A career in finance is a rewarding pathway if you are interested in a dynamic and challenging job role that can take you to great heights. Chartered Accountancy is such a career-choice in the field of finance, providing a wide range of dynamic opportunities.
A Chartered Accountant (CA) is a certified professional with a detailed knowledge about Accounts and Finance. They are always in high demand due to their technical knowledge, accuracy and standards in such an important field.
What is Chartered Accountancy?
Chartered Accountancy is a professional course offered and regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). Students get to learn concepts of fiscal laws, auditing, regulations, strategic financial management, and others.
Students who clear the course become a Chartered Accountant (CA). Feels like the right course for you?
Jump in to know more about one of the most sought-after finance courses and open a vast array of opportunities.
How to become a CA?
Aspirants have to clear a series of exams/ levels to become a CA. The exams/ levels come under the aegis of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
Candidates have to complete the following 4 levels to become a CA:
- CA Foundation or CPT(Common Proficiency Test) Entrance Exam
- CA IPCC (Integrated Professional Competency Course)
- Articleship Training
- CA Final
Candidates wishing to become a CA after 12th need to clear the CA Entrance Exam or CPT exam. Those meeting the following CA eligibility after 12th will be able to appear for the exam:
- Completing Class 12th in any stream (Arts, Science, and Commerce)
- Minimum aggregate score of 60% in Class 12th Exam.
The CA entrance exam is held twice a year, i.e. in June and December.
Complete Guide to become a Chartered Accountant:
Step 1: Register for CA Foundation Course/ CA CPT
Candidates can register for CA CPT after Class 12th, which they need to pass with a minimum of 40% marks in each subject or 50% aggregate. Those with a graduation degree can directly seek CA admission for the next stage, i.e. IPCC.
Step 2: Register for IPCC
Students who have cleared the CA CPT exam or have completed their graduation or post-graduation can register for the CA IPCC course. It comprises 7 exams of 100 marks each, divided into 2 groups (Group 1 and Group 2).
Once candidates clear the first group, they are eligible to begin articleship and can clear the next group during the course of their articleship.
Step 3: Enroll for Articleship
An articleship of 3 years under an experienced CA is mandatory to appear for the final CA exam. Articleship allows students to get exposure in Finance and Accounting.
After completing the articleship, the candidate will earn adequate real-time experience in managing clients and handling financial transactions.
Step 4: Register for CA Final
During the final 6 months of Articleship, candidates can appear for the CA Final exam. Once candidates clear the exam, they will be eligible to use CA as prefix to their name, denoting that they have been designated as a Chartered Accountant.
Skills required to be a Chartered Accountant:
CA is one of the toughest exams in India with a pass percentage of less than 5%. There are a certain set of attributes required to become a CA and possessing them can definitely give you an upper hand after CA admission.
The basic skills necessary for a chartered accountant are mentioned below.
- Analytical Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Conceptual Clarity
- Professionalism
- Ethics
- Accuracy
Best CA Colleges in India:
If you want to gain a clearer perspective about this professional field, you can pursue B.Com with CA from some of the best colleges for CA providing a holistic pedagogy in this field.
Following are the top B.Com with CA Colleges in India:
- Sri Venkateswara College, New Delhi
- Nizam College, Hyderabad
- Christ University, Bangalore
- Shri Ram College of Commerce, New Delhi
- Bhilai Nair Samajam College, Bhilai
Future Scope of CA in India:
Chartered accountants are in great demand at various organizations and financial institutions like banks, corporates, firms, startups, etc.
There are a variety of specialized job roles for a Chartered Accountant. Some of them are mentioned below:
- Auditor
- GST Expert
- Tax Adviser
- Share Valuer
- Management and Corporate Consultant
- Chief Financial Officer
After gaining a few years of experience, a CA can start his own auditing firm and give auditing services to clients.
Conclusion:
Chartered Accountancy is a consistent, ever-growing field with a promising salary and security as companies require skilled individuals who handle finances by adhering to the various laws and regulations.
Do you have a knack for resolving monetary technicalities without a risk of any legal aftermath?
If yes, then take the first step towards becoming a CA.
