ACCA Salary in India: Growth, Opportunities, and Insights

Recently, ACCA has gained popularity in India due to its global recognition and relevance in today's interconnected economy. Indian businesses, especially those operating internationally, value ACCA-certified professionals for their expertise in global financial practices and regulatory frameworks. Moreover, multinational corporations with a presence in India often prefer ACCA-qualified candidates to ensure compliance with international accounting standards.

ACCA offers promising career opportunities in India, with diverse finance, accounting, auditing, taxation, and consulting roles. Leading corporations, consulting firms, financial institutions, and multinationals seek ACCA talent to grow their business. Moreover, ACCA's emphasis on global accounting standards and practices equips professionals to excel in cross-border transactions and multinational environments.

ACCA professionals in India can earn various salaries, depending on their experience, role, and employer. The annual income of an ACCA member ranges between INR 6.4 and 39.5 LPA. As ACCA members gain experience and expertise, they can expect higher remuneration and career growth in the dynamic fields of accounting and finance.

ACCA Annual Salary Based on Experience

Entry-Level (0-3 years)

Many prestigious accounting and finance firms now actively recruit ACCA freshers for entry-level positions, including:

• Financial Analysts
• Accounts Executives
• Accounts and Taxation Specialists

Fresh ACCA affiliates typically start with lower salaries as they are in the practical experience. In India, entry-level ACCA professionals may earn between INR 4-8 lakhs annually, depending on the city and sector.

Mid-Level Experience (3-7 years)

With several years of experience, ACCA professionals can expect a substantial increase in salary as they move into roles with greater responsibility.

Salaries can jump to between INR 10-20 lakhs annually, especially for those who have moved into managerial positions or specialized sectors.

Senior-Level Experience (8+ years)

With extensive experience, ACCA professionals often occupy senior management roles, which come with a significant salary hike.

At this level, salaries can range from INR 20 lakhs to upwards of INR 30 lakhs annually. For those in executive positions such as CFO, the upper limit can be much higher, often extending beyond INR 50 lakhs.

The role and responsibility of an ACCA professional are decisive factors in determining their salary.

Audit and Assurance Roles

• Entry-Level (Audit Associate): INR 4-7 lakhs per annum.
• Mid-Level (Audit Manager): INR 10-20 lakhs per annum.
• Senior-Level (Audit Partner): INR 25-50+ lakhs per annum.

Taxation Roles

• Entry-Level (Tax Analyst): INR 5-8 lakhs per annum.
• Mid-Level (Tax Manager): INR 12-22 lakhs per annum.
• Senior-Level (Head of Tax): INR 30-60+ lakhs per annum.

Financial Analysis and Consulting

• Entry-Level (Financial Analyst): INR 5-9 lakhs per annum.
• Mid-Level (Finance Consultant): INR 12-24 lakhs per annum.
• Senior-Level (Senior Financial Consultant): INR 30-70+ lakhs per annum.

Corporate Finance

• Entry-Level (Finance Officer): INR 5-10 lakhs per annum.
• Mid-Level (Financial Controller): INR 15-25 lakhs per annum.
• Senior-Level (CFO): INR 35-80+ lakhs per annum.

Management Accounting

• Entry-Level (Management Accountant): INR 6-10 lakhs per annum.
• Mid-Level (Finance Manager): INR 14-28 lakhs per annum.
• Senior-Level (Director of Finance): INR 40-80+ lakhs per annum.
• Risk Management
• Entry-Level (Risk Analyst): INR 6-10 lakhs per annum.
• Mid-Level (Risk Manager): INR 15-25 lakhs per annum.
• Senior-Level (Chief Risk Officer): INR 30-60+ lakhs per annum.

Compliance

• Entry-Level (Compliance Analyst): INR 5-9 lakhs per annum.
• Mid-Level (Compliance Manager): INR 12-20 lakhs per annum.
• Senior-Level (Head of Compliance): INR 25-50+ lakhs per annum.

