Here’s an overview of the differences between the ACA, CIMA, and ACCA qualifications:

ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant)

• Organized by: Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
• Structure:
  • 15 learning modules (Certificate, Professional, and Advanced levels).
  • Practical work experience (450 days minimum).
  • Professional development.
  • Ethics and professional scepticism training.
• Focus: Detailed-oriented positions such as reporting and internal audit, often within the Big 4 accounting firms (Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG).

CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)

• Organized by: Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.
• Structure:
  • Certificate in Business Accounting.
  • Operational, Management, and Strategic levels.
  • Practical experience requirements.
• Focus: Strategy and management within commercial or industry settings, with roles like business data analysis and finance team management.

ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)

• Organized by: Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
• Structure:
  • Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional modules.
  • Ethics and professional skills module.
  • Practical experience requirement (36 months).
• Focus: Diverse accounting areas suitable for both public practice and commercial settings.

Key Differences

• Career Path:
  • ACA is often seen as the most technical and is prevalent in public practice and Big 4 firms.
  • CIMA focuses on management accounting and strategic roles in commercial settings.
  • ACCA offers a broad range of accounting skills applicable in various sectors.
• Entry Requirements:
  • ACA typically requires a training agreement with an ICAEW-authorised company.
  • CIMA has multiple entry points depending on educational background.
  • ACCA requires a minimum of two A-levels and three GCSEs, including English and maths.

For more detailed information, you can read the full article on WikiJob here.