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Could anybody explain the difference to me between CCA’s (such as somebody who has completed ACCA) and CA’s (such as someone who has completed ICAS)?
I’m coming to the end of my AAT Level 4, and want to choose the right next step. I’m leaning towards ACCA at the moment, but I’m struggling to understand the differences behind the titles.
Upon completing ACCA, can somebody describe themselves as a “Chartered Accountant” or is this only the case if you complete ICAS?
Hi,
After completing ACCA you are a Chartered Certified Accountant, which is exactly what ACCA stands for and for what I understood ICAS gives the title of Chartered Accountant too.
If you search on google “difference between ICAS and ACCA”, you will find lots of websites explaining it. For what I read, they are the same, both hard, both prestigious, ACCA more recent than ICAS, but probably more recognised internationally.
To be honest, if I have to think about my colleagues as example, they are all ACCA or CIMA qualified… I don’t know anyone who is ICAS qualified!
But please, if someone knows more, share your knowledge!@theacountant said:
Could anybody explain the difference to me between CCA’s (such as somebody who has completed ACCA) and CA’s (such as someone who has completed ICAS)?I’m coming to the end of my AAT Level 4, and want to choose the right next step. I’m leaning towards ACCA at the moment, but I’m struggling to understand the differences behind the titles.
Upon completing ACCA, can somebody describe themselves as a “Chartered Accountant” or is this only the case if you complete ICAS?
Hi Accountant,
The differences between the two are not too great tbh. The fundamental difference is to do ACA you need a training contract traditionally which is often given by a firm to tie the student in for a number of years, often 3 years in the U.K. The ACCA needs no training contract and can be started by anyone even if they don’t have a workplace, the entry requirements are different too. The need for training contract in the past has made ACA seem more preferable but there honestly isn’t much difference and ACCA does keep your options open to go into management or financial roles.
With regards to experience they are both similar, I believe ACA is 450 practical days experience which is similar to the 3 years minimum experience needed for Acca.
The modules are similar in both courses and cover similar areas, I.e both have core accounting modules, tax modules, law and audit modules but there is no options in ACA whilst 2 options in ACCA.
With regards to the titles it is only due to the two different charters between the boards but at the end of the day there both have royal charter and are respected so you are either a chartered accountant or chartered certified accountant.At the end of the day, if you get a training contract, then go for what your employer is offering as these courses can be expensive but otherwise just pick the option you prefer.
I hope that helps.
Samir.
They are both CCAB qualification and internationally recognised. Personally, ACCA appeals to me as more global and flexible than ICAS. ICAS and ICAEW represent CA’s in Scotland and England respectively. CCAs can also be management accountant as ACCA provides strategic business knowledge & training just like CIMA or become an auditor or financial / technical accountant as they also take the same or similar papers as ACA or ICAS.
Each has its own unique status i.e. own specific title, but at the end of the day, if one belongs to any of these CCAB bodies, they can call themselves chartered accountants as they’re formed by Royal Charter.
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