Treasury

• Entry-Level (Treasury Analyst): INR 6-10 lakhs per annum.
• Mid-Level (Treasury Manager): INR 14-22 lakhs per annum.
• Senior-Level (Treasurer): INR 30-60+ lakhs per annum.

These figures are approximate and can fluctuate based on the complexity of the role, the size and industry of the company, the professional's expertise, and the region in which they work.

As professionals gain experience, their responsibilities increase, and they often shift from technical roles to strategic, management, and leadership positions. A significant increase in compensation typically accompanies this transition.

Senior roles often come with a more comprehensive remuneration package, including bonuses, profit–sharing incentives, and other financial benefits. These additional incentives not only enhance the overall compensation but also reflect the individual's growing impact on the organization's success.

ACCA Annual Salary Based on Job Roles

The annual compensation for ACCA professionals in India can vary significantly based on factors such as job role, experience, location, and company size.

Here's a breakdown of typical salary ranges for various ACCA job roles in India

• Financial Analysts in India

This position in India typically earns between INR 6,00,000 and INR 12,00,000 annually. Financial analysts analyse financial data and provide insights to help businesses make informed decisions

• Internal Auditors in India

ACCA's salary in India for internal auditors ranges from INR 5,50,000 to INR 10,00,000 per year. Internal auditors in India evaluate and improve the effectiveness of an organisation's risk management, control, and governance processes.

• Tax Consultants in India

Tax consultants in India can expect to earn from INR 7,00,000 to INR 15,00,000 annually. They specialise in advising clients on tax planning, compliance, and optimisation strategies.

• Chief Financial Officers in India

Senior roles like CFOs command higher salaries, ranging from INR 20,00,000 to INR 40,00,000 or more annually. CFOs are responsible for an organisation's overall financial health, including financial planning, risk management, and reporting.

Note: These figures are approximate and based on national averages. Actual salaries may vary depending on individual circumstances and various other factors such as industry, geographic location, level of experience, and additional certifications.

ACCA SALARY IN BIG 4

Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG, collectively known as the Big 4, are esteemed global professional services firms with a substantial presence in India. These firms provide a wide range of services, including:

- Taxation

- Consulting

- Advisory services

Attracting top talent in the finance and accounting sectors, the Big 4 offers competitive compensation packages. The average annual salary within these firms varies based on factors such as experience level, job role, and location

Here's the average annual salary information for each of the Big 4 companies in India:

ACCA SALARY IN INDIA FOR FRESHERS

Fresh ACCA graduates entering the job market can expect competitive starting salaries. The ACCA salary for freshers varies by industry but typically ranges from 4,00,000 INR to 7,00,000 INR annually in India.

The initial ACCA fresher salary in India provides a solid starting point, with significant potential for upward growth in the financial and accounting sectors. It also benefits from the growing demand for skilled accounting professionals.

As ACCA professionals gain experience and expertise, their monthly salary in India increases significantly, reflecting their growing responsibilities and advanced skills, leading to greater career satisfaction and financial rewards.

Here is the list of ACCA Salary based on Location in India:

Mumbai: Entry-level salaries range from ₹6-12 lakhs annually, reflecting its status as a major financial hub.

Delhi: Entry-level positions average ₹5-10 lakhs, given its economic and industrial base.

Bangalore: Entry-level salaries for Bangalore professionals are ₹5.5-11 lakhs, and senior positions can reach ₹19-30 lakhs, thanks to its tech industry.

Hyderabad: Entry-level salaries are ₹5-9 lakhs, as the city grows in tech presence.

Kerala: Entry-level ACCA salaries in Kerala typically range from ₹4 – ₹6 lakhs annually. These figures illustrate the growing emphasis on sectors like IT, tourism, and healthcare, which impact ACCA salaries in Kerala.

Salaries often reflect the cost of living and the concentration of multinational companies in each city.

Here are the primary sources used to gather the ACCA salary data:

1. Glassdoor
2. Payscale
3. Indeed
4. LinkedIn