Career Options after CA - Over the years, Chartered Accountancy has gained a reputation of a rewarding course with great career opportunities for CA students. After completing 5 years full fledged course Chartered Accountancy, students expect good salary and career options after CA as they have worked hard to clear the course and become a designated Chartered Accountant. But after completing CA Final what next? The term Chartered Accountant holds great importance in the Finance and corporate world and a Chartered Accountant will have ample number of opportunities and scopes from getting placed in the BIG 4 to PSUs to starting your own firm. Read the complete article to get detailed insight about career options after CA.
- How to become a CA?
- Career Options after CA Professional
- CA Salary
- Courses After CA
How to become a CA?
The journey to become a Chartered Accountant starts from the CA Foundation exam, the entry level exam for Chartered Accountancy. Candidates who have completed their class 12 in any stream (except for fine arts) will be eligible to appear for this exam. Subsequently, candidates will have to clear the CA Intermediate and CA Final exams and complete their articleship training to become a designated Chartered Accountant. Once a candidate clears CA Foundation, they will be eligible to appear for the next exam i.e. CA Intermediate. After clearing CA Intermediate, candidates will have to complete mandatory articleship training to be eligible to appear for CA Final. After clearing the CA Final exam candidates will become a certified Chartered Accountant recognized by ICAI.
Career Options after CA Professional
GIven below are a few careers options to answer the question of what to do after becoming CA.
1. Work in the Big 4
There are 4 major companies that employ a good number of CAs. E&Y, PWC, Deloitte, and KPMG are the Big 4, the four major recruiters in the industry. These companies hire fresh Chartered Accountants every year and offer great salary packages and opportunities. Experienced professionals also have ample number of job opportunities in the Big 4.
2. CA Firms
Opening their own CA firm or working for a big or medium CA firm is what many Chartered Accountants choose as their careers path. For many professionals CA firms are the starting point for their professional careers where they get the much required practical skills and exposure. After grinding and working hard, CAs master the art of dealing with clients and other stakeholders in the business. CA Firms generally offer salary between 3-8 lacs. Also candidates can also start their own CA firm.
3. IT Industry
There is a great demand for Chartered Accountants in big IT Companies like TCS, Wipro, Infosys etc. These companies hire freshers and experienced Chartered Accountants for their businesses and offer handsome salary packages. The workload in such companies is also minimal.
4. Public Sector Undertakings PSUs
PSUs like BSNL, ONGC, BHEL, GAIL hire much fresher CA from the campus placement. These companies often shortlist the candidates on the basis of their marks ranging from 55% to 60%. The number of candidates who passed with two or more attempts in CA Final generally got selected by PSUs.
5. Working as a Teacher
Chartered Accountants can also try their hand in teaching as a lot of students prepare for many levels of CA exams. However, this profession is driven by passion and deep knowledge and candidates who feel teaching is their calling can open their own coaching institute or get placed in big institutes and help students clear the exams.
CA Salary
CAs who have cleared the exam in their first attempt have been offered jobs by multinational companies (MNCs), private banks and national banks. Here is the average that they have been offered in the past three years:
CA final rankers | Rs 15-25 LPA |
Cleared CA Final in a single attempt | Rs 11-15 LPA |
CA Fresher | Rs 6-9 LPA |
Some of the company-specific offered floated to such CAs are:
Company | CA Salary Offered (in Rs LPA) |
SBI Bank | 6-17 |
Tata Company | 10-22 |
ITC | 10-25 |
Hindustan Unilever Ltd | 10-36 |
ICICI Bank | 11-27 |
Bharti Airtel | 12-22 |
Aditya Birla Sun Life | 13-28 |
Deloitte | 14-35 |
KPMG | 14-32 |
Reliance Industries | 25-45 |
Courses After CA
There are lot of course options after becoming CA. Given below are few such options that a CA can pursue which will further throw light on answering the question of what after CA.
- CFA: Chartered Financial Analyst is a course consisting of three levels namely CFA Level 1, CFA Level 2, and CFA Level 3. The CFA course provides skills in the areas of investment banking, portfolio management and wealth planning. One can work in various roles in the area of valuations, equity research and wealth management after competing the CFA course.
- LLB: Pursuing law is another popular option after completing CA. The CA course syllabus too has topics about different areas of corporate and securities law, and rules and regulations about the securities market. Pursuing an LLB will complement a CA's existing skill sets. One can go on to do LLM and specialise in a particular law.
- MBA: Another course option after CA is doing an MBA. An MBA with specialisation in finance is a comprehensive course that covers different areas of finance such as accounting, financial reporting, risk management, taxation, budgeting besides covering basic business and economic concepts.
- Financial Risk Manager (FRM): FRM professionals are experts in the area of risk management. They are certified by the Global Association of Risk Professionals. Their job profile include managing risk in banks, asset management firms, and insurance companies.
