Why the USA works for finance professionals

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The United States is a multicultural powerhouse attracting talented professionals globally. This diverse nation blends many cultures into one dynamic society. With strong opportunities and high demand for accounting expertise, your hard-earned qualification will open doors here.

Whether you're drawn to New York's dynamic financial hub, the innovation capital of San Francisco, or thriving business centers like Chicago and Atlanta, you'll find excellent career prospects alongside rich cultural experiences in a country that welcomes professionals from all backgrounds.

Your career move to the USA starts here.

ACCA Qualification recognition

ACCA members and students living in the United States have found many pathways to success, but it is one of the more difficult markets for members to break into. 

The national qualification, the US CPA, is required to practice public accounting in the US. 

Currently, ACCA does not have a mutual recognition agreement with the International Qualifications Appraisal Board (IQAB), a joint body between National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) or the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). 

Education evaluation

Depending on the purpose of your education evaluation, some evaluation organisations are the preferred organisation. 

A listing of foreign credential evaluation services are listed through the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services website (NACES) website. Also refer to:

Check with the State Board of Accountancy or educational institute to help determine which evaluation organisation to choose. 

When seeking an education evaluation, we recommend that you submit a copy of the ACCA syllabus with your application, as well as information concerning ACCA’s Recognition.

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Accounting and finance qualifications and certifications

Should you wish to pursue additional education to aid in your skill development, there are many organisations offering highly regarded and specialised qualifications and certifications, in addition to your ACCA qualification.

  • US Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

    Awarding body: Individual U.S. State Boards of Accountancy

    The CPA is the most popular qualification in the USA for professional accountants. Many of our members have sat and passed the CPA. Currently, ACCA does not have a mutual recognition agreement with the International Qualifications Appraisal Board (IQAB), a joint body between National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) or the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). 

    To learn more about sitting for the US CPA qualification, AICPA has developed a resource for prospective students. This resource will help guide you through the process of earning your CPA if you are interested in pursuing it. In order to earn your CPA qualification, an individual must have at least 150 credit hours from an accredited college or university, pass a series of exams, and meet experience and ethics requirements. If you completed your education outside of an accredited US-based college or university, you will need to have your education evaluated to determine how many US-equivalent credit hours you have. These evaluations are conducted on a case-by-case basis. 

    ACCA does have a relationship with the University of London (UoL) and for those members who have received their ACCA within five years, you will be able to sit the online UoL MSc program. The number of credit hours you can gain from this program varies on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, visit our qualifications section.

    For more information on state requirements to sit the CPA, please contact the State Board of Accountancy for which you would like more information. AICPA has created a website to learn more about the individual state board’s requirements. 

    American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)
    Contact Information and Offices

  • Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

    IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants) is the worldwide association of accountants and financial professionals in business. IMA offers the Certified Management Accountant certification, as well as the CSCA, Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis. IMA is a global strategic partner of ACCA.

    The ICMA (Institute of Certified Management Accountants) Board of Regents, representing the certification division of IMA (Institute of Management Accountants), has voted to waive its usual bachelor's degree requirement for ACCA members wishing to earn the CMA credential. For more information on this program, please visit our dedicated webpage.

  • Certified Forensic Accountant Exam (CRFAC)

    The American Board of Forensic Accountants (ABFA) oversees the popular CRFAC exam which is a fully comprehensive program covering forensic accounting, fraud, litigation services, cyber security issues, and evaluations.

    ABFA is a local partner of ACCA and provides a discount to ACCA members.  More details can be found on the ABFA website.

    Tel: +1-661-861-8861 (USA)
    Email: staff@abfa.us
    Website: www.abfa.us

  • Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

    The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is an international professional association. The IIA is the internal audit profession’s global voice, recognized authority, acknowledged leader, chief advocate, and principal educator. 

    The IIA has partnered with ACCA to offer ACCA members a supporting exception for the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certificate. Your ACCA membership is recognized by the IIA as satisfying the education and professional experience requirements for the CIA program. For more information on the program and how to apply, please visit our webpage.

