ACCA vs Singapore CA:

Published: 20 August 2025

Singapore, renowned globally as a trusted hub for business and finance, has consistently seen a strong demand for accounting services and expertise. This robust industry offers a highly viable and rewarding career path. What's more, with some industry reports suggesting an existing talent shortage, there are many opportunities awaiting skilled Accounting professionals in Singapore.

With numerous courses available to aspiring accountants, understanding the professional qualifications available is essential for those looking to embark on an Accounting career or advance within the field. This is because the choice of qualification can significantly influence your career trajectory, recognition, and the types of roles you can pursue.

This blog will provide a detailed comparison of the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and the Singapore CA (Chartered Accountant) qualifications. We will outline their key differences in focus, curriculum, recognition, and career outcomes to empower you to make an informed decision for your professional future.

Understanding the Qualifications: ACCA and Singapore CA

Aspiring and current Accounting professionals in Singapore have two pathways to becoming a recognised chartered accountant. While both are highly respected, they cater to different career aspirations and offer distinct educational experiences. Let's take a closer look at what each qualification entails.

What is ACCA?

The ACCA qualification is a globally recognised programme for aspiring accountants. Headquartered in London, ACCA boasts a vast international network and is widely respected across 180 countries.

Its core strength lies in its international focus and flexibility, preparing students for careers in diverse financial environments. It's designed to equip individuals with comprehensive accounting knowledge, professional skills, and ethical understanding applicable across various industries and organisational structures on a global scale.

What is CA?

The Singapore CA qualification is the national accounting programme in Singapore, developed and conferred by the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA). It's the pre-eminent professional Accounting qualification locally, signifying a high level of expertise in local accounting, financial, and business practices.

It's known for its strong local relevance and rigour, ensuring that graduates are well-versed in Singapore-specific regulations and standards, making them highly sought after by local businesses and public accounting firms.

ACCA vs CA: Core Focus and Scope

ACCA and CA have different approaches and domains. Here's more about the differences between their primary focus and scope:

ACCA's Global Perspective

The ACCA qualification places significant emphasis on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and international auditing standards. This global curriculum is designed for professionals seeking careers in multinational corporations (MNCs) or international roles where a standardised understanding of financial reporting across borders is essential.

ACCA provides a broader exposure to diverse business environments and accounting practices worldwide. For international students studying in Singapore, pursuing ACCA can present exciting global career opportunities, allowing them to leverage their qualifications in various countries should they decide to work beyond Singapore's borders.

Singapore CA's Local Specialisation

In stark contrast, the Singapore CA qualification offers a deep dive into Singapore's Financial Reporting Standards (FRS), local tax laws, and the intricate local regulatory frameworks. It maintains a strong focus on public accounting practice within Singapore and understanding local corporate governance structures

This makes it ideal for those aiming for leadership roles in local enterprises and public accounting firms, where in-depth knowledge of the local context is essential.

ACCA vs CA: Recognition and Career Outcomes in Singapore

Due to the distinct focuses and scopes of the ACCA and Singapore CA qualifications, the career outcomes and professional recognition associated with each also vary significantly. Understanding these differences is pivotal if you want to align your qualification with your long-term career aspirations: 

ACCA's Employability Landscape

The ACCA qualification enjoys strong recognition within MNCs and international organisations operating in Singapore. As mentioned above, this is because its global curriculum prepares professionals to work seamlessly across different jurisdictions and with diverse accounting standards.

The qualification can also provide a strong foundation for diverse roles beyond traditional accounting functions, such as finance management, financial analysis, and consulting. Furthermore, for those considering working overseas, ACCA generally better facilitates career mobility since other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates, recognise the qualification.

Singapore CA's Local Advantage

The Singapore CA qualification is unequivocally the best qualification for public accounting in Singapore, particularly for roles in auditing and taxation. The Singapore CA is typically highly valued for senior financial leadership roles, such as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), within local companies, both listed and unlisted.

It's also often a prerequisite or highly preferred qualification for certain statutory roles and government positions in Singapore, underscoring its deep integration into the local professional landscape.

Differences Between ACCA and CA at a Glance

How Kaplan Supports Your Journey

Choosing between the ACCA and CA qualifications is a significant decision, and Kaplan is committed to supporting aspiring accounting professionals throughout their chosen journey. With a proven track record in professional education, we offer comprehensive resources and expert guidance for both the ACCA and Singapore CA qualifications. Here's more about our courses:

Kaplan ACCA Preparatory Course

We are an ACCA Platinum Approved Learning Partner. Our ACCA Examination Preparatory Course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their papers. This comprehensive course features a strategic combination of engaging lectures, intensive revision sessions, realistic mock examinations, and detailed review sessions to ensure thorough understanding and exam readiness.

For part-time students, lessons are conveniently scheduled on weekday evenings or weekends to suit the busy schedule of working professionals enrolled in this course, supported with a total of 720 contact hours. Full-time students also benefit from 720 hours, with lessons typically scheduled five days a week for three hours a day, providing an immersive learning experience.

Beyond the core ACCA qualification, students studying for their ACCA qualification at Kaplan also have the unique opportunity to obtain a Degree from Oxford Brookes University, a recognised and highly respected UK university. We are the first training centre in Singapore to offer the Oxford Brookes University Degree Programme, which enables ACCA students to obtain an Oxford Brookes Degree, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Accounting, upon the successful completion of the ACCA Fundamentals Level examinations.

ACCA Course Information

• Duration: 6 months (per paper block for full-time)

• Intake Month: Part-time - February & July, Revision - April & October

• Course Delivery: Part-time (local applicants only) & full-time (local and international applicants)

   

Kaplan Singapore CA Qualification Course

Our Singapore CA Qualification Preparatory Course is structured with a combination of in-depth lectures, mock examinations, and comprehensive review sessions. Lessons are strategically scheduled on weekday evenings or weekends to best suit the busy schedules of students enrolled in this course, providing a total of 331 contact hours.

For those who may not have a recognised Accounting Degree, Kaplan offers the Foundation Programme, which provides the basic theoretical understanding before students embark on their work experience. This allows them to simultaneously complete the Professional Programme alongside gaining hands-on practical experience, a crucial component of the Singapore CA qualification. 

CA Course Information

• Duration: 24 months
• Intake Month: Foundation: March/April, Professional: September/October
• Course Delivery: Part-time (local applicants only)

ACCA vs CA: Which Is Better?

The decision between pursuing the ACCA vs CA qualification in Singapore is a crucial one that will require you to carefully consider your long-term career aspirations.

Ultimately, there is no definitive answer to which is better; it entirely depends on your goals and aspirations and the specific path you envision for yourself. We encourage you to carefully weigh the difference between ACCA and CA based on your desired career trajectory, work environment, and long-term development goals.

If you want to work for multinational corporations or value global mobility, the ACCA qualification, with its global focus and international recognition, may be the ideal fit. Conversely, if you're aiming for local statutory audit roles, senior financial positions in local companies, or contributing to the public sector, then the Singapore CA qualification will be more advantageous.

Want to take the next step in your accounting career? Contact our admissions team to learn more about our ACCA and Singapore CA preparatory courses, or download the Kaplan brochure to learn more about our private Diplomas and private Degrees that can set you on the path to success in the dynamic world of accounting.