Top Accounting Certifications for Global Jobs

Top Accounting Certifications for Global Jobs

In today’s competitive job market, accounting professionals need more than just a degree to build a successful global career. Companies across the world are looking for skilled accountants who understand international standards, global taxation, financial reporting, and compliance. This is where global accounting certifications play a crucial role.

The top accounting certifications for global jobs help students and professionals gain worldwide recognition, higher salaries, and opportunities to work in MNCs, Big4 firms, and overseas markets. Certifications like ACCA, CPA, CMA, EA, and CFA are accepted in multiple countries and prepare candidates for international finance and accounting roles.

In this blog, we will explore the best accounting certifications for global jobs, their career scope, salary potential, and why choosing the right certification can open doors to international opportunities.

1. CMA USA (Certified Management Accountant)

CMA USA is one of the most popular global accounting certifications for finance and management roles.
It is offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), USA, and is widely valued for leadership-focused management accounting careers.


Who Should Choose CMA USA?

CMA USA Course Highlights

CMA USA Course HighlightsCareer Opportunities After CMA USA

  • Cost Accountant – Strong focus on costing and performance analysis
  • Financial Analyst – High demand in finance and FP&A roles
  • Budget Analyst – Core management accounting responsibility
  • Management Accountant – Strategic decision-making with CMA USA expertise
  • Internal Auditor – Strong overlap with accounting and risk control
  • Finance Manager – Leadership roles across MNCs and global firms

Finance Manager – Leadership roles across MNCs and global firms

Average Salary
India: ₹7–12 LPA for CMA USA professionals
USA: $60,000–$110,000 annually based on role and experience.

Read More 

CMA USA - Top 12 AI-Powered Changes in CMA USA Finance Careers

Which is Better: CMA India or Other Global CMA Courses?

Top 7 Cities in India Offering the Highest CMA USA Salary Per Month

2. CPA USA (Certified Public Accountant)

CPA USA is considered one of the highest global standards in accounting and auditing.
It is ideal for professionals aiming for global roles in taxation, audit, and finance, especially within multinational firms.

Who Should Choose CPA USA?

Professionals targeting Big 4 accounting firms and international audit roles

CPA USA Course Overview

Category

Details

Governing Body

AICPA (USA)

Duration

12–18 months

Exams

4 papers

Eligibility

120–150 credit rule (equivalent to Master’s in many cases)

Difficulty Level

High

Recognition

USA, Canada, Middle East, India, Europe

Career Opportunities After CPA

  • External Auditor

  • Tax Consultant

  • Forensic Accountant

  • Financial Controller

  • Public Accountant

  • Senior Accountant

  • Average Salary
  • India: ₹10–12 LPA
  • USA: $70,000–$140,000 yearly

Read More 

3.ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)

ACCA is widely known as the Global CA and is recognised in 180+ countries, making it one of the most flexible accounting certifications for international career opportunities.
It is ideal for those aiming for global roles in finance, audit, taxation, and compliance across MNCs.

Who Should Choose ACCA?

  • Students after 12th looking for an early start in global accounting careers

  • B.Com / BBA graduates targeting international exposure

  • CA students seeking broader global career options beyond India


ACCA Course Overview

Category

Details

Governing Body

ACCA (UK)

Duration

2–3 years

Exams

13 papers (exemptions available)

Eligibility

12th pass with 65% in English & Accounts

Recognition

UK, UAE, India, Singapore, Australia, Europe

Career Opportunities After ACCA

  • Accountant

  • Audit Associate

  • Tax Analyst

  • Financial Analyst

  • Business Consultant

  • Risk Manager

Average Salary

  • India: ₹9–11 LPA

  • UK: £30,000–£55,000 yearly

4. EA (Enrolled Agent – USA Tax Expert)

EA (Enrolled Agent) is a powerful certification for students and professionals aiming for global taxation careers, especially in the USA.
It is offered by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) and is highly valued for U.S. tax compliance, representation, and advisory roles.


Who Should Choose EA?

EA Course Overview

Category

Details

Governing Body

IRS (USA)

Duration

12 months

Exams

3 papers

Eligibility

No specific degree required

Recognition

USA, India, UAE, global tax firms

Career Opportunities After EA

  • US Tax Analyst

  • Tax Preparer

  • Tax Planner

  • International Tax Advisor

  • Senior Tax Associate

Average Salary

5. CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)

CFA is the gold standard in investment banking and portfolio management.

Who Should Choose CFA?

  • Students interested in finance & markets

  • Working professionals in investment roles

  • Those aiming for global banking careers

CFA Highlights

Category

Details

Governing Body

CFA Institute (USA)

Duration

2.5–3 years

Exams

3 levels

Eligibility

Final-year degree students

Recognition

Global – banks, IBs, MNCs

Career Scope After CFA

  • Investment Banker

  • Portfolio Manager

  • Equity Research Analyst

  • Wealth Manager

Average Salary

  • India: ₹7-9 LPA

  • USA: $80,000–$150,000 yearly

Comparison Table: Best Global Accounting Certifications

Certification

Duration

Difficulty

Job Roles

Salary (India)

CMA USA

6–9 months

Medium

Analyst, Cost Accountant

₹7–12 LPA

CPA USA

12–18 months

High

Auditor, Tax Expert

₹10–12 LPA

ACCA

2–3 years

Medium

Accountant, Auditor

₹9–11 LPA

EA USA

12 months

Easy-Medium

Tax Analyst

₹6–7 LPA

CFA

2–3 years

High

Investment Banker

₹7–9 LPA

Which Certification Should You Choose?

Conclusion

Global accounting certifications like CMA USA, CPA USA, ACCA, EA, and CFA offer strong career growth, international job opportunities, and high salaries.
Whether you’re a student or a working professional, choosing the right certification can completely transform your finance career path.

If you’re aiming for a global finance career with international recognition, these certifications are the best place to start.

Get Expert Guidance (CTA)

For expert mentoring, course guidance, and global certification training:
👉 WhatsApp ‘Hi’ to +91 8147470505 for Expert Guidance from NorthStar Academy.

Frequently Asked Questions