    Tel: +1-407-937-1111 (USA)
    Email: customerrelations@theiia.org
    Website: theiia.org

  • Bachelor's of Science with the University of London

    Completion of some ACCA exams also provides the opportunity for ACCA students to apply for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree with University of London. The BSc Professional Accountancy programme with University of London opens for applications in December 2025.

    View eligibility criteria for the BSc Professional Accountancy with University of London

    Download more information and an overview of the formal recognition held by the ACCA Qualification.

USA academic partnerships

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For our members, universities in the USA will not grant credit towards completed ACCA coursework. There are no expedited routes of study for ACCA members.

If you are an ACCA student and wish to continue your education in the United States while seeking a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a US accredited institution, we have many partnerships with universities that will allow you to earn a degree and gain ACCA exemptions. 

 Our partners

The ACCA North America team is developing additional university partnerships to enable students to pursue both the ACCA Qualification and an American degree simultaneously. Current partnerships include:

  • Albers School of Business and Economics at Seattle University

    Seattle University is an Accredited Education Partner of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA). This partnership grants undergraduate accounting majors and Master of Professional Accounting (MPAC) students graduating on or after January 1, 2019 exemptions to at least half of the slate of ACCA exams required to obtain the internationally-recognized ACCA qualification. This partnership reflects the quality of students’ professional formation experience at Seattle University and in the Accounting program in developing the competencies and skills sought-after in candidates joining the global market for accounting professionals.

    Established in 1947, the AACSB-accredited Albers School of Business and Economics at Seattle University is home to over 1,600 graduate and undergraduate business students. The Albers School develops exceptional business leaders who are values-driven and committed to advancing the common good. Albers offers students undergraduate degrees in business, with concentrations in nine disciplines, and economics. Our graduate degrees include four MBAs, plus specialized master’s degrees in accounting, business analytics, finance and sport business leadership.

    Albers programs are highly ranked nationally, including:

    Albers received Center of Excellence status from the Institute of Internal Auditors in 2017, one of only eight such Centers in the world

    In addition, our chapter of Beta Alpha Psi has received a Superior Chapter Award for five years in a row. We are one of the most decorated chapters in the Pacific Northwest Region, with five distinguished, twenty six superior, and four gold chapter nominations.

    Situated in the heart of the dynamic city of Seattle, we work with the Puget Sound region’s top business professionals to tap their expertise in delivering our highly ranked programs.

  • Kogod School of Business at American University

    ACCA’s second university partnership is with American University’s Kogod School of Business in Washington, D.C.

    Kogod is committed to preparing graduates to excel in today’s dynamic business environment.

    It is the oldest accredited business school in the nation’s capital and its students and faculty hail from over 100 countries around the world.

    Kogod is regularly recognized for its commitment to its students and the global business community.

    • No.18 'Best Colleges for Earning a Business Degree' - (Fortune Magazine and Money.com 2015)
    • No.5: 'Top Accounting Programs' - (GraduatePrograms.com 2015)
    • No.9: 'Best MS Tax Programs' (TaxTalent 2014)
    • No.23: 'U.S. Best Undergraduate Business Specialty' - International Business (News & World Report 2014)

    Find out more and apply on the American University website.

  • Lubin School of Business at PACE University

    ACCA's first American partnership is with Pace University - one of New York’s largest universities, with campuses in New York City and Westchester County.

    Pace’s Lubin School of Business is accredited by the AACSB – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and is globally recognized for:

    • Preparing every graduate for rewarding employment and upward mobility
      Integrating the New York City business world into the curriculum
      Experiential learning through the area's largest internship and co-op program
    • Customised teaching and career guidance
    • In the PayScale College Salary Report, Lubin ranked in the top 7% for Best Graduate Schools and the top 11% for Best Colleges for Business Majors
    • Lubin’s undergraduate accounting program is ranked in the Top 50 by the Public Accounting Report

    Find out more and apply on the Pace University website.

  • Manning School of Business at University of Massachusetts - Lowell

    University of Massachusetts - Lowell (UML) has been a great partner of ACCA’s since 2017. UML is recognized for being in the forefront of a transformative era. From the strength of their students to the excellence of the faculty, the Manning School of Business is educating the next generation of global business leaders.

