Chartered Accountancy (CA) Career Scope: Jobs, Placements, Salary 2025, & Top Recruiters

Updated on Dec 11, 2024 02:05 IST
Pragati Singh

Pragati SinghSenior Executive - Content

CA, or Chartered Accountancy, is a professional education that deals with companies' financial evaluation, audit, taxation, and bookkeeping. The ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India) is in charge of the course. After completing the CA course, applicants can work in a company's taxes and financial sector. A student can become a CA after passing three exams: the CA Foundation, the CA Intermediate, and the CA Final. 

A Chartered Accountant (CA) is a highly popular professional in India, renowned for financial expertise and analytical skills. CAs enjoy diverse career paths with lucrative salaries and global recognition. Top roles include Financial Analyst, Tax Consultant, Internal Auditor, and CFO.

Freshers typically earn around INR 8 LPA. With 2-3 years of experience, the salary can rise to INR 11 LPA. Mid-sized firms offer salaries in the range of INR 6-15 lakhs per year, while Big 4 accounting firms pay INR 9-35 LPA. Multinational companies often provide higher compensation, with salaries starting from INR 10 lakhs and going up to INR 40 lakhs+ per year. Additionally, CAs with international posting opportunities can earn up to INR 75 LPA.

Leading recruiters include the Big 4 accounting firms (EY, Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG), major banks, corporate houses, and consulting firms. CAs can pursue entrepreneurial ventures or specialize in fields like taxation, auditing, or finance. With strong demand, global opportunities, and competitive compensation packages, a CA career offers a promising future.

Top CA Careers

After passing the CA final exam, countless opportunities are available. The majority of businesses or sectors need the qualified assistance of chartered accountants. The CA can practice accounting, join another CA firm or a business that hires chartered accountants, or create their own business by going the route of an entrepreneur. 

Following are some of the most popular job positions acquired by Chartered Accountants:

Chartered Accountancy Jobs

Description

CA Salary 

Chartered Accountants

CAs are professionals who provide financial advice, audit financial statements, and prepare tax returns for individuals and businesses.

INR 10 LPA

Financial Controllers

Financial controllers oversee financial activities within an organization, including financial reporting, budgeting, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

INR 15 LPA

Tax Accountants

Tax accountants specialize in preparing and analyzing tax documents for individuals, businesses, and organizations, ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations while maximizing tax efficiency.

INR 8 LPA

Chief Financial Officers

CFOs manage an organization's financial actions, including financial planning, reporting, and forecasting, as well as overseeing investments, risk management, and financial strategies to achieve the company's goals.

INR 6 LPA

Auditors

Auditors review financial records, ensure accuracy and compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and provide independent assessments of an organization's financial health and performance.

INR 7 LPA

Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.

CA Jobs Relevant Information:

Top 128 Accounting Interview Questions with Answers

CA Emerging Trends

Here are some of the key emerging trends in the field of Chartered Accountancy (CA):

Technology Integration: Cloud accounting, AI, machine learning, blockchain, data analytics.

Advisory Services: Business advisory, tax advisory, sustainability & ESG reporting.

Forensic Accounting: Fraud investigation, dispute resolution.

Global Mobility: International taxation, cross-border transactions.

Upskilling and Continuous Learning: Technical and soft skills.

IT Law and Compliance: The evolution of the economic situation with Information Technology and globalization has opened new opportunities for CAs. 

CA Scope in India: Jobs, Salary, and Further Education

Chartered accountants can operate in a variety of fields or industries. They might look for employment alternatives for semi-qualified CAs, career choices for CA failing students, or career options for CA dropouts before finishing the CA degree. 

The top sectors for chartered accountants are discussed below.

Industry/Sector

Job Roles

Corporate Sector

  • Large companies across various industries
  • CA Jobs: Financial Planning, Risk Management, Compliance, Financial Reporting

Banking and Financial Services

  • Banks, insurance companies, investment firms
  • CA Jobs: Mergers and Acquisitions, Risk Assessment, Credit Analysis, Financial Modeling

Public Accounting Firms

  • Firms offering audit, tax, and advisory services
  • CA Jobs Financial Audits, Tax Planning, Business Advisory, Due Diligence

Public Sector

  • Government departments and public sector undertakings
  • CA Gov. Jobs: Financial Accounting, Tax Administration, Budgeting, Financial Reporting

Industry (Manufacturing, IT, etc.)

  • Manufacturing, IT, and other industries
  • CA Jobs: Financial Planning, Cost Control, Internal Controls, Financial Reporting

Startups

  • Newly established companies
  • CA Jobs: Financial Planning, Fundraising, Financial Reporting, Investor Relations

Consultancy Firms

  • Firms providing consulting services to businesses
  • CA Jobs: Business Strategy, Operational Improvement, Financial Analysis, Due Diligence

CA Scope Relevant Links:

CMA vs CA: Scope, Salary, Difficulty Level, Pass Percentage

Courses after CA

Below are some of the course options for CAs who want to excel in the field of accountancy:

Course

Description

CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)

A globally recognized qualification focused on investment analysis, portfolio management, and financial markets.

FRM (Financial Risk Manager)

A professional certification for risk management professionals, focusing on financial risk identification, measurement, and mitigation.

ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)

An international accounting qualification, providing a global perspective on accounting and finance.

MBA (Master of Business Administration)

A general management degree that can broaden your skill set and open up leadership opportunities.

CS (Company Secretary)

A specialized qualification for corporate law and governance, focusing on secretarial practices and compliance.

