The ACCA full form is Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. The CFA full form is Chartered Financial Analyst.

Focus

• ACCA: accounting, audit, tax, reporting and finance management.
• CFA: investment analysis, valuation and portfolio management.

Awarding bodies

ACCA is awarded by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. CFA is awarded by the CFA Institute.

Structure

ACCA has three levels with multiple papers. CFA has three levels with one exam each .

Career fit

1. ACCA: audit, accounting, tax, FP&A, risk and corporate finance.
2. CFA: equity research, asset management, portfolio and wealth roles.

Entry

ACCA offers routes after 12th and graduation. CFA generally needs a degree or equivalent .

Experience

Both need work experience for full designation .

Can you do both?

Yes. Some professionals combine accounting depth with investment skills.

How to choose

• Prefer accounting and reporting: ACCA.
• Prefer investments and markets: CFA.
• Undecided: speak to professionals in each field.

TWSS guidance

TWSS offers both ACCA and CFA among its programmes .

Comparing ACCA and CFA? Book a free counselling session.