Top ACCA Job Roles in India with Salaries Up to 20 LPA

ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) opens doors to various finance careers in India and worldwide. It is recognised in over 180 countries, giving professionals in the private and public sector. In India, the demand for finance roles for ACCA-qualified candidates is rising in auditing, taxation, and financial planning; with growing career opportunities after ACCA, professionals can earn impressive salary packages for career growth.

This article explores the high-paying ACCA careers and the scope of ACCA in India.

Financial Analyst

A financial analyst reviews financial data, prepares financial statements, builds models, studies market trends, tracks performance, and supports budgeting and forecasting. They help businesses manage risks and find growth opportunities.

Salary Range: INR4 LPA (Fresher) to INR18 LPA (Experienced)

Financial analyst salaries in India depend on experience, location, and the organisation. Entry-level analysts usually earn around INR2 to INR13 lakh per annum. As professionals gain experience, salaries rise to an average of INR14 lakh annually in mid-level roles. Senior analysts with over 6-10 years of experience can earn INR18 to INR23.5 lakh or more, especially in large firms or specialised financial roles. 

Strong Demand in MNCs, FP&A, and Investment Sectors

Top multinational corporations and Big 4 firms like EY, Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG recruit ACCA members. Analysts manage international financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and risk assessment. As companies rely more on data, skilled analysts are increasingly valued. An ACCA certification boosts financial and analytical skills, helping analysts handle complex tasks and grow their careers.

Management Accountant

A qualified ACCA management accountant focuses on budgeting, cost control, and internal financial reporting. The role supports decision-making by analysing expenses, tracking performance, and helping teams stay within budget.

Salary Range: INR3.5 LPA to INR15 LPA with Experience

Salary prospects of CMAs range between INR3.6-INR25 lakhs based on their experience and skills.

Career Path Leads to Finance Manager and CFO Roles

Senior accountants get advanced roles in financial sector, handling budgeting and planning. They can reach CFO positions with experience and ACCA certification, leading the company’s financial strategy.

Internal Auditor

An internal auditor examines a company’s operations, processes, and controls to ensure compliance and reduce risks. The role involves reviewing financial records, identifying weaknesses, and suggesting improvements to comply with international financial reporting standards.

Salary Range: INR4 LPA to INR17 LPA based on level

Professionals engaged in internal audit earn an average salary of around INR3.9 to INR4.8 LPA. Mid-level professionals earn up to INR 14.7 LPA, while senior auditors or managers can earn higher salaries between INR17 - 25 LPA. Salaries depend on experience, certifications, and company type.

Future scope in Big 4, Risk, and Compliance Leadership

ACCA qualification prepares individuals for several opportunities. They can get job opportunities in top firms like Accenture and advance into accounting and finance roles, helping companies follow complex financial  laws and regulations and manage risks effectively. ACCA develops the skills needed to move into leadership opportunities available such as Head of Risk or Chief Audit Executive.

Tax Consultant

A tax consultant advises on tax planning, compliance, and filing. The job includes preparing returns, understanding GST and income tax laws, and helping reduce tax liabilities. Consultants also assist with audits and represent clients before tax authorities.

Salary Range: INR4 LPA to INR16 LPA in India

In India, tax consultants typically earn around INR1.8 to 12 LPA salaries. Professionals working in large firms or handling specialised tax areas may earn INR 18.1 LPA or more. 

Growth in GST, International Tax, and Advisory Firms

The demand for tax consultants is growing in areas like GST, international taxation, and advisory services. After completing ACCA, professionals are well-qualified to work in global tax environments, including international advisory firms. ACCA can help you get job alerts in government agencies and multinational firms handling international tax planning, transfer pricing, and compliance.

Finance Manager

They handle a company’s budgets, financial reports, and planning. They help guide critical financial decisions and ensure the company follows rules and stays on track.

Salary Range: INR6 LPA to INR20 LPA in senior roles

These managers earn competitive salaries between INR4 to INR33.5 LPA. This increases to even 40 LPA in bigger companies like Grant Thornton.

High Leadership Potential Across Corporate Finance

ACCA qualified professionals get access to top job opportunities in India like Finance Director or CFO. The certificate helps them learn how to manage financial tasks, lead teams, and make essential choices that affect the company’s finances. This makes it easier to take on bigger roles in the company.

