Top 5+ Accounting Courses After Graduation: Benefits, Top Universities & Jobs

Accounting courses are best for students who want to start a career in finance or business. Accounting is an act of recording, classifying, and summarising data. It involves the analysis of financial information and reporting. Taking up an accounting course would give you the head start you need. Graduates usually work as accountants, financial analysts and auditors. Many even choose a career path as a CA. In this blog, we will understand why you should pursue an accounting course in India and what the top accounting courses are. You will also get to know how you can choose the right accounting course for your career.

Benefits of Pursuing an Accounting Course in India 

After completing the 12th standard, you have the option to take up accounting. Accounting i an essential part of business. Here are some of the top reasons that will convince you to choose this career path. 

1. There is a high demand for accountants in India. Accountants are hired across various sectors. Accountants work in government agencies, corporate firms, and other financial institutions.
2. Accounting offers various career opportunities. For example, you can work in financial planning, auditing, tax planning or management accounting.
3. Those with certifications like CA, CFA, or CPA are highly qualified and valued. These professional recognitions can open doors most sought-after jobs.
4. Choosing accounting means financial stability. Accountants in India are highly paid. Moreover, as you gain experience, your salary increases.

Top 5+ Accounting Courses in India 

Here is a list of the top five accounting courses in India. These courses are highly in demand due to the career opportunities they bring. Any commerce student can tell you these are the best career options in the accounting field. Get to learn about these courses, what the requirements are for you to enrol, the fee structure, jobs and salary.  

Chartered Accountant (CA)

Chartered accountancy is one of the most prestigious accounting courses of all time. This exam is administered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The course covers topics like auditing, finance, taxation, and business laws. A CA is a highly respected professional are is needed in every industry, such as banks, government agencies, and startups. They are among the most highly paid professionals.

Eligibility & Levels	12th pass or Bachelor’s degree; Course Levels: Foundation, Intermediate, Final
Fee Structure	Foundation: INR 9,800Intermediate: INR 18,000Final: INR 22,000Exam Fees: Foundation INR 1,500, Intermediate INR 2,700, Final INR 3,300- INR 5,500
Career Opportunities	Roles in auditing firms, financial institutions, and corporates, high demand across industries
Salary Expectations	Starting salary:  INR 6–12 LPA; increases significantly with experience and specialisation

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

The ACCA is an internationally recognised qualification. It is one of the best accounting courses you can enrol in. The course is flexible, and you can take the exams individually. This makes it easy for working professionals to study. The course has a comprehensive syllabus that covers topics like performance, taxation, audit and law. After completing this course, you can have access to a wide range of opportunities in audit firms, MNCs, consulting and other financial organisations.

Eligibility & Levels	12th pass; 13 exams across 3 levels: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, Strategic Professional
Fee Structure	Registration: INR 9,000Exam fees per paper: INR 11,500–14,800Total exam cost: INR 1,48,000–1,90,000
Career Opportunities	Roles in accounting, finance, and consulting in India and abroad
Salary Expectations	INR 6–12 lakhs per annum with strong international career potential

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is also one of the most popular accounting courses you can enrol in. The course certification is issued by the CFA Institute, USA. It is an internationally recognised program. You will gain financial expertise in topics such as portfolio management and investment analysis. Graduates who complete this course are highly paid. Moreover, they have access to the CFA Institute’s professionals and job opportunities.

Eligibility & Levels	Bachelor’s degree required; 3 levels covering ethics, economics, reporting, and portfolio management
Fee Structure	Enrollment: INR 29,000Exam Fees: INR 75,000 (early) to INR 1,00,000 (standard) per level
Career Opportunities	Investment banking, equity research, portfolio management, corporate finance
Salary Expectations	INR 8–20 lakhs per annum, depending on experience and industry

Financial Risk Manager (FRM)

The Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) offers the Financial Risk Management certification. These courses are meant for professionals who specialise in financial risk analysis, risk management, and control. The course is in high demand because financial institutions are always looking to hire skilled financial risk managers. The course only has two parts. This makes it easier to complete in a short period

Eligibility & Levels	No prerequisites; 2 parts focusing on financial risk, credit risk, markets, and analytics
Fee Structure	Enrollment: INR 33,000Exam Fees: INR 49,000 (early) to INR 65,000 (standard) per part
Career Opportunities	In-demand roles in risk management within banks, insurance, and investment firms
Salary Expectations	INR 7–15 lakhs per annum with opportunities in global financial institutions

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Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Certified Public Accountants or CPA,s are highly respected internationally. A CPA is particularly in demand in countries like the US. Top-notch MNCs also prefer CPAs. This is because the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualification credential is provided by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Once you complete the course, you can enjoy global mobility as the course opens work opportunities in countries like Australia, Canada and the Middle East. CPAs can advance their career as CFOs.

