Regards,

Kamran.

[Muhammad Amir]

Dear Brother;
The word "Internationally" is much wider in scope so greater scope of the word meant to have different reccongnition in different regions ...

[iceman_pk]

hmmmmmmmmmm acca rocks