10 Best Countries for Chartered Accountant Jobs – Highest paying countries

With higher salaries, growing demand, lesser competition, and a prestigious job profile, accounting is one of the most lucrative careers in the world. 

While there are plenty of CA job opportunities in the country, many chartered accountants look forward to securing a job abroad due to exceptional career growth, global exposure, and significant financial benefits. If you are a CA who wants to pursue a dreamy accounting career abroad, this blog is a must-read for you. 

Here, we will talk about 10 countries that offer excellent international job opportunities for chartered accountants. 

Do you know?

• The total revenue generated by the finance market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.96%, leading to an estimated market volume of US$2.5 billion by the end of 2027.[1] 
• According to a survey conducted by Zippia, Asian CAs earn higher average salaries as compared to chartered accountants from other ethnicities. [2]
• As per a survey conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for financial accountants and auditors is expected to grow at a rate of 4% over the next decade.[3]

Overview: Top 10 best countries for chartered accountant jobs abroad

Salary: Talent, Cost of Living: Living Cost.org, as of 15/04/2024, IST 15:00 hrs

10 Highest paying countries for chartered accountants

1. UK – Average CA salary: £40,000 per year

The United Kingdom remains the best country for chartered accountants and related professionals in the world. The British finance sector is thriving, with plenty of major accounting firms setting their headquarters in the country. There are plenty of lucrative job opportunities for CAs in major cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, etc. 

The best part is that the Indian Institute of Chartered Accountants (IICA) has an agreement with the ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales), under which both countries recognise the qualifications of CAs from one another. It means, CAs from India can work and practice in the UK without any restrictions or additional qualifications, and vice-versa. 

The average salary of a CA in the UK

• For Freshers: Most enter-level CA positions in the UK offer an earning potential of £32,000 to £35,000 per annum. 
• For Experienced: Financial accountants with several years of experience can earn up to £60,000 per annum. 

Also read: How to get a job in the UK.

2. Cayman Island – Average CA salary: KYD 91,447 per year

Cayman Island is a popular tourist hotspot known for its exotic beaches and luxurious holiday experiences. It is a British Overseas Territory with a small population of around 65,000. Many wealthy personalities and international businesses from around the world have their multi-billion assets on this island. No wonder, why the country is facing a huge demand for expert chartered accounts. 

But what’s in for CAs on Cayman Island? This small island is known for offering the highest salaries to accountants alongside other perks such as a fun-filled island life, a welcoming community, higher living standards, and so much more. 

The average salary of a CA

• For Freshers: In Cayman Island, most entry-level CA positions come with a salary range of KYD 50,000 to KYD 60,000 per year. 
• For Experienced: Experienced CA professionals in Cayman Islands can earn KYD 110,000+ per year. 

3. Switzerland  – Average CA salary: CHF 105’000 per year

Switzerland dominates the world in the field of banking and finance. In fact, a significant portion of the Swiss workforce is employed in the finance sector, which makes up a major part of its total GDP. Besides, the country has long been considered a haven for foreign investors. If you are looking for the best job opportunities for CA abroad, Switzerland might be a perfect destination. 

The average salary of a CA in Switzerland 

• For Freshers: The starting salary of CAs in Switzerland starts from around CHF 80’000 per year. 
• For Experienced: After gaining some years of experience, CAs in Switzerland can earn as high as CHF 120,000+ per year. 

4. Luxembourg – Average CA salary: €75,000 per year

Luxembourg is another country known for offering ample high-paying jobs for chartered accountants. It is one of the wealthiest European countries, home to a booming financial sector and a range of multinational corporations. By securing a CA job in Luxembourg, you can get the opportunity to work with multi-billion companies, reputed banking institutions, investment firms, etc., which will in turn provide you with global exposure in a highly dynamic environment. 

The average salary of a CA in Luxembourg 

• For Freshers: At the start of their careers, most CAs in Switzerland earn around €60,000 per year. 
• For Experienced: After gaining experience and expertise, CAs can earn up to €75,000 per year in Luxembourg. 

UAE – Average CA salary: AED 108,000 per year

The United Arab Emirates is a global hub for businesses from all fields and industries. With its liberal business landscape and recent adoption of IFRS, this Middle-Eastern nation is attracting foreign investments, increasing the demand for talented finance professionals, including chartered accountants.  

