Salary of an ACCA Professional in the USA: A Complete 2025 Guide
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a globally recognized accounting qualification that opens doors to high-paying finance and accounting roles. If you’re considering an ACCA career in the USA, understanding salary expectations, job opportunities, and industry trends is crucial.
Key Takeaways
- Average ACCA Salary in the USA: 70,000–70,000–120,000 per year, depending on experience and role.
- Highest-Paying Industries: Investment banking, corporate finance, and Big 4 accounting firms.
- Location Impact: Major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago offer higher salaries.
- Career Growth: ACCA professionals can progress to senior roles like
- Finance Manager, CFO, or Auditor with salaries exceeding $150,000.
- Certification Advantage: ACCA holders often earn 20-30% more than non-certified accountants.
AverageSalary of an ACCA Professional in the USA
ACCA professionals in the USA earn competitive salaries, influenced by factors like experience, industry, and location.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0-3 years) | 60,000–60,000–80,000 |
| Mid-Career (4-7 years) | 80,000–80,000–110,000 |
| Senior-Level (8+ years) | 110,000–110,000–150,000+ |
Highest-Paying Industries for ACCA Professionals
- Investment Banking & Financial Services – 90,000–90,000–140,000
- Big 4 Accounting Firms (PwC, EY, Deloitte, KPMG) – 85,000–85,000–130,000
- Corporate Finance (Fortune 500 Companies) – 80,000–80,000–120,000
- Consulting & Advisory Firms – 75,000–75,000–110,000
- Government & Non-Profit Sectors – 65,000–65,000–95,000
Salary by Location (Top-Paying Cities)
- New York, NY – 95,000–95,000–140,000
- San Francisco, CA – 90,000–90,000–135,000
- Chicago, IL – 85,000–85,000–125,000
- Boston, MA – 80,000–80,000–120,000
- Houston, TX – 75,000–75,000–110,000
(Source: Glassdoor, PayScale, and Indeed 2024 data)
Factors Affecting Salary of an ACCA Professional in the USA
1. Industry & Employer Type
- Big 4 Firms: Offer structured pay scales with bonuses.
- Corporate Sector: Higher base salaries but fewer bonuses.
- Banks & Hedge Funds: Performance-based incentives increase earnings.
2. ACCA vs. CPA: Salary Comparison
While CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is more recognized in the USA
ACCA professionals still earn strong salaries, especially in multinational companies.
- ACCA Average Salary: 70,000–70,000–120,000
- CPA Average Salary: 75,000–75,000–130,000
3. Additional Certifications & Skills
- CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): Boosts salaries in investment roles.
- MBA Degree: Can increase earnings by 20-30%.
- Data Analytics & ERP Skills (SAP, Oracle): High-demand skills that increase pay.
4. Job Role & Seniority
- Auditor: 65,000–65,000–100,000
- Financial Analyst: 70,000–70,000–110,000
- Finance Manager: 90,000–90,000–140,000
- CFO (Chief Financial Officer): 150,000–150,000–300,000+
Job Outlook forSalary of an ACCA Professional in the USA
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 6% growth (2022-2032) for accountants and auditors, driven by:
✔ Increasing financial regulations
✔ Global demand for accounting expertise
✔ Growth in fintech and consulting sectors
However, competition is high, so specializing in niche areas (tax, forensic accounting, or risk management) can improve job prospects.
How to Maximize Your ACCA Salary
- Pursue a CPA License (Combining ACCA + CPA increases earning potential).
- Gain Big 4 or Corporate Experience (Enhances resume and salary negotiation power).
- Develop Tech Skills (Learn Power BI, Python, or SAP for higher-paying roles).
- Network & Switch Companies (Job-hopping can lead to 15-20% salary jumps).
- Negotiate Benefits (Bonuses, remote work options, and stock options add value).
FAQs
Is ACCA recognized in the USA?
Yes, but CPA is more dominant. However, ACCA is valued in global firms, consulting, and multinational corporations.
Can ACCA professionals work in the Big 4?
Yes, but some firms prefer CPA. ACCA holders may need additional US accounting knowledge.
What is the starting salary for an ACCA fresher in the USA?
Around 60,000–60,000–75,000 in entry-level audit or financial analyst roles.
Does ACCA or CPA pay more?
CPA salaries are slightly higher in the USA, but ACCA offers global mobility.
Which US companies hire ACCA professionals?
✔ Big 4 Firms (PwC, EY, KPMG, Deloitte)
✔ Banks (JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs)
✔ Tech Giants (Google, Amazon, Microsoft)
✔ Multinational Corporations (Unilever, Coca-Cola)
Final Thoughts
An ACCA qualification in the USA offers strong earning potential, especially in finance, auditing, and consulting. While CPA remains the gold standard, ACCA professionals can thrive in global companies, investment firms, and corporate finance. By gaining experience, adding certifications, and specializing, you can unlock salaries of $100,000+ within a few years.