    • 2016 U.S. News and World Report Best College ranked Manning School’s undergraduate business program No. 191
    • Best Online Graduate Business Program Rankings (excluding MBA), the Manning School’s master of science in accounting (MSA) program climbed to No. 41
    • The Manning School’s online MBA rose to No. 69 in the latest Best Online MBA Program Rankings

    Find out more on the UML website.

  • University of Maryland Global Campus

    University of Maryland Global Campus became an Accredited Education Partner of ACCA in 2023.

    University of Maryland Global Campus was founded in 1947 to make respected, state university education accessible to working adults and servicemembers.

    Move forward in your career and in your life with an online undergraduate or graduate business degree or certificate from University of Maryland Global Campus. Our business programs are designed to deliver highly applied, career-focused business education to our students, so that they can prepare for leadership roles in complex business environments and make decisions using data-driven approaches. UMGC also has relationships with many employers and offers virtual recruiting events with companies who are actively seeking to fill current openings.

    • Benefit from a global campus: UMGC was founded to meet the needs of working adults. Take courses online knowing that your education is backed by the reputation of a public state university.
    • Get undergraduate credit for your experience: We value the learning you've acquired outside of the classroom, and we offer ways to turn those experiences into credit by demonstrating what you know.
    • Prepare for your next move: Student clubs provide professional development and networking opportunities, and we offer job resources that can prepare you for your next career move in business. 
    • Learn from faculty scholar-practitioners: UMGC's diverse business and MBA faculty bring years of industry experience to the classroom and can help prepare you for the workforce with practical, applicable knowledge. 
    • Earn an MBA faster and for less: Earn a respected Master of Business Administration at UMGC entirely online in just 16 months for about 21,000 USD.

    Find out more and apply on the University of Maryland Global Campus website.

Immigration information

Before you arrive to the US, there are some free services that offer individuals relocating to the United States checklists, webinars and guides. The ACCA North America office has prepared an Orientation Guide for our members and future members who are looking to live and work in the United States. Please contact north.america@accaglobal.com to request this guide. 

ACCA North America is not authorised to provide information relating to any immigration matters. For more information on matters relating to immigration and government affiliated matters, please contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or consult Travel.State.Gov for immigration and U.S Visa information.

  • US Citizenship and Immigration Services (US CIS)

    US Citizenship and Immigration Services provides immigration options, resources and tools to support you after landing in the USA. Access their self-service tool and how to guides here. 

  • The immigrant visa process

    If you are a foreign national and wish to live permanently in the USA, you must first obtain an immigrant visa.  Learn more about the process and how to immigrate based on family or based on employment by visiting the Travel.State.Gov website.

  • Study in the USA

    If you are looking to study in the USA to further your education, review the rules and regulations that regulate international students. Please note, plans to study the ACCA qualification outside of a college or university does not make you eligible for a student visa. Learn more about Studying in the United States. 

     

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Finding a job

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You will need to be authorised to work -- visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website to learn more.

Additional resources are provided below.

  • ACCA Careers

    Boasting thousands of job postings within the USA, ACCA Careers should be your first step towards finding employment in the USA. Visit ACCA Careers.

  • AccountingFly

    A local resource, AccountingFly can be a great secondary resource along with ACCA Careers. Visit AccountingFly.

  • Approved Employers

    Consider looking for employment at a global or local ACCA Approved Employer. The following employers are locally approved employers:

    • Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company
    • The World Bank Group
    • IBM Finance
    • PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
    • Citi
    • Elsevier
    • The Carlyle Group
    • Unisys Corporation
    • Maya & Associates LLC
    • Emerging Consulting LLC
    • Mary Kay Inc.

    Access our Approved Employer directory.

  • Employment agencies

    Michael Page

    Michael Page is a global recruitment agency, with offices throughout the United States, and a frequent speaker at ACCA USA chapter events. Michael Page has helped ACCA members find employment in the past. Visit Michael Page.

    Robert Half 

    Robert Half is a temporary staffing and global recruitment agency, with offices throughout the United States, and a frequent speaker at ACCA USA chapter events. Similar to Michael Page, Robert Half has also helped ACCA members find employment in the past and may prove to be a good resource in your employment hunt. Visit Robert Half.