There are unparalleled opportunities for chartered accountants with amazing perks like income-tax-free salaries, a high-quality cosmopolitan lifestyle, exquisite location, and more. Dubai is also one of the highest-paying countries for accounting professionals.

The average salary of a CA in the UAE

• For Freshers: The starting salary of a chartered accountant in the UAE is around AED 80,000 to AED 85,000 per annum. 
• For Experienced: Experienced chartered accountants in the UAE have an earning potential of up to AED 100,000+ per year. 

6. Germany – Average CA salary: €56,160 per year

Germany has a highly developed finance sector alongside other industries such as manufacturing and IT. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for chartered accountants and related professionals due to the increasing complexity of tax laws and financial regulations.

However, some additional qualifications, including the approval of the Chamber of Public Accountants (CPA), are required to work as a CA in the country. Nevertheless, there are plenty of high-paying job opportunities for chartered accountants in Germany which come with other benefits such as a great work-life balance, a good quality of life, and a chance to work with renowned companies, etc. 

The average salary of a CA in Germany

• For Freshers: As a beginner CA in Germany, you can earn around €35,000 to €40,000 per year. 
• For Experienced: After gaining several years of experience in the industry, you can earn as high as €120,000 per year. 

Also read: How to get a job in Germany.

7. Australia  – Average CA salary: AU$106,102 per year

Financial accounts play a vital role in taxation, financial management, investment, and compliance in Australia, making it one of the best countries for chartered accountants. With an extensive employment landscape, opportunities for chartered accountants are expected to grow in the upcoming years in Australia. 

To become a CA in this bustling economy, you need to obtain a relevant degree such as a Bachelor of Accounting or a certification like Certified Practising Accountant (CPA). 

The average salary of a CA in Australia

• For Freshers: The entry-level CA jobs in Australia offer a salary ranging between AU$90,000 to AU$95,000 per month. 
• For Experienced: Senior level accountants can earn up to AU$120,000+ in Australia. 

Also read: How to get a job in Australia.

8. Canada – Average CA salary: CA$80,000 per year

Canada has consistently been ranked as the best destination for jobs for Indians. Whether it is higher salaries, the scope of career growth, or safety, this American nation has a lot to offer to the CA job seekers. Chartered accountants are among the most respected professionals in the country. If you have the right skills, qualifications, and experience, you can easily join a reputed firm in Canada and elevate your career as well as your social status. 

To practise as a chartered accountant in Canada, you must have a relevant degree and enrol on a training program approved by the Chartered Accountant Institute of your respective province. 

The average salary of a CA in Canada

• For Freshers: Most companies and accounting firms offer a starting salary of around CA$60,000 per year. 
• For Experienced: Experienced CAs can easily earn over CA€100,000 per year in Canada. 

Also read: 5 easy steps to get a job in Canada.

9. Japan  – Average CA salary: ¥6,500,000 per year

Japan offers a unique blend of innovation and an international business environment that creates unmatched opportunities for chartered accountants to thrive and accelerate their careers. With a highly advanced financial sector and booming IT industry, Japan has diverse job opportunities for chartered accountants with varying skills and specialisations. 

The best part of working in Japan is its diversity. You will get to work with people from different backgrounds and cultures. To get a job as a licensed accountant in Japan, you have to register with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Japan. 

The average salary of a CA in Japan

• For Freshers: The basic salary range for CPAs in Japan starts from ¥3,300,000 per year. 
• For Experienced: Experienced CPAs in Japan can earn up to ¥10,000,000 per year. 

10. USA  – Average CA salary: $77,832 per year

Finally, there is the USA – the ultimate destination for Indian CA job opportunities abroad. Chartered accountants play a key role in supporting businesses and financial institutions to navigate through financial complexities and tax laws. The robust financial infrastructure combined with the ever-growing entrepreneurial spirit creates a perfect environment for CAs to nurture and thrive. 

Apart from competitive salaries, there are many other perks of becoming a CA in the US. These include generous employee benefits, world-class training programs, a modern lifestyle, and social status, among others. 

The average salary of a CA in the USA

• For Freshers: Most freshers in the field of accounting and finance earn around $60,000 to $65,000 per year in the USA. 
• For Experienced: Experienced and certified public accountants can earn over $100,000 per year. 

Also read: How to get a job in the USA.

Chartered accountant jobs abroad: Country-wise salary of chartered accountants around the world

Conversion as of 15 April 2024 at 15:00 HRS IST.

Note: The above table depicts the average salaries for chartered accountants in the top 10 countries. All the currencies have been converted to USD (for creating graphs). 

