ACCA Salary in Nepal is one of the most searched topics among commerce students, working professionals, and parents exploring careers in global finance. As Nepalese businesses expand internationally and adopt global accounting standards (NFRS), companies increasingly need accountants trained in IFRS and global finance, boosting demand and earning potential for ACCA professionals.
ACCA-qualified accountants in Nepal work across multinational companies (MNCs), INGOs, banks, IT and telecom companies, and consulting firms. While salaries vary depending on experience, job role, and industry, ACCA offers clear career growth paths, competitive pay, and opportunities for international exposure, making it one of the most valuable and future-proof qualifications for finance professionals in Nepal.
What is ACCA?
ACCA is a globally recognized qualification focused on practical skills, IFRS compliance, financial management, and business strategy. In Nepal, ACCA is highly valued by multinational and foreign-invested firms, making it ideal for students seeking early career entry, strong salary growth, and international exposure.
Important Note: Unlike CAs (ICAN members), ACCA professionals cannot legally sign statutory audit reports in Nepal, limiting certain audit roles unless ICAN membership is obtained.
Key Points of ACCA Course
ACCA is a globally recognized qualification, accepted in over 180 countries, which opens doors to both local and international career opportunities. Its flexible study structure allows students to pursue the qualification alongside a bachelor’s degree or a full-time job, making it highly accessible for Nepali students. The curriculum is industry-relevant, focusing on practical skills in accounting, audit, taxation, financial management, and business strategy, ensuring students are job-ready from day one.
In addition to its strong learning framework, ACCA offers early earning potential, as students can start working while completing their papers. Over time, ACCA professionals benefit from clear career progression, enjoying consistent salary growth and opportunities to move into managerial and leadership roles across various industries, making it a highly rewarding career path in Nepal and globally.
Why ACCA is Popular in Nepal
ACCA’s popularity stems from:
- High demand for internationally qualified accountants in banks, MNCs, and INGOs.
- Earlier career entry compared to traditional qualifications.
- Exposure to global accounting standards (IFRS).
- Clear salary growth path from entry-level to senior management.
- Opportunities for remote work and overseas employment.
Many Nepali ACCA professionals start as audit assistants, finance assistants, or junior accountants and progress to finance managers, internal audit heads, CFOs, or consultants within a decade. At CCA College, students are trained to be job-ready, enhancing employability and long-term salary potential.
Average ACCA Salary in Nepal: Breakdown by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Monthly Salary (NPR) | Annual Salary (NPR) | Key Focus Areas |
| Entry-Level (Affiliate) | 25,000 – 45,000 | 300,000 – 600,000 | Bookkeeping, Audit Support, TDS/VAT filing |
| Mid-Level (3–5 Years) | 55,000 – 95,000 | 660,000 – 1,140,000 | Financial Analysis, NFRS Implementation |
| Senior-Level (5–10 Years) | 110,000 – 220,000 | 1,320,000 – 2,640,000 | Strategic Planning, Budgeting, Risk |
| Executive-Level (10+ Years) | 250,000+ | 3,000,000+ | CFO, Group Controller, Director |
Note: Entry-level salaries are often lower in local audit firms (~NPR 20,000) but significantly higher in INGOs and IT companies (up to NPR 50,000).
High-Paying Roles for ACCAs in Nepal
Finance Manager (MNC/Telecom):
Finance managers in multinational companies (MNCs) or telecom firms are responsible for budgeting, financial reporting, and strategic planning. They oversee the company’s finances, ensure compliance with both local and international accounting standards, and provide insights for business growth. Mid-career professionals in this role typically earn NPR 150,000 – 200,000 per month, while senior managers can earn NPR 200,000 – 350,000, reflecting their leadership responsibilities and strategic impact on the organization. Strong IFRS knowledge, management skills, and experience in large corporations are essential for success.
INGO Finance Specialist:
Finance specialists in international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) are highly valued for their expertise in global accounting and reporting standards, particularly IFRS. They handle budgeting, donor reporting, compliance, and financial monitoring for international projects. Mid-career salaries start around NPR 80,000+, with higher pay for those managing large teams or complex international projects. ACCA professionals are preferred in these roles because of their global finance training and ability to work with international donors.
Remote Accounting & Outsourcing:
With the rise of global capability centers in Nepal, ACCA professionals can work remotely for US- or UK-based companies. These roles include tasks like bookkeeping, financial reporting, analysis, and sometimes project-based consulting. Senior analysts in this space can earn NPR 100,000 – 200,000, often with the advantage of payments in USD or competitive NPR packages. This sector is attractive for ACCAs because it combines high pay with flexible, remote work options.
CFO / Executive Roles:
Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and other executive-level finance leaders are responsible for the overall financial strategy, reporting, investments, and risk management of an organization. These are the top-tier positions for ACCAs in Nepal, with salaries starting at 250,000+ per month. These roles demand strategic thinking, leadership, and advanced financial expertise, as executives make decisions that affect the company’s long-term success and profitability.
