Most of the students pursuing CA often wonder if they should obtain additional certifications or pursue additional courses while pursuing CA or post qualification. And why not, if such additional certifications or courses give you an edge in the competitive world. Here is the list of courses that can be pursued with CA or after CA-
CS (Company Secretary)
After CA, CS is one of the most sought courses among the commerce stream students, and pursuing CS with CA can give you multiple career choices. Although one cannot practice both CA and CS together, the knowledge and degree can help you in getting priority over the number of candidates.
CS is appointed to handle the Corporate Governance and deal with Legal Matters of the Company. The course has a minimum duration of three years and in addition, candidates who have passed the CA Foundation level get an exemption from the CS Foundation level.
The course is provided by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.
ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
ACCA is a globally recognized course offering the Chartered Certified Accountant qualification. CA is an Indian recognized qualification while the ACCA has been a globally recognized qualification which means that pursuing ACCA along with CA can open International companies doors for you. The course structure of ACCA is much similar to CA as well as it recognizes your CA degree and grants exemption on the basis of your present completed qualifications.
The ACCA course has a minimum duration of two years if one has to attempt to complete 14 papers. However, if you have cleared your intermediate, you will be given exemption in 5 papers and would be required to attempt only 9 papers.
ACCA covers the global perspective, thus it gives you additional knowledge of International GAAP and Laws. However, in India Chartered Accountants are more demandable as they are highly knowledgeable in respect of Indian Laws and standards.But, if you are eying on the international career, then ACCA is the course.
CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
CPA is a globally recognized qualification offering excellence in the field of Accountancy. This is a high standard accounting degree known for its excellence in accounting across the globe and hence opens the doors for career in many Multinational and International companies.
The benefit of pursuing a CPA with CA gives you a certificate of excellence in accounting, resulting in a rewarding career choice. CPA can never be unemployed as every business whether small, medium, or large requires an accountant who can handle the Accounting of the business.
FRM (Financial Risk Management)
FRM is also a globally recognized certification like ACCA and CPA. This course offers the Bankers and Finance Professionals to assess the real risk issues faced by an organization. The FRM job profile is to plan a financial business strategy for a business that can seek a constant upward trend.
As Chartered Accountants are considered highly knowledgeable in Finance thus FRM will be a great advantage to the profession. This course requires five years of professional qualification along with the successful completion of its levels. Hence, one needs to continue even after completing the articleship. It is one of the best courses to do along with CA Articleship.
CMA (Cost and Management Accountant)
CMA along with CA can give you multiple career opportunities in the manufacturing concern. CMA offers a candidate to gain expert knowledge of Cost Accounting, Cost Management, Budgeting, Performance Evaluation, Pricing of the Goods and Services, and also Asset Management within an organization.
They are highly responsive to prepare a cost plan for an organization. The benefit of pursuing CMA with CA is that you will be certified to handle the financial as well as the cost records of the company. You can take part in the financial as well as the pricing decisions of the company. Also, you will get preference over other candidates at the time of placement who are either CA or either Cost Accountants.
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