Diploma in Information Systems Audit

A specialized course offered by ICAI, focusing on IT audits and cybersecurity.

Diploma in Risk Management

A specialized course offered by ICAI, focusing on risk management principles and techniques.

Certificate Courses

ICAI offers various certificate courses in areas like taxation, law, and financial reporting.

Top CA Recruiters

Below is a list of some of the top recruiters, both internal and domestic, seeking skilled Chartered Accountants.

CA Top International Recruiters

E&Y

Grant Thorton

Olam International

KPMG

BDO

Alghanim Industries

Deloitte

RSM International

ETA Ascon Group

PwC

Tolaram Group

Landmark Group

Best Colleges for Placements

In India, there are around 30 CA institutions and institutes that provide students with full-time, part-time, or online CA classes. This curriculum is provided at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels by the best Chartered Accountancy Colleges in India at affordable tuition rates. Listed below are the top colleges for CA in India:

College

Average CTC offered

Institute of Cost Accountants of India

INR 10 LPA

Navakar Institute, Ahmedabad

INR 10 LPA

Indian Institute of Finance and Accounts

INR 7 LPA

CMS for CA

INR 8 LPA

Arihant Institute of Commerce and Management, Thallagattapura

INR 21 LPA

ATM Global Business School

 NA

Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.

FAQs Related to CA Career

Q. Is Chartered Accountancy a good career path in India?

A. Chartered Accountants are in high demand both domestically and internationally. You may be guaranteed of landing a decent job with a respectable organisation once you become a CA. They contribute significantly to financial planning, budget planning, financing, and bookkeeping. The role of CA has changed further with the implementation of GST. Their experience is utilised for the creation of rules and regulations and the implementation of GST.

Q. What are the career options in Chartered Accountancy?

A. Practising CA, joining an established firm where you can work on different designations, or starting your own firm, are some of the great career options for a CA. Besides practicing CA, they can work in the following positions:
  • Tax Manager
  • Cost Accountant
  • Forensic Accountant
  • Investment banker

Q. What are the top institutions to study CA in India?

A. Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI), Navkar Institute, Indian institute of Finance and Accounting and CMA for CA, are some of the most prestigious institutions in India where Chartered Accountancy can be studied in.

Q. Which sector is best for CAs in India?

A. Pursuing a career in Auditing, Banking, Business or Investment can be beneficial for any CA. Besides, they always have an option to start their own firm.

Q. What is the difference between Accountant and Auditor?

A. The two major differences between an Accountant and an Auditor are:
  1. A specific company may employ an accountant, but an auditor is frequently hired to visit the business and verify the correctness of the financial records.
  2. The auditor verifies the accuracy of the accountant's work, while the accountant is the one who inputs the financial data.

Q. What is the average salary of a CA in India?

A. The average salary for a CA in India is INR 6.3 lakhs per annum. However, it increases with the experience and skills of the professionals. Accountants can also start their own practise and earn well.  

Q. What kind of organisations are Chartered Accountants necessary in?

A. In the many organisational departments, including auditing, assurance, tax consulting, accounting services, accountants, finance outsourcing, and financial reporting, chartered accountants play a significant role. Any law in the commercial, tax, or legal fields cannot be drafted without the advice of a verified CA.

Q. Is Maths important for CA practise?

A. Maths strengthens the foundation of a Chartered Accountant. It helps them to handle computational disciplines like cost accounting, financial management, and accountancy, among others. Because CAs must have a fundamental understanding of mathematics, it is taught and assessed at the CPT level.

Q. Who are the top recruiters in the CA industry?

A. The top recruiters for CA are – Lodha &co, KPMG, Deloitte, Kotak Mahindra, Suresh Surana & Associates LLP etc.

Q. Which is better amongst CA and CMA?

A. CA is thought to be a superior option than CMA in terms of current financial conditions, job availability, scope, and knowledge, as well as opportunities.

Q. What are the cities with the highest salary for CAs?

A. Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi are amongst the top cities in India with the highest-paying jobs in the Accountancy sector.

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Chartered Accountancy. Students interested in pursuing a career on Chartered Accountancy, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

11 Jan ' 25

CA Inter Jan 2025 Group I Paper I

13 Jan ' 25

CA Inter Jan 2025 Group I Paper II

26 Dec ' 24

CA Final Nov 2024 Result

13 Nov ' 24

CA Final November 2024 Group II Paper III

12 Jan ' 25

CA Foundation Paper I Jan 2025

16 Jan ' 25

CA Foundation Paper 2 Jan 2025

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

Most Popular Courses

Following are the most popular Chartered Accountancy courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in Chartered Accountancy.

Popular Chartered Accountancy Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Chartered Accountancy Colleges in India. Learn more about these Chartered Accountancy colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1 Course
3.3 L
3.63 LPA

#57 The Week

3.6 LPA

#61 The Week

4.0
4.45 LPA

#45 The Week

2.18 L
4.12 LPA

#66 Outlook

3.45 L
3.2 LPA

#80 The Week

3 LPA

#86 The Week

Chartered Accountancy Applications open. Apply Now

Popular Private Chartered Accountancy Colleges in India

7.8 L
3.45 L
3.2 LPA

#80 The Week

5.25 L
5.15 LPA

Chartered Accountancy Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
5.1 L

Chartered Accountancy Applications open. Apply Now

3 LPA

#86 The Week

Chartered Accountancy Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
3.3 L
3.63 LPA

#57 The Week

Popular Chartered Accountancy UG Courses

Following are the most popular Chartered Accountancy UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Chartered Accountancy PG Courses

Following are the most popular Chartered Accountancy PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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