What Salary You Can Expect After ACCA, CMA, and IFRS in India
Choosing the right professional qualification is not just about interest or prestige—it’s also about career growth and salary potential. In India, certifications like ACCA, CMA, and IFRS have gained massive popularity among commerce graduates due to their global recognition and strong demand in corporate finance, accounting, and consulting roles.
However, one of the most common questions students ask is:
“How much salary can I expect after completing ACCA, CMA, or IFRS in India?”
The answer depends on several factors such as experience, job role, industry, and location. This blog provides a realistic and detailed breakdown of salary expectations after ACCA, CMA, and IFRS in India, helping you make an informed career decision.
Factors That Influence Salary After Finance Certifications
Before diving into individual certifications, it’s important to understand that salaries vary based on:
- Level of experience (fresher vs experienced professional)
- City of employment (metro vs non-metro)
- Type of organization (Big 4, MNC, startup, Indian corporate)
- Additional skills (Excel, SAP, Power BI, analytics)
- Domain specialization (audit, taxation, FP&A, risk, compliance)
Now, let’s explore each certification in detail.
Salary After ACCA in India
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a globally recognized qualification, highly valued by multinational companies, Big 4 firms, and global accounting services.
Entry-Level Salary (Fresher)
For fresh ACCA affiliates in India, the starting salary typically ranges between:
- ₹4.5 LPA to ₹7 LPA
Freshers usually start in roles such as:
- Audit Associate
- Accounts Executive
- Financial Reporting Analyst
- Tax Analyst
Big 4 firms and global consulting companies tend to offer higher packages compared to small firms.
Mid-Level Salary (3–6 Years Experience)
With experience, ACCA professionals can expect salaries between:
- ₹8 LPA to ₹15 LPA
At this stage, professionals move into roles like:
- Finance Manager
- Senior Auditor
- Financial Controller
- FP&A Analyst
Senior-Level Salary (8+ Years Experience)
Experienced ACCA professionals working in leadership roles can earn:
- ₹18 LPA to ₹30+ LPA
Those working in global roles or overseas assignments may earn even higher compensation.
Salary After CMA in India
The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) qualification focuses on cost management, financial planning, and strategic decision-making. It is highly valued in corporate finance and manufacturing sectors.
Entry-Level Salary (Fresher)
Fresh CMA professionals in India can expect salaries in the range of:
- ₹5 LPA to ₹8 LPA
Common entry-level roles include:
- Cost Accountant
- Management Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Budget Analyst
Mid-Level Salary (4–7 Years Experience)
With experience and domain expertise, CMAs earn between:
- ₹10 LPA to ₹18 LPA
They often move into strategic roles such as:
- FP&A Manager
- Cost Control Manager
- Business Finance Manager
Senior-Level Salary (8+ Years Experience)
Senior CMAs in leadership roles can earn:
- ₹20 LPA to ₹35+ LPA
CMAs working closely with CFOs and top management are among the highest-paid finance professionals in India.
Salary After IFRS Certification in India
IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) certification is not a standalone professional qualification like ACCA or CMA. Instead, it acts as a specialization, enhancing the value of existing degrees or certifications.
Entry-Level Salary (With Graduation or CA Inter)
Professionals with IFRS certification can expect salaries around:
- ₹4 LPA to ₹6 LPA
Typical roles include:
- Financial Reporting Executive
- IFRS Consultant
- Accounts Officer
Mid-Level Salary (With CA, ACCA, or CMA + IFRS)
When combined with another professional qualification, IFRS significantly boosts salary potential:
- ₹8 LPA to ₹15 LPA
Professionals work in:
- Global financial reporting
- Ind-AS to IFRS conversion projects
- Multinational finance teams
Senior-Level Salary (8+ Years Experience)
Experienced IFRS specialists working with global firms can earn:
- ₹18 LPA to ₹30+ LPA
IFRS experts are especially in demand in MNCs, Big 4 firms, and global accounting hubs.
ACCA vs CMA vs IFRS: Salary Comparison in India
Certification | Fresher Salary | Mid-Level Salary | Senior-Level Salary |
ACCA | ₹4.5 – ₹7 LPA | ₹8 – ₹15 LPA | ₹18 – ₹30+ LPA |
CMA | ₹5 – ₹8 LPA | ₹10 – ₹18 LPA | ₹20 – ₹35+ LPA |
IFRS | ₹4 – ₹6 LPA | ₹8 – ₹15 LPA | ₹18 – ₹30+ LPA |
Which Certification Offers the Best Salary?
There is no single “best” certification—it depends on your career goals:
- Choose ACCA if you want global exposure, Big 4 opportunities, and international mobility.
- Choose CMA if you are interested in corporate finance, cost management, and strategic roles.
- Choose IFRS if you already have a finance qualification and want to specialize in global reporting standards.
Many professionals combine certifications (e.g., ACCA + IFRS or CMA + IFRS) to maximize salary and career growth.
Skills That Can Boost Your Salary Further
Regardless of certification, adding the following skills can significantly increase your earning potential:
- Advanced Excel and Power BI
- SAP / Oracle / ERP systems
- Financial modeling
- Data analytics
- Strong communication and presentation skills
Employers increasingly value professionals who combine technical expertise with business acumen.
Final Thoughts
ACCA, CMA, and IFRS all offer strong salary potential in India, but success depends on more than just clearing exams. Practical experience, continuous learning, and skill development play a major role in determining how much you earn.
Instead of choosing a certification purely based on salary, focus on:
- Long-term career alignment
- Industry demand
- Personal interest and strengths
The right certification and consistent effort, you can build a stable, high-paying, and future-ready finance career in India.
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