External Auditor

An external auditor reviews a company’s financial records to ensure they are accurate and follow laws and standards. They work independently from the company and help provide trust to approved employers.

Salary Range: INR4.5 LPA to INR18 LPA in Top Firms

Starting salary of ACCA professionals working as external auditors usually range from INR1.2-11 LPA. With experience and advanced roles, especially in top firms, ACCA professionals bring salaries between INR15.5 and 18 LPA.

Long-Term Roles in Big 4 and Global Assurance Teams

With an ACCA certificate, external auditors have better chances of working in top firms like the Big 4. They can join global teams that handle audits worldwide, gaining international experience and chances to move into leadership roles. The ACCA qualification strengthens the skills needed for these advanced roles.

Treasury Analyst

A treasury analyst manages a company’s cash flow, ensuring enough money to meet daily needs. They track funds, handle payments, and help plan for future financial demands.

Salary Range: INR5 LPA to INR17 LPA Based on Expertise

Entry-level treasury analysts start with around INR 3-5 LPA. With experience of 4-6 years and an ACCA certification, salaries can grow up to INR 16-17 LPA. In bigger companies, this can reach up to INR 33 LPA.

Future Roles in Liquidity, Risk, and Treasury Head

Skilled analysts can progress to positions like liquidity manager, risk manager, or head of treasury. ACCA career opportunities in this field involve managing the company’s cash, reducing financial risks, and leading the treasury team. The ACCA qualification helps build the expertise needed to take on these responsibilities.

Budget Analyst

A budget analyst helps companies plan and control their spending. They prepare budgets, compare actual costs to planned amounts, and suggest ways to use money more effectively.

Salary Range: INR4 LPA to INR14 LPA in Corporates

Budget analysts usually begin their careers earning about INR3-4 LPA. As they gain experience and earn certifications such as ACCA, their salaries can rise to nearly INR13.5 lakh annually. With more senior roles, professionals can earn up to INR 17-18 LPA.

Strong Scope in Strategic Planning and FP&A Roles

Budget analysts gain skills to take on bigger financial planning and strategy roles, especially after the ACCA course. This can lead to ACCA job opportunities in FP&A or strategic finance, which are key in guiding the company’s financial direction beyond just managing budgets. The ACCA helps develop the knowledge needed to manage company's financial information.

Cost Accountant

A cost accountant tracks and analyses the costs of making products or delivering services. They help companies find ways to reduce accounts payable and improve profits.

Salary Range: INR3.5 LPA to INR13 LPA across industries

Cost accountant salaries range from INR2.0 lakh to INR14.0 lakh annually, depending on experience and company size. With enough experience and company, it can reach up to 20 LPA. 

Growing Relevance in Manufacturing and Logistics

Cost accountants are increasingly crucial in the manufacturing and logistics sectors. These industries rely on cost accountants to manage expenses, optimise accountancy processes. With an ACCA certification, professionals are better equipped to handle complex cost management tasks, making them valuable assets in globally recognised fields.

Compliance Officer

A compliance officer ensures that a company follows all laws, regulations, and internal policies. They monitor business activities, identify potential risks, and implement measures to maintain ethical standards and legal compliance.

Salary Range: INR4.2 LPA to INR16 LPA, Depending on the Role

Compliance officer salaries in India typically range from INR2.2-18 lakh per year, with some reporting earnings up to 45 lakhs depending on experience and company size.  

Long-Term Growth in Regulatory and Ethical Leadership

Compliance officers with an ACCA certification can move into senior roles, such as Chief Compliance Officer. These jobs involve managing compliance strategies, leading teams, and advising top management on rules and ethics. ACCA helps build knowledge of financial regulations and risk, improving leadership skills.

Conclusion

ACCA courses open up many career opportunities after certification, with access to high-paying ACCA jobs in India and globally. The ACCA salary in India is rising as more companies seek skilled professionals. There are many finance roles for ACCA-qualified individuals, and its scope in India keeps growing. 

Other than accounting courses, there are several certifications in the financial management sector, like the US CMA course. Institutes like NorthStar Academy provide these courses to support various finance career paths. For instance, those interested in US taxation often choose Enrolled Agent Courses. For international accounting roles, the CPA US Courses are popular. If management accounting is the goal, CMA USA exam preparation is a strong option.