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Explore Career Options (By Industry)
Budget Analyst
Budget analysis, in a nutshell, entails thoroughly analyzing the details of a financial budget. The budget analysis aims to better understand and manage revenue. Budget analysts assist in the achievement of financial targets, the preservation of profitability, and the pursuit of long-term growth for a business. Budget analysts generally have a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field. Knowledge of Financial Management is of prime importance in this career.
Data Analyst
The invention of the database has given fresh breath to the people involved in the data analytics career path. Analysis refers to splitting up a whole into its individual components for individual analysis. Data analysis is a method through which raw data are processed and transformed into information that would be beneficial for user strategic thinking.
Data are collected and examined to respond to questions, evaluate hypotheses or contradict theories. It is a tool for analyzing, transforming, modeling, and arranging data with useful knowledge, to assist in decision-making and methods, encompassing various strategies, and is used in different fields of business, research, and social science.
Underwriter
An underwriter evaluates insurance, loan, or investment applications to assess risk and decide on approval terms. They analyse data, set premiums or terms, and ensure policies align with regulations. Key skills include analytical thinking, attention to detail, and communication. Underwriters help financial institutions manage risk and maintain profitability by making informed decisions on which risks to accept.
Operations Manager
An Operations Manager ensures smooth business operations by overseeing departments like HR, finance, and supply chain. They implement processes, manage teams, maintain quality, ensure compliance, and plan strategically. Strong leadership, communication, and business knowledge are essential. Typically, they hold a degree in business or an MBA, playing a vital role in improving organisational efficiency and performance.
Finance Executive
A Finance Executive manages a company’s financial operations, including monitoring income, expenses, and preparing financial reports. They develop strategies to improve profits and reduce costs, ensuring financial stability. The role demands strong accounting and analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines, making it ideal for proactive individuals with a solid finance background.
Product Manager
A Product Manager drives a product’s success by planning strategy, analysing markets, and collaborating across teams. They focus on user needs, guide development, and monitor performance. With tech advancements like generative AI, PMs now enhance innovation and decision-making. Adaptability and continuous learning are key in this evolving, high-impact career.
Account Manager
An Account Manager plays a key role in bridging the gap between a company and its clients, ensuring smooth communication and fostering long-term partnerships. They are responsible for managing and nurturing client relationships, understanding their needs, and crafting tailored strategies to achieve mutual goals. Account Managers also gather and analyse client feedback to drive service improvements, while promptly addressing and resolving any issues that arise.
Bank Probationary Officer (PO)
A Bank Probationary Officer (PO) is an entry-level managerial role in the banking sector, involving responsibilities like handling customer queries, managing loans, overseeing cash flow, and supervising clerical staff. The role requires formal attire and offers opportunities for promotion to higher positions. After probation, the officer may specialise in areas like credit or risk management.
Welding Engineer
Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues.
QA Manager
A Quality Assurance (QA) Manager, synonymous with a Quality Assurance Manager, holds a pivotal role in ensuring products meet predefined standards. Responsible for planning, directing, and formulating control policies, the QA Manager safeguards company efficiency and profitability. By scrutinizing products for flaws and ensuring compliance with internal and external requirements, they uphold quality, validating the effectiveness of quality assurance teams in maintaining high standards before product release.
Quality Controller
A Quality Controller monitors and tests products to ensure they meet quality standards in industries like manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. They inspect materials, conduct tests, document defects, and suggest improvements. Key skills include technical knowledge, attention to detail, and analytical ability. Typically requiring an engineering degree, they can advance from junior to senior roles overseeing quality processes and teams.
Production Manager
A Production Manager oversees manufacturing processes, ensuring timely and budgeted delivery of products. Responsible for safe, cost-effective production meeting quality standards, their role adapts to the production system. Also known as an Operations Manager, they manage human and material resources, contributing to efficient production and service delivery.
Product Manager
A Product Manager drives a product’s success by planning strategy, analysing markets, and collaborating across teams. They focus on user needs, guide development, and monitor performance. With tech advancements like generative AI, PMs now enhance innovation and decision-making. Adaptability and continuous learning are key in this evolving, high-impact career.
Product Designer
Individuals who opt for a career as product designers are responsible for designing the components and overall product concerning its shape, size, and material used in manufacturing. They are responsible for the aesthetic appearance of the product. A product designer uses his or her creative skills to give a product its final outlook and ensures the functionality of the design.
Students can opt for various product design degrees such as B.Des and M.Des to become product designers. Industrial product designer prepares 3D models of designs for approval and discusses them with clients and other colleagues. Individuals who opt for a career as a product designer estimate the total cost involved in designing.
Textile Engineer
An individual in textile engineering jobs is creative and innovative that involves the application of scientific laws and principles in everyday work responsibilities. Textile engineering jobs include designing fiber processing systems and related machinery involved in the manufacturing of fiber, cloth, apparel and other related products.
Garment Technologist
From design to manufacture, garment technologists oversee every stage of clothing production. Individuals are actively engaged in determining the perfect fabric and ensuring that production remains inside the budget. Garment Technologists operate very closely with the designing team, pattern cutters and consumers.