Currency conversion source: 

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/in/money-transfer/currency-conversion-calculator/

Also Read: 10 best countries to migrate from India

Finding CA jobs overseas: Do’s & Don’ts

Do’s

• Research the job market in your target country with a key focus on your area of specialisation and career growth. 
• Ensure that your CA qualifications are accepted in the country. If not, learn about the additional requirements you need to become a registered CA professional in the country. 
• Before applying for jobs, draft a tailored CV that is ATS-friendly and meets international standards. Make sure to highlight your achievements and certifications (if any) in your resume. 
• Be accommodating and keep yourself open to various types of jobs, including part-time, full-time, contracts-based, etc. 
• Build a strong network by connecting with the professionals in your industry. This will significantly help you in searching for the right CA jobs overseas. 

Don’ts

• Don’t rely only on job search platforms when searching for CA jobs abroad. Instead, reach out to the relevant companies and firms directly on their websites. It will increase your chances of getting hired. 
• Don’t ignore cultural differences. Learn about the culture, way of living, and also work ethics of the country before moving in. 
• Don’t ignore the financial aspects when moving abroad. Take a look at the cost of living in your selected country and devise a budget accordingly. 
• Avoid using random fund transfer services for transferring money across borders. Consider working with trusted fund transfer platforms like Instarem whenever you need to send money to or from one country to another. 

Before you go…

Chartered accountants are among the most respected professionals in India and worldwide. If you are CA looking forward to diversifying your career, moving abroad is a good decision. By pursuing CA jobs overseas, you get to work in diverse roles and earn higher salaries alongside many other benefits. 

During and after your journey to relocating abroad, many instances will come where you will need to transfer funds from your work destination to your home country. This is when an international fund transfer service like Instarem comes into play.

Apart from offering a secure and fast** transaction channel for cross-country fund transfers, Instarem offers a low exchange rate and affordable# transaction costs that won’t add to your expenses. Above all, you canearn InstaPoints on every transaction, which can be utilised to avail of discounts and rewards on future transactions. 

FAQ’s

Q. Which country pays the highest for CA?

The Cayman Islands and Switzerland are among the countries that pay the highest salaries to CAs. 

Q. Which country has a demand for chartered accountants?

Countries like Dubai, Australia, Germany, the USA, etc., are facing increased demand for chartered accountants. 

Q. How secure is the job of CA abroad?

Due to their services and expertise, CAs are receiving massive demand from various countries. However, job security for a CA relies on various factors including the economy, the country’s financial status, the candidate’s skills, proficiency, and industry demand.

Q. What is a CA salary abroad per month?

The salary of a chartered accountant abroad varies depending on the country, qualifications, years of experience, and expertise. The countries with huge economies and higher demand, like Switzerland and the USA, offer much higher salaries. 

Q. How to get CA jobs in foreign countries?

Getting a job as a CA in a foreign country requires strategic planning and a focused approach. Begin with researching the job market, obtaining the necessary qualifications, earning relevant certifications and experience, and then applying for the right jobs online. 

Q. Who earns more: IITan or CA?

Both CA and IIT graduates have a higher earning potential as compared to other professionals. However, the answer to who earns more depends on industry, experience, expertise, and location. 

Q. What is the starting salary for a fresher in CA?

The entry-level salary of a CA fresher is calculated based on the location, company, and individual expertise. In India, the beginning salary of a CA is around ₹5 to ₹6 lakhs per year. 

Q. Is it difficult to get CA jobs in foreign countries for freshers?

Different countries have different qualifications and requirements for practising accounting and financial services. While your CA qualification might not be recognised by a foreign country, your expertise and experience are surely valued. Meeting the specific requirements and earning practical experience will help you acquire a job as a CA or related professional in a foreign country. 

Disclaimer:

• This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with products or vendors mentioned.

• Prices mentioned in this blog are subject to change.

• ** Fast meaning 75% of our transactions are completed in 15 minutes. Depending on the funding method.
• # When it comes to affordable exchange rates and fees, it’s worth noting that the cost will vary depending on how you choose to fund your transactions. Credit card funding and bank transfer fees can differ significantly. 

Citations:

[1]https://www.statista.com/outlook/amo/app/finance/worldwide

[2]https://www.zippia.com/chartered-accountant-jobs/demographics/

[3]https://www.bls.gov/OOH/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm?csnc=QUhay