ACCA Affiliate vs Member: Benefits, Scope & What to Choose Sections Covered Understanding ACCA Affiliates and Members Key Differences Between ACCA Affiliates and Members Benefits of Being an ACCA Affiliate Advantages of Becoming an ACCA Member Career Opportunities for ACCA Affiliates Career Scope for ACCA Members Salary Comparison (India-based Averages) When Should You Aim for Membership? Real-Life Tip from NorthStar Academy Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose? Ready to Become an ACCA Member? Schedule a call Navigating the world of accountancy can be confusing, especially when choosing between becoming an ACCA Affiliate or an ACCA Member. Both are important milestones in the ACCA journey, but each offers different advantages. This blog will explain the key differences, benefits, and career scope of ACCA Affiliates and Members to help you make the right choice for your future. Understanding ACCA Affiliates and Members The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a respected global body offering qualifications in accountancy. Two important stages in this journey are the ACCA Affiliate and ACCA Member. ACCA Affiliate: This status is given to candidates who have completed all ACCA exams and the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM) but haven't completed the required three years of relevant work experience. ACCA Member: To become a Member, a candidate must complete the exams, the EPSM, and 36 months of relevant work experience. Members are considered fully qualified and enjoy greater recognition. Understanding the gap between these two stages is essential for planning your career in finance or accounting.Latest UpdatesACCA Course Eligibility Requirements And More About ACCA QualificationA Master Guide to the Best ACCA Courses OnlineACCA Exam Subjects List: A Complete Course DetailsThe Best Training Institute in India to Pursue ACCA: Find Out! Key Differences Between ACCA Affiliates and Members CriteriaACCA AffiliateACCA MemberExamsCompletedCompletedEPSMCompletedCompletedWork ExperienceNot yet completedMinimum 3 years of relevant experienceRecognitionPartially recognisedFully recognised globallyUse of DesignationCannot use "ACCA" after nameCan use "ACCA" after nameAccess to ResourcesLimitedFull access to ACCA Member benefitsJob ScopeEntry to mid-level rolesMid to senior-level, strategic roles Benefits of Being an ACCA Affiliate While not yet fully qualified, ACCA Affiliates enjoy several advantages: Professional Recognition: Completing all ACCA exams is a significant achievement. Employers respect the hard work and technical skills involved. Networking Opportunities: Affiliates can join the global ACCA community, attend events, and build connections that may help in future job placements. Job Opportunities: Affiliates are eligible for jobs like audit assistant, accounts executive, and junior financial analyst. Some firms may even offer experience roles that count toward membership. Access to CPD Tools: Affiliates can still access learning materials and career guidance tools on the ACCA platform to upskill themselves. Time to Build Experience: Affiliates have time to gather relevant work experience and complete the PER (Practical Experience Requirements) at their own pace. Advantages of Becoming an ACCA Member Becoming a Member opens many doors in your career: Global Recognition: Members can add "ACCA" after their name, which is recognised and respected across 180+ countries. Advanced Career Roles: ACCA Members can apply for senior-level positions like finance manager, audit manager, CFO, and consultant roles. Higher Salary Potential: Members earn more than Affiliates because of their qualification and experience. In India, salaries can range from INR 10 to 35 LPA, depending on the industry and experience. Exclusive Resources: Full access to ACCA's premium resources, job boards, leadership training, and technical updates. Mentorship and Influence: Members are often chosen to mentor juniors, take boardroom decisions, and lead financial strategies in companies. Career Opportunities for ACCA Affiliates ACCA Affiliates can start their career journey with roles such as: Audit Assistant Accounts Executive Tax Trainee Finance AnalystThese roles offer valuable experience that contributes to fulfilling the ACCA Member criteria. Affiliates