Which is better: ACCA or MBA Accounting?

Students need to make an important decision between an ACCA qualification and an MBA in accounting before choosing the right career path.

Importantly, it is the smaller things that are likely to be overlooked when evaluating the benefits of completing an ACCA certification and an MBA in accounting.

In this blog post, we have provided you with a quick guide that aims to make this academic dilemma less confusing and allow you to make the right career choice.

What is ACCA?

ACCA is a highly prestigious qualification that enables aspiring financial professionals to develop advanced accounting skills.

This certification is offered by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), which is a global professional accounting body widely recognised across the international business sector.

How does ACCA work?

Being a member of ACCA will automatically make you part of an eminent professional family of more than 80 accounting firms and 7,400 agencies worldwide.

Preparing for the ACCA examination papers will allow you to gain specialised knowledge in core topics including taxation, auditing, accounting, financial management, law, edits, financial reporting and business.

What are the job opportunities after ACCA?

ACCA is popular internationally for opening up global work opportunities for students as well as professionals, who have dedicated their time to understand the critical knowledge needed in the accountancy industry.

These are some of the job roles that you can access after completing ACCA certification:

• Taxation manager
• Internal auditor
• Finance manager
• Accountant
• Financial consultant

What is an MBA?

A master’s in business administration is a popular business degree that allows students to train for positions related to the business industry.

The primary aim of this programme is to prepare you for strategic and leadership roles within any organisation by offering you holistic knowledge about management, finance, accounting, and human resources.

How does an MBA work?

An MBA degree is tailor-made to help you identify your key areas of interest, plan your career and enable you to develop the skills required to upgrade your professional status.

Besides helping you develop professionally, an MBA degree can help you develop skills needed to expand a business and manage a team on behalf of an international organisation.

Jobs and career opportunities after an MBA

An MBA degree can fast-track you up the corporate ladder by providing you with the necessary business skills.

Let’s look into some of the career opportunities that you can access after studying the exceptional MBA programme syllabus.

• Investment banking
• Financial planning
• Commercial banking
• Financial analysis
• Insurance specialists
• Financial management

What are the differences between ACCA and MBA?

• An MBA degree focuses more on the theoretical aspect of basic management awareness, whereas ACCA has a hands-on approach that offers students a high level of practical content.
• An MBA programme may not always lead to great mobility in terms of international career paths. However, ACCA allows students to undergo a transformative experience to master various interpersonal skills and become more confident.
• The MBA in accounting programme is blended with subjects that are not so interrelated with the accounting industry such as HR, IT and marketing, whereas ACCA offers students an in-depth understanding of financial accounting to kick start their career profile.

Why should you pursue ACCA?

An ACCA membership equips you with the necessary knowledge and skills to become an expert finance professional. It helps you build a career in the government, corporate or non-profit organisations within the realm of management accounting, financial analysis, financial accounting and reporting and treasury

Why should you pursue an MBA?

An MBA programme allows you to develop the ability to generate brilliant ideas related to general management and good planning skills that can help you become a successful entrepreneur.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study ACCA along with an MBA?

If you choose an online, short-term, flexible ACCA preparatory course then it is quite easy to squeeze in time for part-time MBA learning.

Can I do an MBA after ACCA?

Opting for an MBA after gaining an ACCA certification can help enhance your career by broadening your professional horizon.

What are the average salaries of ACCA/MBA?

The average annual salary for an MBA in accounting graduate is S$90,000, whereas the salary of an ACCA certified professional can reach up to S$113,026.

London School of Business and Finance (LSBF), in Singapore, offers a range of ACCA courses taught both online and on-campus to enable students to confidently pass their ACCA examinations.

If you are interested in joining a flexible ACCA course module, request more information here.