ACCA vs CA(SA): Who Earns More in South Africa Today?



 In South Africa’s finance and accounting landscape, two heavyweight qualifications dominate the conversation — ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and CA(SA) (Chartered Accountant South Africa). Both paths offer strong career prospects, global recognition, and high earning potential. But the common question remains: Who earns more in South Africa today — an ACCA or a CA(SA)?

Let’s break down the current salary trends, career trajectories, and industry preferences based on real-time data and professional insights.

1. Salary Comparison: The Numbers Speak

CA(SA): Consistently High-Earning Potential

CA(SA) professionals are widely respected in South Africa and tend to command higher starting salaries. Entry-level CA(SA) salaries typically range between R480,000 to R680,000 per year, with mid-level professionals (4–9 years of experience) earning up to R950,000 annually.

At the senior level, CAs can reach R1.2 to R1.4 million, with executive roles (like CFO or Audit Partner) exceeding R2 million. The qualification is a gold standard for employers in auditing, corporate governance, and finance leadership.

ACCA: Matching Power in Mid and Senior Roles

While ACCA-qualified professionals may begin with slightly lower salaries in South Africa, they often catch up quickly, especially in financial management and cross-border finance roles. Mid-career ACCA professionals in roles such as Finance Manager or Group Accountant report salaries close to R1.1–1.3 million, rivaling that of CAs in similar roles.

In industries like fintech, international consulting, and investment firms, ACCA members are earning at par with or sometimes more than CAs, particularly where IFRS and international finance expertise is valued.

2. Recognition and Career Pathways

CA(SA): Deep Local Respect

CA(SA) is the most respected local accounting qualification, with a strong alumni network and deep penetration in South African firms. It's often a preferred choice for roles in:

  • Big 4 auditing firms

  • Internal audit departments

  • Corporate governance and compliance

  • Regulatory bodies

CA(SA) is also recognized globally, particularly in Commonwealth countries, and maintains strong ties with top employers in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.

ACCA: Global Flexibility

ACCA, while less traditional in South Africa, is gaining serious traction, especially among employers with a global footprint. It is recognized in 180+ countries, including top financial centers like the UK, UAE, and Singapore. ACCA professionals are excelling in:

  • Financial planning and analysis (FP&A)

  • Group reporting and treasury

  • ESG reporting and analytics

  • International tax and compliance roles

Its faster qualification route and lower cost compared to CA(SA) also attract many career changers and working professionals.

3. Student and Industry Insights

According to student feedback and online forums:

  • CA(SA) graduates enjoy higher starting salaries, particularly in audit and compliance.

  • ACCA graduates see faster salary jumps in mid-level roles and are preferred in multinational or tech-forward companies.

  • There remains a prestige bias toward CA(SA) in South Africa, but this gap is narrowing as global companies increase their hiring of ACCA talent.

4. Final Verdict: Who Earns More?

  • If you are looking to enter audit, assurance, or governance roles, CA(SA) is your best bet, offering high initial pay and solid local networks.

  • If you are eyeing global roles, corporate finance, or fintech, ACCA offers a more flexible and internationally portable pathway, with salaries that match or exceed CA(SA) in the long run.

With proper experience, specialization, and industry exposure, both ACCA and CA(SA) can lead to six-figure salaries (in ZAR) and C-suite opportunities.

Conclusion

In today’s South African market, both ACCA and CA(SA) offer compelling career and salary outcomes. While CA(SA) dominates in traditional and audit-heavy environments, ACCA is fast becoming the smart choice for those pursuing global finance, strategic roles, and tech-aligned careers.

If you're aiming for global relevance, ACCA—especially when pursued through expert institutes like Hamzah Academy—provides comprehensive ACCA Courses and personalized ACCA Coaching that can accelerate your journey to financial leadership, both at home and abroad.

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