CS vs CFA: Salary, Eligibility, Career Scope, Exams

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Senior Executive Content

Updated on Sep 23, 2024 10:03 IST

The comparison between Computer Science (CS) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) highlights two distinct career paths that cater to different interests and skill sets.

CS focuses on the study of computing, programming, algorithms, and data structures, preparing graduates for roles in software development, cybersecurity, and data analysis.

In contrast, the CFA designation is centred around investment management and financial analysis, equipping professionals with expertise in portfolio management, financial reporting, and ethical standards in finance.

CS (Company Secretary) and CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) are both highly respected professions in the financial sector, but they offer different skills and expertise. If you're considering pursuing either course but are unsure which to choose, read this article carefully till the end.

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CS vs CFA: Which Course is Better?

Are you dreaming of becoming an Executive Director or a Financial Advisor? Choosing between a Company Secretary (CS) and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is an important decision for both career paths.

Candidates can check the key points of the CS vs CFA highlights.

Particulars	Company Secretary (CS)	Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Managed by	Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)	CFA Institute
Duration	3-5 years (3 stages: Foundation, Executive, Professional)	2-4 years (3 levels: Level I, II, and III)
Course	Company governance, compliance, and legal aspects	Finance, investment management, portfolio analysis
Fees	INR 40,000 to INR 50,000	INR 78,945 to INR 1,04,977
Eligibility	12th grade for the Foundation program, graduation for direct entry into the Executive program, and passing the Executive level to qualify for the Professional program.	Bachelor’s degree or 4,000 hours of professional work experience over three years. Undergraduate students can register if their exam is within 23 months of graduation, with specific conditions for Levels II and III.
Career Options	Company governance, legal advisory, regulatory compliance	Portfolio manager, financial analyst, risk manager, investment banker
Average Salary	INR 4-6 lakhs	INR 8-10 lakhs

In the table given below, we compare these two certifications so that you can select the best option based on your needs and interests.

Particulars	CS	CFA
Focus	Corporate affairs, legal compliance, shareholder relations.	Financial analysis, investment evaluation, portfolio management.
Skill	Company law, board meeting management, shareholder relations.	Financial modeling, investment evaluation, portfolio management.
Workplace	Primarily in the corporate sector.	Investment banks, investment management companies, insurance companies.
Career Path	Company secretary, corporate secretary, legal advisor.	Financial analyst, investment advisor, portfolio manager.

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What is a CS (Company Secretary)?

The CS certification is necessary to become a Company Secretary. A Company Secretary’s main role is to ensure that a company complies with legal requirements.

This includes adhering to various laws such as the Companies Act, Customs Act, GST, Income Tax, etc. A CS also has the opportunity to work with the company’s Board of Directors.

What is a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)?

The CFA certification is required to gain expertise in financial analysis. A CFA knows areas such as Portfolio Management, Investment Analysis, Financial Reporting, and Risk Management. CFAs can work in investment banks, mutual fund companies, insurance companies, and corporate finance departments.

CS Eligibility in India

After completing the Class 12 grade, candidates can enroll in the Foundation Program. Upon completing the Foundation Program, students can pursue a graduate degree to enter the Executive Program. After passing the Executive level, students become eligible for the Professional Program.

CFA Eligibility in India

The internationally recognized CFA certification requires a bachelor’s degree or 4,000 hours of professional work experience over three years. Graduate students can take the exam within 23 months of graduation, but specific conditions apply for Levels II and III, including professional work experience and other requirements.

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Career Options after CS and CFA

Both CS (Company Secretary) and CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) are highly respected and well-paid professions in India. After completing these courses, you can build a career in the following sectors:

CS: Company governance, legal advisory, regulatory compliance
CFA: Portfolio manager, financial analyst, risk manager, investment banker

CS vs CFA Salary in India

Both CS (Company Secretary) and CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) are highly respected and well-paid professions in India. However, there are some differences in their salaries, which we’ll discuss further.

Role	CS Salary (per annum)	CFA Salary (per annum)
Entry-level	4-6 lakhs	8-10 lakhs
Mid-level	10-15 lakhs	15-20 lakhs
Senior Level	15-20 lakhs	20-25 lakhs

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CS or CFA: Which is Tougher?

Both CS (Company Secretary) and CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) are challenging exams that require high levels of commitment and dedication. However, the difficulty level varies between the two.

The CS exam covers an extensive syllabus, including company law, finance, accounting, human resources, and other subjects. There are multiple levels to the exam, and it can take several years to complete.

The CFA exam is also rigorous and is conducted in three levels, focusing on financial analysis, investment evaluation, and portfolio management.

Which is more difficult depends on personal goals, interests, and study style. Some may find CS’s broad syllabus more challenging, while others may find CFA’s mathematical and analytical nature more difficult.

Conclusion

While CS emphasizes technical proficiency and problem-solving skills, the CFA program prioritizes analytical thinking and a deep understanding of financial markets.

Ultimately, the choice between CS and CFA depends on whether one is more inclined toward technology and programming or finance and investment.