    LinkedIn

    LinkedIn serves as the job board of choice for many employers and job seekers in the United States. Be sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and check out what jobs are listed there! Visit LinkedIn jobs.

    Upwardly Global

    ACCA partner Upwardly Global works with fully work-authorised ACCA members to find career track jobs in the U.S. Their free job coaching & skilling program is a unique blend of:

    • Online soft-skills training (i.e. "How to create a U.S. style resume", "LinkedIn for Newcomers", "How to negotiate a salary"),
    • 1:1 job coaching with finance/accounting industry advisors and mentors,
    • Skills training and scholarship opportunities, and 
    • Professional opportunities through our 50+ Employer Partners.

    Upwardly Global has worked with over 7,500 job seekers and helps over 1,000 professionals find career track jobs each year. Check out some success stories and email us at acca.usa@accaglobal.com to learn more.

ACCA USA resources

We are here to support our members, students, and affiliates throughout their ACCA journey in North America. ACCA North America has six staff members throughout North America, with our main office in Toronto, Canada. We provide regular member communications via email and coordinate face to face meetings between members, students, and affiliates.

We offer many programs and resources to members in order to support their professional and personal journeys. For more information on ACCA programs and resources to our members and future members, please contact north.america@accaglobal.com to request for a copy of our ACCA North America Orientation Guide. 

  • How do I obtain a US CPA?

    Unfortunately, there is no quick route for ACCA members to obtain the US CPA.

    In order to obtain your US CPA qualification, you will need to sit for the CPA exam and pass the four-part exam.  The CPA is administered on the state level, so to begin your journey to get the US CPA by selecting the state where you wish to be licensed. Most individuals choose to be licensed in the state in which they live. Once you select your state, contact the State Board of Accountancy for additional details on their requirements. They will advise on what coursework you will need to have taken in order to sit for the exam.

    If you have been educated outside of the United States, you will need to have your education evaluated by a foreign credential evaluation services.

  • Can I continue to study ACCA in the USA?

    Yes, you can certainly continue your studies towards the ACCA qualification while you are residing in the USA.

    However, we do not have any in-person study options.

  • Are there any schools that will accept my ACCA qualification towards a Master's in Accounting?

    Pace University in NYC may be willing to work with your background towards their master’s program in accountancy. Please contact them at intladm@pace.edu.

  • How can I sit an exam within the USA?

    Check our exams pages for the most up-to-date information on booking remote exams in the USA. On-demand and session exams are only available through remote invigilation.  

    Keep on top of exam and subscription fee deadlines by visiting the important dates section of our website.

    Students can see a complete exam schedule and registration dates by visiting the exam timetables section of our website.

  • Are you able to help me obtain a work visa for the USA?

    Unfortunately, we are unable to assist you with this request. Each application for a US H1B visa is ranked individually and we have no historical information on this subject.

    While searching for jobs it may be helpful to use the keyword search term 'H1B Accounting'. This will help focus on employers who accept and/or will help obtain HB1 visas.

  • I recently moved to the USA. How do I get access to local events and information?

    We are happy to have you added to our local member database once you have made the transition to make sure you are included in future chapter events. 

    When you arrive in the United States of America, please update your contact and employment details via the myACCA Portal. Once your contact details reflect your new USA mailing address, you will begin receiving local updates and event invitations from the ACCA North America office. 

  • Can you help me receive my ACCA transcript?

    ACCA North America does not handle transcript requests,  you can download your transcripts by logging into myACCA. 

  • Do you have a list of Foreign Credential Evaluation Services?

    Members and students often use foreign credential evaluation services to determine equivalency for sitting the CPA. The result varies from person to person and the service as well, but often the ACCA qualification is not found to be 150 hours on its own. We cannot comment on specific cases but the ACCA North America office has developed an orientation guide that can help members and students interested in moving to the USA. It talks about the evaluation services and which ones are most frequently used by members in the USA. Please request this guide by emailing north.america@accaglobal.com.

    A member suggested sending along the course syllabi for each of the exams completed. This may give the evaluator additional information on what is covered throughout the ACCA exams. They can be found in the student community.

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