FP&A Manager / Finance Business Partner / Management Consultant / Risk Management Specialist:
These mid- to senior-level roles cover specialized areas of finance:
- FP&A Manager: Focuses on budgeting, forecasting, and analyzing financial performance to guide decision-making.
- Finance Business Partner: Collaborates with department heads to align financial planning with business strategy.
- Management Consultant: Advises companies on finance, strategy, risk, and process improvement, often with project-based bonuses.
- Risk Management Specialist: Identifies financial and operational risks, ensuring regulatory compliance and stability.
Salaries in these roles generally range from NPR 100,000 – 250,000, depending on experience, responsibility, and the organization. ACCA professionals are well-suited for these positions because of their broad financial knowledge, strategic thinking skills, and understanding of international standards.
CA vs ACCA in Nepal
- Only ICAN members can legally use the “Chartered Accountant” (CA) title and sign statutory audits.
- Fresh CAs start at NPR 75,000 – 110,000, while ACCA affiliates start at 25,000 – 45,000, due to statutory authority.
- ACCAs excel in MNCs, INGOs, IT, and corporate finance roles, with rapid growth potential.
- After 5+ years, ACCAs specializing in Strategic Business Reporting and Financial Management often match or exceed CA peers in leadership positions.
Key Takeaway: CA offers local statutory authority and higher starting pay, while ACCA provides international mobility, corporate leadership opportunities, and broader global recognition.
Government vs Private Sector ACCA Salary
In Nepal, ACCA salaries differ significantly between the government and private sectors.
- Government / Public Sector: While ACCAs cannot directly enter permanent civil service roles like Accounts Officer under the Public Service Commission (Lok Sewa) without ICAN recognition, they can secure contractual or project-based roles in donor-funded projects (World Bank, USAID) or certain State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) such as Nepal Telecom or Nepal Airlines. Entry-level salaries in these roles typically range from NPR 20,000 – 40,000, while mid- to senior-level positions may reach up to NPR 150,000, offering stability, allowances, and professional experience, though long-term civil service benefits like pensions are generally not available.
- Private Sector: MNCs, banks, INGOs, IT firms, and telecom companies offer higher pay. Entry-level ACCAs can earn 25,000 – 50,000, mid-level professionals 60,000 – 150,000, and senior roles such as finance managers or CFOs can command 200,000 – 350,000+, often with performance-based bonuses and opportunities for international exposure.
Key Takeaway: ACCAs in Nepal gain higher earning potential and faster career growth in the private sector, while public sector roles provide stability and valuable project experience, mostly through contractual or donor-funded opportunities rather than permanent civil service appointments.
Factors Affecting ACCA Salary
- Experience: Major factor; salaries increase from entry-level to executive roles.
- Job Role & Responsibility: Managers and executives earn substantially more than juniors.
- Industry & Employer Type: MNCs, INGOs, and banks pay higher than local SMEs.
- Skills & Specialization: IFRS, taxation, audit, FP&A, and risk expertise boost earnings.
- Membership Status: Full ACCA membership adds credibility and salary potential.
- Soft Skills: Leadership, communication, analytical thinking, and decision-making are crucial for top roles.
How to Maximize ACCA Salary in Nepal
- Complete ACCA papers and gain full membership.
- Gain practical experience in MNCs, INGOs, or consulting firms.
- Specialize in high-demand areas: IFRS, taxation, audit, FP&A, risk, management consulting.
- Upskill in technology: Cloud accounting, Excel, Power BI, and financial software.
- Target growth sectors: IT, hydropower, fintech, telecom, and outsourcing.
- Develop soft skills: Leadership, communication, analytical thinking, and decision-making.
Conclusion
ACCA offers a borderless career. While starting salaries may be lower than CAs in statutory roles, ACCAs have fast-tracked paths to corporate leadership, remote work, and MNC roles. By combining technical expertise, practical experience, and soft skills, ACCAs can achieve high salaries, international opportunities, and long-term career growth.
FAQs on ACCA Salary in Nepal
1. Can ACCA professionals work remotely or freelance in Nepal?
Yes, particularly in finance, consulting, FP&A, and accounting roles. Many work for foreign clients or MNCs remotely, often earning competitive salaries.
2. Is ACCA worth it compared to CA in Nepal?
ACCA is ideal for MNCs, INGOs, and international roles, while CA provides local statutory authority and higher starting pay in audit. Career goals determine the best path.
3. How long does it take to complete ACCA and start earning?
Typically 3–4 years, though many start entry-level roles while studying, earning while progressing.
4. Can ACCA salary increase significantly year-on-year?
Yes. Salary growth depends on experience, specialization, sector, and performance, with substantial increases in managerial or executive roles.5. What soft skills increase ACCA salary in Nepal?
Leadership, communication, analytical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving are critical for mid-senior and executive roles.
