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Use our easy course finder tool to explore top accounting qualifications and certifications and see which one matches your career path.
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📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best accounting course to start a career?
The best accounting course for beginners is often a foundational program such as AAT or an introductory diploma. These provide a strong base in accounting principles before moving on to advanced qualifications like ACCA, CPA, or CMA.
👉 If you’re unsure where to begin, our Accounting Course Finder Tool can guide you to the right starting point.
2. Which accounting qualification has the most global recognition?
The most globally recognised qualifications are ACCA, CPA, and CIMA.
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ACCA: Accepted in 180+ countries.
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CPA: Highly valued in the US and with US-linked companies.
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CIMA: Strong in management and corporate roles.
👉 For maximum global mobility, ACCA is the most widely accepted.
3. What is the difference between an accounting course and an accounting certification?
An accounting course usually teaches skills and concepts, while an accounting certification or qualification is a professional credential awarded after exams, training, and practical experience.
4. Which accounting certification has the highest salary potential?
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CPA – among the highest paying in the US.
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CFA – strong in banking & investments.
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ACCA/CA/CMA – excellent salary growth worldwide.
👉 If salary is your top priority, CPA and CFA are often the leaders.
5. How long does it take to complete an accounting qualification?
It depends on the path. Certifications like CPA may take 1–2 years with the required credits, while ACCA can take 2–4 years depending on exemptions. Chartered Accountant programs (like CA in India or CA ANZ) often take 3–5 years.
👉 You can compare study durations side by side in the Course Finder Tool.
6. Do I need a degree to start an accounting course or qualification?
Not always. Many courses accept school leavers, while qualifications like ACCA allow entry without a degree. However, certifications such as CPA (USA) require a bachelor’s degree plus additional credit hours.
7. Which accounting training is best for management roles?
If you’re aiming for corporate finance or management roles, the CMA (Certified Management Accountant) or CIMA/CGMA are the best training options as they focus on strategy, budgeting, and performance management.
8. What is the easiest accounting certification to complete?
This depends on your background. AAT and entry-level diplomas are generally considered easier, while advanced qualifications like CPA, CA, or ACCA require more rigorous study and exams.
9. Can I study an accounting course online?
Yes. Most accounting courses and certifications now offer online study options, including ACCA, CMA, and CPA preparation. This makes it easier to balance work, training, and exams.
👉 Check the Course Finder Tool for online and flexible study options.
10. Which accounting qualification is best in my country?
The best qualification depends on where you want to work. For example:
- USA: CPA
- UK: ACA or ACCA
- Canada: CPA Canada
- India: CA India or ACCA
- South Africa: CA(SA)
Globally, ACCA remains the most portable.
👉 Our Course Finder Tool can recommend the best qualification for your country.
11. Which accounting qualification do Big 4 firms prefer?
The Big 4 (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) generally prefer candidates with ACCA, CPA, or CA qualifications.
- ACCA is popular in Europe, Middle East, and Asia.
- CPA is essential in the US and recognised globally.
- CA is highly respected in specific countries (e.g., India, South Africa, UK).
👉 If you want to work in the Big 4 worldwide, ACCA or CPA are excellent choices.
12. Best accounting certification for banking jobs
For banking and finance, the most relevant are:
- CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) – for investment banking, risk management, and portfolio analysis.
- CPA or ACCA – for accounting, auditing, and compliance in banks.
- CIMA – for financial management and decision-making roles.
👉 If your target is banking operations and compliance, go for CPA/ACCA. For investment banking or wealth management, CFA is ideal.
13. Which accounting qualification is most in demand in 2025 or 2026?
Based on current hiring trends:
- ACCA – strong demand due to global recognition.
- CPA – essential in US-linked roles.
- CFA – increasingly demanded in finance-heavy markets.
- CIMA – growing in corporate strategy and financial management.
👉 ACCA and CPA are expected to remain the most in demand worldwide in 2025 or 2026.
14. Which accounting course should I take after 12th commerce?
If you’re just finishing school and want to enter accounting:
- AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) or Diploma in Accounting for beginners.
- CA (Chartered Accountant) in India or equivalent in your country.
- ACCA Foundation route if you want global opportunities.
👉 Start with a foundation or technician-level qualification and then move to ACCA, CPA, or CA.
15. Best accounting courses for beginners with no experience
If you’re a beginner:
- Introductory Accounting Courses (online, free or paid).
- AAT (UK), CAT (Certified Accounting Technician), or equivalent diplomas.
- Basic ACCA Foundation modules.
👉 Look for beginner-friendly online courses with practical exercises to build confidence.
16. What is the first step to becoming an accountant?
The first step is to learn the basics of accounting principles (debits, credits, ledgers, and financial statements). After that:
- Choose a relevant qualification (e.g., ACCA, CPA, CA).
- Gain practical experience through internships or junior roles.
- Progress to professional-level certification.
17. Which accounting certification can I study part-time while working?
- ACCA – very flexible with online/part-time study.
- CIMA – modular and designed for working professionals.
- CMA (US) – possible to complete part-time in 1–2 years.
👉 ACCA and CIMA are the most popular choices for working professionals.
18. Which course should I take if I want to move from bookkeeping to accounting?
If you’re already a bookkeeper:
- AAT Level 3/4 or ACCA Foundation will bridge the gap.
- Moving to ACCA, CPA, or CMA will help you progress into accounting roles.
👉 Start with mid-level accounting diplomas and then transition to professional qualifications.
19. Which accounting course is best if I only want remote jobs?
For remote roles, employers value internationally recognised certifications:
- ACCA – widely accepted globally, suitable for remote corporate roles.
- CPA – ideal if you work with US clients.
- CIMA – good for financial planning and business consulting.
👉 Go for ACCA or CPA if remote, cross-border job opportunities are your goal.
20. What’s the easiest accounting certification to pass?
“Easiest” depends on your background, but generally:
- AAT or CAT are beginner-friendly.
- ACCA Foundation courses are manageable for newcomers.
- CPA and CA are considered challenging and not “easy.”
👉 If you’re looking for a stepping stone, start with AAT or ACCA Foundation.
21. Which accounting certification can I finish in less than a year?
- CMA (US) – can be completed in 12–18 months if studied intensively.
- AAT Levels or ACCA Foundation Diplomas – achievable within a year.
- Short-term online certificates (bookkeeping, financial accounting basics) – a few months.
👉 For recognised certification, CMA or AAT are the quickest paths.