EA vs. CPA: Which Certification is Right for Your Tax Career?

  Introduction Passing ACCA, CA, or CMA exams in 2025 is your ticket to finance roles paying ₹8–25 lakh in India. ACCA’s 13 papers, CA’s 3 levels, and CMA’s 2 parts demand tailored prep strategies. Whether you’re tackling financial reporting or cost management, success hinges on smart study habits. Here are top strategies to ace these exams on your first try. Understand the Exam Format Each certification has a unique structure, requiring specific prep approaches. ACCA : 13 papers (MCQs, essays); focus on Strategic Business Leader for 2025’s June session. CA : CPT, IPCC, Final (MCQs, descriptive); prioritize auditing for November 2025. CMA : 2 parts (100 MCQs, 2 essays); master budgeting for May–June 2025. NorthStar Academy’s syllabus guides ensure you know what to expect. Practice with Purpose Practice questions mirror real exams, building confidence and skills. ACCA : Solve 1,000+ MCQs via BPP or NorthStar’s platform; practice case studies for Strategic Professional. CA : Complet...

  Introduction The US CMA exam, with its two parts, is a gateway to management accounting roles paying ₹8–25 lakh in India. Requiring 300–400 hours of study, it tests financial planning and strategic management. Want to pass the CMA exam in 2025’s January–February, May–June, or September–October windows? Here are top study tips to ace it on your first try. Understand the Exam Structure The CMA exam includes 100 MCQs and two essays per part, focusing on cost management and analytics. Study key topics : Prioritize high-weight areas like cost accounting (15%) and budgeting (20%). Use IMA resources : Review IMA’s Content Specification Outlines for exam insights. Practice essays : Master written responses for strategic finance scenarios. NorthStar Academy’s guides clarify the structure for efficient prep. Practice with Real-World Questions The CMA’s MCQs and essays test practical application, so practice is crucial. Solve 1,000+ MCQs : Use Gleim’s test bank or NorthStar’s practice plat...

  Introduction In the realm of accounting certifications, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) are two prominent qualifications. While both open doors to lucrative careers, they cater to different regions and professional focuses . This blog compares ACCA and CPA to help you navigate your career path effectively. ACCA: A Global Perspective Recognition : Accepted in over 180 countries. Focus : International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), auditing, taxation, and financial management. Exam Structure : 13 papers divided into three levels. Duration : Typically 2–3 years. Ideal For : Professionals seeking global mobility and roles in multinational corporations. CPA: U.S.-Centric Expertise Recognition : Primarily recognized in the United States. Focus : U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), auditing, taxation, and business law. Exam Structure : Four sections—AUD, BEC, FAR, REG. Duration : Can be completed wi...

  Introduction CFA Level I, with exams in February, May, August, and November 2025, is your gateway to a finance career with salaries up to $100,000 globally. Covering 10 topics and 180 MCQs in 4.5 hours, it’s a tough but achievable challenge. Want to pass on your first try? Here are top tips to ace CFA Level I in 2025. Understand the Exam Format Level I focuses on foundational finance concepts, with Ethics and Quantitative Methods carrying high weight. Study the blueprint : Review CFA Institute’s topic weights (Ethics: 15–20%, Quant: 8–12%). Practice MCQs : Solve Schweser’s Q Bank questions to master the 3-answer format. Know the pass mark : Aim for 70%+ to clear the exam. NorthStar Academy’s resources clarify the format, reducing exam-day surprises. Focus on High-Yield Topics Prioritizing key areas maximizes your study efficiency. Master Ethics : Study the Code and Standards, critical for all CFA levels. Nail Quantitative Methods : Practice time value of money and hypothesis test...

  Introduction CPAs in India earn ₹6–25 lakh annually, with 96% of companies hiring finance pros in 2024. But to stand out in 2025’s competitive job market, you need more than a CPA license. From Big 4 firms to startups, employers seek specific skills. Here are the top skills every CPA needs to thrive in India. Expertise in US GAAP and IFRS Global firms like PwC value CPAs fluent in international accounting standards. Master US GAAP : Understand US financial reporting for MNC roles. Learn IFRS : Align with global standards for auditing and compliance. Stay updated : Follow AICPA updates on evolving standards. These skills, emphasized by NorthStar Academy, secure roles like financial analyst. Data Analytics and Tech Proficiency Tech-driven accounting is booming, with firms like Infosys hiring CPAs skilled in analytics. Use BI tools : Master Power BI or Tableau for financial forecasting. Learn ERP systems : Familiarity with SAP boosts your resume. Understand automation : Study AI ...

  Introduction The ACCA Applied Skills exams , covering six papers like Financial Reporting (FR) and Audit and Assurance (AA), are a critical step toward your global finance career. With exams in March, June, September, and December 2025, passing these papers requires strategy. Want to ace Applied Skills on your first try? Here are top study tips to conquer these exams with confidence. Master the Syllabus Applied Skills exams test practical skills in accounting, taxation, and auditing. Study key topics: Focus on high-weight areas like IFRS (FR) or tax compliance (TX). Use ACCA resources: Review technical articles on ACCA Global for examiner insights. Prioritize weak areas: Allocate extra time to challenging papers like Performance Management (PM). NorthStar Academy’s syllabus guides ensure you cover all essential topics. Practice with Real-World Scenarios Applied Skills exams include scenario-based questions, requiring application over memorization. Solve past papers: Complete 5–7 ...

  Introduction ACCA professionals are in demand worldwide, earning ₹6–15 lakh in India and up to £51,000 in the UK. From Big 4 firms to fintech startups, industries are clamoring for ACCA’s expertise in financial reporting and auditing. Want to know where to find the best opportunities in 2025? Here are the top industries hiring ACCA pros in India and globally. Financial Services and Banking Banks and financial institutions like JP Morgan and HSBC rely on ACCA pros for compliance and analysis. Roles available : Financial analyst, risk manager, tax consultant. Why they hire : ACCA’s IFRS knowledge ensures global standard compliance. Salary range : ₹8–20 lakh in India, $71,000–$117,000 in Canada. This sector, as noted by NorthStar Academy, offers stability and growth. Consulting and Big 4 Firms Big 4 firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) are top employers for ACCA graduates. Roles available : Auditor, management consultant, financial advisor. Why they hire : ACCA’s rigorous curriculum prep...