can also: Join mid-sized Indian firms or MNCs Work in industries like consulting, banking, and manufacturing Gain practical skills by managing client accounts and supporting audit tasks Affiliates who perform well and continue professional development can move up the ladder quickly. Career Scope for ACCA Members ACCA Members enjoy a much broader career scope: Job Roles: CFO, Finance Director, Internal Auditor, Management Consultant Work Areas: Big 4 firms, Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and global banks Industries: IT, banking, healthcare, FMCG, insurance, and more International Mobility: Members can work in countries like the UK, UAE, Canada, Singapore, and AustraliaRead MoreCareer Options After ACCA Qualification : What You Need to KnowTop Institutes to Pursue ACCA Coaching in IndiaBCom with ACCA Qualification and Global Scope Salary Comparison (India-based Averages) RoleACCA Affiliate (INR/month)ACCA Member (INR/month)Accounts Executive25,000 – 35,000N/AFinancial Analyst35,000 – 50,00050,000 – 1,20,000Audit Associate/Manager40,000 – 60,0001,00,000 – 2,00,000Finance ManagerNot Applicable1,50,000 – 3,00,000CFO or DirectorNot Applicable3,00,000+ When Should You Aim for Membership? If you: Have completed 36 months of relevant work Finished your performance objectives Want to grow into a senior or strategic position Wish to explore international roles Then applying for ACCA Membership is the logical next step.However, if you are still in the early stage of your career, take your time. Focus on: Building experience in finance and audit roles Completing PER objectives Exploring sectors that interest you mostBest CMA Books and Study Materials for US Exam 2025Trending BlogsCourseLinksACCAACCA vs MBA Which is betterCareer Option after ACCACMA USCMA US Job Opportunities Best CMA booksCPA USCPA Course after Bcom CPA Salary in IndiaEnrolled AgentEnrolled Agent course Job & salaryEnrolled Agent Sample questions Real-Life Tip from NorthStar Academy Many NorthStar Academy students transition from Affiliate to Member within 2–3 years. With our guidance, they: Select roles that count toward PER Receive mentorship for completing performance objectives Get placement assistance in top Indian and global firmsSummary Table: Affiliate vs MemberFeatureACCA AffiliateACCA MemberExams CompletedYesYesWork ExperienceNot YetMinimum 3 yearsUse of "ACCA" TitleNoYesCareer LevelEntry to Mid-LevelMid to Senior-LevelSalary Scope₹3–6 LPA₹10–35+ LPAGlobal OpportunitiesModerateHighACCA Resources AccessBasicFullLeadership RolesNot CommonFrequent Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose? Choosing between being an ACCA Affiliate or a Member depends on where you are in your journey. Both are achievements to be proud of. If you’re just starting out, Affiliate status shows you’re on the right track. If you're ready for bigger roles, Membership gives you the recognition and tools to lead. Either way, NorthStar Academy is here to support you with: Expert faculty PER mentoring support Internship and job placement assistance Ready to Become an ACCA Member? Start your journey today with NorthStar Academy. Enrol in our ACCA programs and get support at every step — from exams to membership. Reach your full potential in the world of global finance. Primary Keyword: ACCA Affiliate vs Member Secondary Keywords: ACCA membership benefits, ACCA career scope, ACCA salary in India, ACCA affiliate meaning, ACCA jobs in India, ACCA member designation Frequently Asked Questions What is an ACCA Affiliate? An ACCA Affiliate is someone who has completed all ACCA exams and the Ethics and Professional Skills Module but hasn’t yet completed the required 3 years of relevant work experience. What is an ACCA Member? An ACCA Member has completed the exams, the EPSM module, and has gained 36 months of relevant work experience, making them fully qualified. Can ACCA Affiliates use No, only ACCA Members can officially use the "ACCA" designation after their name. What’s the main difference between an Affiliate and a Member? The main difference is work experience. Members have completed at least 3 years of relevant experience, while Affiliates have not. How much do ACCA Affiliates earn in India? ACCA Affiliates in India usually earn between ₹3 to ₹6 lakhs per year, depending on the job role and company.
