What's It About:
A chartered accoutant specialises in auditing ,taxation and accounting .CA's generally act as advisors to business by making high- level decisions , help in strategic and business planning , in business valuations ,and offer accounting and payroll , salary packing and financial statement preparation services to help their clients increase their market share and profitability.CA's workinthe government ,in private companies and do private practice. They can become financial controllers , managers,and advisors and finance directors of companies. They work as arbitrators in disputes, do budget planning , market research , inventory control , Working capital management , policy planning and securities consultancy.They play a vitol role ensuring that the finacial transactions of corporations are maintained according to the law. Cas also deal with taxation. They also provide information onthe issue of new share capital and offer consultancy services
Clock work:
9.30 am:comes into the office
10.00 am-8.00 pm; Busy in a series of meeting ,call conference s with clients all over the world.
8.00 pm:Leaves the office.
The Payoff:
Chartered accoutancy is a well paying profession and most multinational employing Chartered Accountants in india offer a host of benfits like medical benefits and housing loans ,along with tje salary.The salary structure for CAs differs acording to thier qualifications,designation, experience , the organisation they work in and the work they do.Junor CAs generally earn Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh per annum , middle level Cas with 15-20 years of experience earn around Rs 18-25 lakh annually and senir Cas earn in the region of Rs 1 crore plus annually
Skills:
It is important to have good communication skills as CAs often have to communicate complicated concepts to those who don't have accounting background.Being able to work in a team is very important in this field as there is considerable reliance on others.Good time management skils are essential as you have to work according to tight deadlines in often stressful situations.Aspiring candiates need to have good numerical skills .You also need excellent leadership skills as you have to demonstrate your ability to handle key projects and also delegate work to subordinates. You should also possess a flexible temperament as you m often have to adapt and change your responses and behaviuor according to differing work situations .In addition you should posses excellent planning and organisational skills.
How Do I Get There?
At the entry level is aprogramme called the Foundation Course for which there is a entrance exam called the Common Proficiency Test(CPT),which students can enroll in after finishing 10+2 .Upon completing this programme successfully, or having ompleted graduation in commerce with 50% marks, students can pursue the Integrated Professional Competence course(IPCC) and articleship.Non-commerce course graduates have to secure 55% marks.After the PCC, candiates have to sit for the professional Competence Exam and should have worked for 15 months as an articled clerk or audit clerk.After this , candiates have to apply for the CA final course and register with the Board of Studies of Theroretical education. One may join the General Management and Communications Skills course during last 12 months of the article training. After undergoing three and a half years of article training ,candiates can sit for the Ca final exam and then gain membership of the ICAI and obtain the certificate of practice.