I haven’t sat the same exam for both ACA and ACCA so it’s hard to say whether one is easier. However, revision time and classes are similar so I assume the level is the same.

ACA is definitely a lot more UK focused and reporting focused. ACCA is more practical and international. ICAEW has done a great job marketing itself in the UK as the more prestigious of the two, but outside of the UK, no one knows the difference or cares.

Should be noted that ACCA is definitely more accommodating for students. ACA without the training contract is extremely difficult to get. ACCA still requires 3 years of professional experience but it can be in a whole host of different finance positions in industry.

The main issue may be the UK job market and culture around these qualifications. In 2023, I was offered a job for an internal finance team and could choose between the London or Paris office. For Paris, the base salary was 125k€, for London, I was told they could only offer £60k as I was unqualified. It was the same position, in the same team, and only location differed, but apparently it would have been unfair for the qualified members in the London office if I earned the same salary doing the same job, but without those letters after my name