Eligibility & Levels	Bachelor’s degree and specific credit hours; 4 exams: Auditing, Financial Accounting, Business Environment, Regulation
Fee Structure	Application: INR 1,50,000–2,00,000Exam Fees: INR 16,000–25,000 per paper
Career Opportunities	Global finance roles in public accounting, MNCs, and consulting
Salary Expectations	INR 7–15 lakhs per annum, with strong potential for international placement

Company Secretary (CS)

The Institute of Company Secretaries offer the Company Secretary course. This course is meant for students who want to specialise in legal compliance, corporate governance, and company law. This is one of the best accounting courses because it is legally mandatory to hire company secretaries in companies in India. Moreover, they have versatile career roles. They can work as a compliance officer or even a legal strategist. This course is more affordable and accessible for students right after they complete their 12th exams.

Eligibility & Levels	12th pass or graduation; 3 stages: Foundation, Executive, Professional
Fee Structure	Foundation: INR 4,500Executive: INR 9,000Professional: INR 12,000Exam Fees: INR 1,200 per module
Career Opportunities	Legal compliance, governance, and board advisory roles in corporates and listed companies
Salary Expectations	INR 4–10 lakhs per annum, with the potential to move into board-level governance and legal leadership roles

Additional Accounting Courses You Can Consider

The above were the top accounting courses. However, apart from these courses, there are several other accounting courses that you might like.

S.No	Course Name	Benefits	Career Opportunities
1	Diploma in Accounting and Finance (DAF)	Offers practical exposure to core accounting areas including bookkeeping, TDS, GST, payroll, and financial statements.	Junior Accountant, Accounts Executive, GST Assistant, Tax Associate
2	Certified Management Accountant (CMA – US)	Globally recognised, focuses on management accounting, budgeting, cost control, and strategic finance.	FP&A Analyst, Cost Accountant, Financial Controller, Finance Manager
3	Tally Prime with GST Certification	Hands-on course in one of India’s most used accounting software; includes GST, invoicing, and reconciliation.	Tally Operator, Accounts Assistant, GST Executive
4	Diploma in IFRS (by ACCA)	Specialised focus on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS); useful for MNCs and global finance.	IFRS Consultant, Auditor, Financial Analyst
5	Business Accounting and Taxation (BAT) Course	In-depth training in accounting software, direct and indirect taxes, payroll, Excel, and reporting.	Tax Analyst, Accounting Executive, MIS Executive

Also Read: Accountancy Courses after 12th: Popular Courses, Syllabus, Scope

How to Choose the Right Accounting Course?

Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions of your career. You can choose the right accounting course for you if you follow the steps below:

1. First, learn about career aspirations and industry preferences. Ask yourself, do you prefer a career in management accounting or taxation? A CA career is valued for taxation and auditing in India. However, CPA is an ideal career choice for those who are looking to work in MNCs or abroad.
2. Explore the course content to ensure that you genuinely like the subjects. For example, if you are interested in investment management, a CFA course is a good option.
3. The course must be nationally and internationally recognised. If you want to primarily work in India, look for courses that are recongised in India.
4. Consider the time and financial investment required, and ask yourself if you have the necessary resources and time.
5. Read about current job trends, and learn about the top companies in the sectors you want to work in. Check if your course aligns with the trends, and consider future work opportunities.
6. If you value course flexibility, check for the same. Certain courses are available on a full-time basis only, while others are available even part-time. You can also check if there are any online learning opportunities available.

Top Universities for Accounting Courses

Pursuing a course that aligns with your career choice from one of the top universities can be a reason for a strong foundation not only in an academic context but also in the wholesome development of your personality. Here is a list of a few universities which will do justice to your desire to opt for accounting courses : 

S.No	University	QS 2025 Rank
1	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1
2	Stanford University	3
3	University of Oxford	3
4	Harvard University	4
5	University of Cambridge	5
6	University of Chicago	13
7	University of Pennsylvania	15
8	Columbia University	38
9	Yale University	21
10	London Business School¹	–

Also Read: 30+ Accountant Courses UK: Top Universities, Fees, & Career Scope

Skills Required for a Successful Career in Accounting

To build a successful career in accounting, you need to have certain basic skills. If you have these skills, it becomes easier for you to study and to develop a career in the field.

1. Mathematical aptitude
2. Time management and analytical skills
3. Analytical reasoning and problem solving
4. Adaptability
5. Data analysis
6. Knowledge of accounting principles
7. Preparation of financial statements

Top Accounting Job Roles

After completing an accounting course, your salary when you enter the industry would be between INR 2.4 lakh to INR 20 lakh per annum. The exact salary would depend on the course you completed, your academic background, skills, and work experience. Freshers usually earn between INR 2.4 to INR 6 lakh per annum. However, those with experience and solid professional certifications like the ones we talked about can earn significantly more.

S.No	Job Title	Average Salary (INR per annum)
1	Chartered Accountant (CA)	8,00,000 – 25,00,000
2	Financial Analyst	4,00,000 – 10,00,000
3	Cost Accountant	6,00,000 – 12,00,000
4	Internal Auditor	5,00,000 – 11,00,000
5	Tax Consultant	4,00,000 – 9,00,000
6	Finance Manager	10,00,000 – 20,00,000
7	Accounts Manager	6,00,000 – 15,00,000
8	Forensic Accountant	7,00,000 – 14,00,000
9	Compliance Officer	5,00,000 – 12,00,000
10	Investment Accountant	6,00,000 – 13,00,000

FAQs

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