ACCA, CPA, or MBA — What’s Next After Becoming a CA?

Becoming a Chartered Accountant is a big achievement. You spend many years studying. You clear tough exams. You complete articleship with long hours and pressure. When you finally become a CA, it feels like success.

But after some time, many CAs feel confused.

You may start thinking:

• “Should I study more?”
• “How can I earn better?”
• “Is this career enough for the long term?”
• “Everyone is doing ACCA, CPA, or MBA. Should I also do one?”

This confusion is normal. Almost every CA faces it.

This article explains ACCA, CPA, and MBA, so you can clearly understand:

• What each option really means
• How it affects your career
• Which option suits you, not others

Why Do Many CAs Think of Studying More?

After CA, you may already have a job. Still, you think of another course because:

• Salary growth feels slow
• Work feels repetitive
• You want international exposure
• You want better roles, not just routine work
• You want job security in the long term

Doing another course is not about collecting degrees. It is about direction.

Before choosing anything, ask yourself honestly:

“What do I want my career to look like after 5–10 years?”

Option 1: ACCA – For CAs Who Like Accounting and Global Roles

ACCA is an international accounting qualification. It is mainly recognised in:

• UK
• Europe
• Middle East
• Some Asian countries

If you already like accounting, audit, and finance, ACCA feels familiar.

Why Many CAs Choose ACCA

CAs prefer ACCA because:

• Many papers are exempted
• Syllabus is similar to CA
• You can study while working
• It helps in MNC and global finance roles

For many CAs, ACCA is not a new start. It is an extension of CA.

What You Learn in ACCA

In ACCA, you learn:

• Financial reporting (IFRS)
• Audit and assurance
• Performance management
• Strategic business concepts
• Ethics and governance

This helps you understand how large international companies manage money and decisions.

Career Opportunities After ACCA

After ACCA, you can work as:

• Financial analyst
• Audit professional
• Accounting manager
• Finance controller (with experience)

Most jobs are in:

• Big 4 firms
• MNCs
• Shared service centres

Salary Reality After ACCA

ACCA does not give instant high salary.

But it helps in:

• Better long-term growth
• Global role opportunities
• Stable finance careers

Salary improves with experience, not just the certificate.

Limitations of ACCA

You should also know the drawbacks:

• Not very useful for Indian CA practice
• Continuous exam and membership costs
• Less focus on Indian taxation

Who Should Choose ACCA?

ACCA is suitable if:

• You enjoy accounting and audit
• You want to work in MNCs
• You want international exposure
• You do not want a career change

Option 2: CPA – For CAs Interested in US Accounting

CPA is mainly a US-based accounting qualification.

It focuses on:

• US accounting standards
• US taxation basics
• US audit rules

Many Indian companies handle US clients, which makes CPA popular.

Why CAs Choose CPA

CPA is attractive because:

• Shorter duration
• High demand in US-linked roles
• Better salary growth in outsourcing firms

What You Learn in CPA

You study:

• US GAAP
• US tax concepts
• Auditing standards
• Business laws (US-focused)

It is more technical and focused than MBA.

Career Opportunities After CPA

After CPA, you can work as:

• US tax consultant
• Financial reporting analyst
• Audit professional for US clients

Most jobs are in:

• Big 4 firms
• US outsourcing companies
• Global finance teams

Salary Reality After CPA

CPA often gives:

• Faster salary jump than ACCA
• Strong demand in corporate roles

But growth depends on:

• Experience
• Company type

Limitations of CPA

CPA may not suit everyone:

• Very US-centric
• Not useful for Indian practice
• Limited scope outside US-linked roles

Who Should Choose CPA?

CPA is suitable if:

• You want to work with US clients
• You like technical accounting
• You want faster global exposure
• You prefer corporate roles

Option 3: MBA – For CAs Who Want a Career Shift

MBA is a management degree.

It is not an accounting course.

MBA helps you move into:

• Management
• Strategy
• Consulting
• Leadership roles

Why CAs Choose MBA

Many CAs choose MBA because:

• They want to move away from routine accounting
• They want leadership positions
• They want faster growth in corporate roles

MBA Specialisations for CAs

CAs usually do well in:

• Finance
• Strategy
• Consulting
• Operations

Your CA background gives you an advantage.

Career Opportunities After MBA

After MBA, you can work as:

• Management consultant
• Business analyst
• Strategy manager
• Finance leader

Salary Reality After MBA

MBA salary depends heavily on:

• College quality
• Specialisation
• Past experience

Top colleges give excellent salary.
Average colleges may give normal returns.

Limitations of MBA

You must think carefully:

• Very expensive
• Competitive entrance exams
• Two years without full income
• ROI depends on college

MBA is high risk, high reward.

Who Should Choose MBA?

MBA is suitable if:

• You want a career shift
• You want leadership roles
• You dislike routine accounting
• You get admission in a good college

ACCA vs CPA vs MBA – Simple Comparison

Point	ACCA	CPA	MBA
Career Type	Accounting	Accounting	Management
Career Shift	No	No	Yes
Global Scope	High	US-focused	Depends on college
Cost	Medium	Medium	High
Risk	Low	Medium	High

How to Choose the Right Option

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Do you enjoy accounting?

• Yes → ACCA or CPA
• No → MBA

2. Do you want international exposure?

• Global roles → ACCA
• US clients → CPA

3. Do you want leadership roles?

• Yes → MBA

4. Can you invest a lot of money?

• Yes → MBA
• No → ACCA or CPA

Common Mistakes CAs Make

• Choosing a course because friends chose it
• Believing social media success stories
• Ignoring personal interest
• Expecting instant salary jump

Avoid these mistakes. Career growth takes time.

Is It Okay to Do Nothing After CA?

Yes.

Many successful CAs:

• Focus on experience
• Switch roles internally
• Grow without extra degrees

Another course is optional, not compulsory.

Final Thoughts

After CA, ACCA, CPA, and MBA are all good options — for different people.

Choose the option that:

• Matches your interest
• Fits your financial situation
• Supports your long-term goals

A clear decision today will save years of confusion later.

Your CA degree is strong. Your next step should make it stronger, not stressful.