Course that offers assured job? Look no further than Chartered Accountancy

Youngsters today prefer to choose careers that guarantee financial security and high standards of living. It is natural for students and their parents to be anxious about what course to choose after completing Plus Two or higher secondary education. They might have questions like which course will help secure an assured job? Which career field to choose? Which job is best suited to ensure security and career growth? 

Chartered Accountancy or CA is one of the career options that offers best income and career prospects at an early age. Students with a penchant for finance, accounting, auditing, etc can excel as a CA. It is a professional accountancy course under the aegis of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). Those who successfully complete the course can qualify as a Chartered Accountant (CA) and thereby find many job opportunities in India as well as abroad. 

Reforms

ICAI has brought about reforms to enhance the practical relevance of the CA programme. A major change is the reduction of subjects in the intermediate and final exams. Students will be required to delve deeper into each subject. The major reform is a focus on practical application of knowledge.

There will also be four self-study Online Modules (SPOM) covering subjects like Economics, Constitution of India, Philosophy and Psychology after the intermediate exam. In addition, those who complete all other criteria prior to sitting for the CA final exam will also receive a ‘Business Accounting Associate’ part-qualification. The curriculum places emphasis on using theoretical knowledge to solve everyday problems. 

Opportunities

India is a growing economy where Chartered accountants are appointed to provide necessary financial advice and carry out audits of business. CA’s can choose to work in corporate finance, provide financial advice to individuals and businesses, help manage company’s financial resources and investments, etc.

Forensic account is another interesting career option that is growing in recent years. This is used to investigate financial fraud and misconduct. 

After completing the CA course, you can also open your own accounting firms and offer services like auditing, taxation, financial consultancy, etc. Similarly, in the corporate sector it is possible to hold positions such as CFO, controller and internal auditor, working in investment banks, advising on mergers, acquisitions, corporate finance and underwriting deals. Teaching and research jobs are also available in universities and colleges. There are also opportunities to work in government departments and ministries, manage financial affairs and provide policy advice.

(The author is the Managing Director of Indian Institute of commerce Lakshya)