What are the ACCA Recognized Countries and Rights?

By IIC Lakshya

13 Nov 2025

ACCA

Do you want to know about the countries that recognize the ACCA certification? The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) course is globally recognized and is one of the highest opportunity-based careers. Learn about the qualifications, prerequisites, and the countries that recognize ACCA as a signing authority.

What is the ACCA Qualification?

The course, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), is difficult as a career. A student will face significant challenges, and the ACCA syllabus is difficult; hence, if you want a good career, you must acquire this certification. You need to develop skill sets and acquire knowledge to pursue your career in accounting with your ACCA certification.

Prerequisites for Obtaining an ACCA Certification

If you are planning to obtain ACCA certification, there are certain requirements that students must meet. The priority is that all ACCA aspiring candidates must have their 10+2 degree exam certifications. They should pass those exams and obtain a minimum of 65% in accounting, English, and mathematics.

In other subjects, students must score a minimum of 50%. If these criteria are not met, the student must follow the ACCA course through the route of Foundation in Accountancy (FIA). The ACCA qualification can actually help you in your career growth!

The Global Authority of ACCA

The global authority that ACCA offers to the students and working professionals is supreme. Individuals with ACCA certification can work anywhere in the world, especially when they receive signing authority across the globe. Below are the countries that justify the high demand for the degree, the good opportunities, and flexibility.

Countries where ACCA Holders Have Signing Authority

There are several countries where the ACCA holders have the signing authority. Below is a list of these countries where ACCA holders will get lucrative opportunities, along with a detailed understanding of ACCA professional integration. They also learn about balancing ACCA preparations and work requirements in the countries.

New Zealand and Australia

ACCA holders get lucrative job opportunities in Australia and New Zealand. The ACCA members are allowed to work as Public Accountants and have signing authority. This is made possible by the agreement between the ACCA institution with the CPA institution.

United Kingdom

The ACCA professionals have signing authority in the UK, especially because the ACCA headquarters are located in London. If you are an ACCA professionals who want to work in the UK, you must attain an ACCA UK practising certificate. Furthermore, you will also need the audit certification, which will allow you to sign audits.

Canada

Did you know that the ACCA has an agreement with CPA Canada regarding ACCA members? Several students in today’s world are aspiring to work and settle in Canada; hence, the agreement between the ACCA and the CPA helps these students to work as Public Accountants in Canada.

These ACCA professionals also have a signature authority. Hence, it is possible for a lot of people to enjoy a high professional status along with working and settling in Canada. The global exposure and reach of ACCA is clearly one of the top benefits of getting the ACCA certification.

United Arab Emirates

The national accountancy of the UAE is the Accountants and Auditors Association (AAA), which has an agreement with the ACCA board. Several ACCA holders prefer to start their professional journey in the UAE. A professional accountant just needs to hold a membership with the AAA to have the signing authority in the UAE.

Germany

The European Union (EU) recognizes all ACCA professionals; hence, Germany, with its effective financial sector, benefits from ACCA professionals. There are specific requirements set by the Chamber of Public Accountants that the ACCA members must follow and maintain to practice as statutory auditors.

Germany does not offer or grant signing authority directly to the ACCA professionals. However, as professionals, if you want to attain authority, you need to pursue additional local qualifications, which will then offer auditing rights.

Malaysia

The Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA) is the national institute of Malaysia. They have a Mutual Recognition Agreement with the ACCA board, which leads to some amazing job opportunities in Malaysia for all ACCA holders. The agreement helps the ACCA holder to gain the signatory authority in Malaysia.

South Africa

ACCA is recognized in South Africa by the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA) and the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). The ACCA holders can then obtain signing authority and audit rights if they can fulfill the requirements of the SAICA and register with the IRBA. You get to learn about the ACCA scope and Job opportunities in India and abroad when visiting these countries.

Switzerland

If you are an ACCA holder and are looking for good opportunities in Switzerland, you will get several opportunities in the corporate accounting, finance, and banking sectors. Being a major financial hub, Switzerland has specific Swiss regulations that an ACCA holder must comply with and fulfill the necessary work experience requirements.

The ACCA board cannot directly grant the professionals the signing authority; however, to become recognized auditors, they have to follow the mentioned requirements. Then they can sign financial reports and statements.

Significance of ACCA as a Degree

In conclusion, the ACCA degree is a globally recognized certification, and any ACCA holder can work anywhere in the world. In several countries, students can pursue high-paying job opportunities with their ACCA certification. Additionally, with this certification, along with the specific country’s basic requirements, it offers the holder signatory authority.

Frequently Asked Questions on ACCA Recognized Countries with Signing Authorities

Can I call myself a Chartered Accountant in ACCA?

If you are only a member of the ACCA institution, you cannot call yourself a Chartered Accountant. Furthermore, you must have the certification along with becoming a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). They have the authority to act as statutory auditors and audit reports in India.

Does the Big 4 hire ACCA in India?

Yes, the Big 4 does hire ACCA in India, as these companies, like Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC, along with other major firms, hire ACCA-qualified individuals in India. Several roles are opportunities, like tax analysts,

Does Singapore recognize ACCA?

Singapore widely recognizes the ACCA qualification, as it gets offers from government bodies, educational institutions, and employers. Additionally, it serves as an important qualification for finance and accounting professionals in the country.

Will ACCA be replaced by AI?

No, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will not replace ACCA as a profession or certification. However, it does have the power and potential to transform certain roles and responsibilities.

Is ACCA recognized legally outside India, and where does it allow signing?

A globally recognized qualification, ACCA is known and practiced in over 180 countries. The certification allows members to work internationally and gain authority in countries like the UAE, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Australia. They meet certain requirements that are specific to these countries to gain authority.