Professional Courses That Can Be Pursued Along With Or After CA

Great things come at great costs and it very well goes for all the professions in India. The tougher the examination you plan to appear for, higher are the privileges you get in life after clearing it. One such course which is an esteemed career option not just in India but all over the world is that of a chartered accountant (CA). Just like civil services, even CA aspirants dedicate many years of their life in pursuing CA and appearing for its exam without the assurity of whether they will succeed or not. Because if they do, the income and position is something many people can just wish for.

The toughness of the course can be judged by the CA entrance results every year. Many students give up the idea of being a CA after not clearing the exams while others decide to keep going until the target is achieved. However, one should take care of the years spent in clearing the entrance as the more time you spend the lesser will be your preference in companies.

With the growing competition in every professional sector in India, chartered accountancy is no exception. While some students keep hustling only to pursue CA efficiently, there are also aspirants who, to raise their value and stand out of the crowd, plan to learn other professional courses which are linked to CA. For such ambitious aspirants, here are a few professional courses which could be beneficial if you study them with or after CA.

Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

An international certification program, Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is organised and managed by a government-approved body which handles financial affairs known as Financial Planning Standard Board (FPSB), India. This course lends you several skills which could be a great add-on along with CA. You gain deep insights about taxation and advanced financial planning, investment planning and risk management which are factors highly valuable for many well-known organisations such as ICICI Bank and Standard Chartered Bank.

NCFM (NSE Academy's Certification in Financial Markets)

NCFM is conducted by National Stock Exchanges, Mumbai, which lends great value along with your qualification of being a CA. The certification of NCFM is proof that you possess ample knowledge about the financial sector. It helps you understand various concepts and theories of the security market which include merchant banking, share trading, forex, derivative and many others. Depending on your interests, you can learn any skills which lie under NCFM.

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) - USA

Institute of Internal Auditors, which operates from the USA, organises and monitors the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) program which doesn't demand you visit the USA, but you can attend from any CIA exam centre across the globe. The exam of CIA is held several times during a year and acquiring this certificate can make you an expert of internal audit which is a requirement of many reputed firms across the nation. Pursuing CIA along with CA could provide great value to your profile.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

The Certified Public Accountant course is one of the most prestigious courses in accounting on an international level as its exam is handled by American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), which is the most respected accounting body. A person holding a CA qualification along with a CPA certification has great value compared to a person who is only a CA. Several companies in India which are linked with American companies ask for people having cleared the exam of CPA.

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is yet another internationally approved and required certification which lends you thorough knowledge of investment management and portfolio management skills which form the main base of the investment industry. You can pursue India-based CFA certification course which is regulated by Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI), which is a distance education program. In the booming financial sectors, such as banking and insurance, a CFA holding professional has great significance. CFA exams are conducted four times in a year and they should be pursued by every ambitious CA aspirant.