How to Start a Career as a CPA in India

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A Certified Public Accountant is shortened to just CPA. The occupation is licensed. It requires the ultimate level of expertise in accountancy. Thus, in order to be a CPA by profession in India one must clear the Uniform CPA Examination. This test is maintained by the State Board of Accountancy. Then, It is just that this board did the test under rule and order. In fact, better said for all is that the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) imposes those. Anyone who wants to take this test must have at least a Bachelor’s degree. Consequently, this is the certification that affirms somebody of being top in accountancy and getting to be globally known among all. And, This qualification provides an extensive range of accounting and financial services like auditing, forensic accountancy, or internal & external audits; consulting services such as restructuring, corporate finance, etc.

How to do CPA in India?

A Certified Public Accountant is the best career option for youngsters to obtain in India. Accountancy and Finance are the dominant domains for CPA in India.  Further, to build your career, you have to meet the requirements to pass the uniform CPA exam in India. And, those requirements are designed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Moreover, Many CPA Online Courses have been offered to prepare you to become a CPA in India. Thus, This blog will enlighten you about the procedures and requirements to become a CPA in India, their salary, and the courses offered to become a CPA. 

1. Eligibility for CPA in India

The student should possess a postgraduation degree in Accounting, Finance or business administration such as an MBA or M.Com from an accredited college or university in India preferably. 

The student should earn 120 credits in the college to apply for the CPA exam in India. 

Moreover, He/She needs 150 credits to get a license as a CPA in India. 

Then, 1 or 2 years of experience working with the CPA is also mandatory.

2. CPA Syllabus:

There are four subjects in the CPA Course syllabus. They are Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), Regulations (RGE), and Auditing and Attestation (AUA). 75% in each subject is a prerequisite to getting the CPA certification. 

3. Course Duration of CPA in India:

The duration of the course is 18 months. So, it is important for the candidate to complete the exam within 18 months. They can take the exam in any order. But they need to complete it within the stipulated time. Further, This 18-month duration has been divided into four sections as quarters as Q1 to Q4. The candidate can choose any quarter to attend the exam. They can attempt the exam at any number of times. However, once they fail the exam, they have to wait until the next question window opens.

4. CPA Exam Structure:

This CPA exam has been classified into three parts such as MCQ, task-based, and written communication. In recent years, Task-Based simulation has been given importance over other parts of the examination. Because it assesses the candidate’s ability and experience through various tasks. Then, The duration of the exam is four hours. Further, 50%  of questions are MCQ, and remaining 50% are task-based except BEC. In BEC 35% of questions are task-based and 15% of questions are from Written Communication. 

5. Exemptions in CPA in India:

There are a few exemptions for the candidates who have completed CA or CMA examinations in India. 

•  Further, CA/CMA finalist candidates who secured 50% or higher are eligible for exemption. 
• The Certified Members of CA/CMA are exempted from this training. 
• Furthermore, The Candidates in Business law and tax laws are under exemption from the exams because they are up to the criteria of CS. 
• The qualified CTPr-Charted Tax Practitioner is under an exemption from the first four exams. But, they need to write the final four exams only. 

6. CPA Licensure:

• After completing the CPA exam, the candidate needs to gain experience to get a Licence. 
• They need to have 2 years of working experience with public accounting.
• Then, Taking a CPA Ethics exam is mandatory to get their license from the State Board of Accountancy. 

Responsibilities of CPA in India

• CPAs maintain, compile, and review financial statements and transactions of a particular firm or company.
• And, They also create tax returns for both businesses and individuals.
• They also do auditing for a company. 
• At present, CPAs focus on Forensic Accounting, personal financial planning, and taxation. 

Best CPA Course in India

Many institutes are offering both online and offline courses on CPA. One of the best places to learn these courses is Henry Harvin. 

US CPA Course – Henry Harvin:

It is the best institute for US CPA Course online. Further, It helps the students to pass with 89% and 100% placement assistance. 

• The curriculum covers all the papers that are mandatory for the CPA examination. 
• This course offers 250 hours of Instructor-Led Sessions and 83 hours of Live Interactive Doubt Solving Sessions. 
• Further, it also provides 42 hours of Live Master sessions by Industry experts and 384 hours of self-paced learning. 
• Then, the candidates are given 25 job-ready portfolios of capstone projects, 26 Auto-graded assignments, and 50+ industry case studies. 
• It also offers 375 guided hands-on exercises and 25+ assignments and mini-projects for the learners. 
• The certification of this course has been recognized by the Government of India as well as NSDC.               
• Moreover, It also helps the learners to gain professional experience through internships.                                                                                                          

• Further, it also provides 100% placement support from many reputed companies. 

The Scope of CPA in India

• There is a better scope for CPA in India. In India, there is a need for professionals with hands-on knowledge and expertise in accounting and finance with International standards.
• Further, CPA certification provides numerous opportunities in finance, accounts, and taxation. 
• In India, many multinational corporations, and financial institutions recognize the CPA certification 
• It helps you to find job opportunities in numerous fields such as banking, corporate finance, investment banking, government agencies, public accounting, and non-profit organizations.
• Further, it helps you to get opportunities to work with international companies in India. 
• Then, CPA Certification enhances your professional flexibility which helps you to become the founder of your own company for consultations. 

Thus, CPA in India has great scope regarding career and earning. 

Salary of CPA in India

CPA is the highest-paid job in India. The average salary of a CPA for a year is given below.

Experience (in Years)	Average Salary per year
1 to 2 years	6 to 9 Lakhs
4 to 5 years	9 to 13 Lakhs
5 to 10 years	13 to 15 Lakhs
More than 10 years	17 Lakhs and more

Conclusion:

CPA certification brings you to the next level in your career. Furthermore, It illuminates the life of the learner with highest highest-paid job. However, it requires a higher level of mastery in the field of accountancy and finance. The scope for CPA in India is high. So, learners who are good at finance and accounts can choose CPA as their career. Further, it provides international recognition and job opportunities to the learners. Thus, this article helps the readers to identify the basics of CPA Exams and courses. 

Recommended Reads:

1. Exploring The Top 10 CPA Courses In Pune
2. ACCA vs CPA: Difference & Which is Better Career Option?
3. Top 10 CPA Courses Online (2024)
4. 7 Powerful Career Benefits of doing a CPA Course
5. CPA Salary in India and USA: Average to Highest (2024)

FAQs:

Q1. Is the CPA Pen and Paper exam?

Ans: No, It is a Computer Based Exam

Q2. How many hours is the CPA Exam?

Ans: You have to write the exam for four hours in each subject indeed.

Q3. Is the CPA offering the highest-paid job?

Ans: Yes, CPA is offering one of the highest-paid jobs in India. However, the salary of a CPA is 6 to 10 L per annum.

Q4. How many marks should I score to pass the CPA Exam?

Ans: You should score 75%  in each subject to pass the CPA exam indeed. 

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