Studying commerce in the globalized era is an incredible time for the students as the financial industry is evolving at a much faster rate than expected in the past decade. The path lying ahead of commerce graduates is more fascinating leading to lucrative job prospects across the globe.
In this blog, we are going to discuss the best courses for commerce students, including various finance certification courses, to help them navigate these exciting opportunities.
Table of Contents:
Best Certification Courses for Commerce Students with High Salary
Various certification courses in finance for commerce students provide multiple benefits like the ones mentioned below as compared to other commerce students only having a graduation degree.
- These courses are advanced certification courses for commerce students.
- You develop a professional approach while getting trained in the professional course training period, despite your lack of experience.
- You need not pursue any post-graduation course or a master’s degree. Since you are already possessing a professional skill set, you can concentrate on your career.
- You will get preference from the financial corporate employers as you will be having impressive credentials.
- Pursuing professional courses for commerce students qualifies them to get a high salary compared to other BCom graduates.
Let us check out a brief overview of the different aspects of a list of courses for commerce students.
Course Name | Job Prospects | Eligibility | Expected Salary |
ACCA | Financial Analyst, Accountant, Auditor, Tax Consultant, Financial Controller | Graduation in any discipline | INR 5-15 lakhs per annum |
CFA | Investment Analyst, Portfolio Manager, Financial Advisor, Risk Manager | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline | INR 10-30 lakhs per annum |
FM | Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Corporate Finance, Equity Research | Graduation in Commerce, Economics, or related fields | INR 5-15 lakhs per annum |
CMA | Management Accountant, Financial Analyst, Cost Accountant, Budget Analyst | Graduation in any discipline | INR 8-25 lakhs per annum |
CIMA | Financial Analyst, Management Accountant, Financial Controller, CFO | Graduation in any discipline | INR 8-25 lakhs per annum |
CFP | Financial Planner, Wealth Manager, Insurance Agent | Graduation in any discipline | INR 5-15 lakhs per annum |
CPA | Accountant, Auditor, Tax Consultant, Financial Analyst | Graduation in Commerce or related fields | INR 8-25 lakhs per annum (India) |
CA | Accountant, Auditor, Tax Consultant, Financial Controller | Graduation in Commerce | INR 10-30 lakhs per annum (India) |
Professional Courses for Commerce Students
Let us further explore various professional courses for commerce students to develop professional niche and technical expertise in accounting, finance, marketing, management and many more domains. The list of courses for commerce students contains details regarding the job prospects, curriculum, eligibility criteria and top coaching institutes to help you choose the best courses after graduation in commerce.
1. Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
Out of various certificate courses for commerce students, the Association Of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) certification is one of the globally recognised programs. With the scope of ACCA expanding across industries and borders, this qualification equips students with essential knowledge and practical skills for international careers in Finance and Accounting.
ACCA Job prospects
- Budget Manager
- Auditor
- Financial Analyst
- Accountant
- Risk Manager
- Tax Consultant
ACCA Curriculum
Applied Knowledge Level
- ACCA Business and Technology (BT)
- ACCA Management Accounting (MA)
- ACCA Financial Accounting (FA)
Applied Skills Level
- ACCA Corporate and Business Law (LW)
- ACCA Performance Management (PM)
- ACCA Taxation (TX)
- ACCA Financial Reporting (FR)
- ACCA Audit & Assurance (AA)
- ACCA Financial Management (FM)
Strategic Professional Level
- ACCA Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
- ACCA Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
- ACCA Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
- ACCA Advanced Performance Management (APM)
- ACCA Advanced Taxation (ATX)
- ACCA Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
ACCA Eligibility
Eligibility is open to every student aspiring to build a career in finance and accounting with flexible entry points based on prior academic background, qualification, and experience.
- 10th Pass Out
- 12th Pass Out from any stream
- Graduate & Post Graduate
- CA Intermediate
- CA, CMA (5+ Years Experience)
- Candidates from any background aspiring to make a career in Finance.
Top ACCA Coaching Institutes
- edZeb
- IMS Proschool
- Quintedge
- Zell Education
2. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
The elite CFA Course offers comprehensive training that helps you become a financial mastermind and obtain one of the highest distinctions in the world of finance.
CFA Job Prospects
- Business Analyst
- Equity Analyst
- Research Analyst
- Portfolio Manager
- Fund Manager
- Investment Strategist
- Investment Consultant
- Private Wealth Manager
- Risk Analyst
CFA Curriculum
CFA Level 1
- Module – 1 Ethical and Professional Standards
- Module – 2 Quantitative Methods
- Module – 3 Economics
- Module – 4 Financial Statement Analysis
- Module – 5 Corporate Issuers
- Module – 6 Portfolio Management & Wealth Planning
- Module – 7 Equity Investments
- Module – 8 Fixed Income
- Module – 9 Derivatives
- Module – 10 Alternative Investments
CFA Level 2
- Module – 1 Ethical and Professional Standards
- Module – 2 Quantitative Methods
- Module – 3 Economics
- Module – 4 Financial Statement Analysis
- Module – 5 Corporate Issuers
- Module – 6 Portfolio Management & Wealth Planning
- Module – 7 Equity
- Module – 8 Fixed Income
- Module – 9 Derivatives
- Module – 10 Alternative Investments
CFA Eligibility
Eligibility for CFA is open to every student aspiring to build a career in finance and accounting with flexible entry points based on prior academic background, qualification, and experience.
- Complete a bachelor’s program
- 2nd year students can appear for CFA level I
- Your exam must be 23 months or fewer before your graduation month
- Non-graduates: have a 4,000 hours of work experience
- Coaching Institutes
Top CFA Coaching Institutes
- edZeb
- Quintedge
- Zell Education
- The WallStreet School
3. Financial Modelling and Valuation Course (FM)
Financial Modeling And Valuation (FMVA) is one of the short term courses for commerce students as compared to other certifications. Financial Modeling course helps you become more skilful in viewing current revenue, predicting the future and making dynamic financial decisions.
Job prospects
- Portfolio Manager
- Fund Manager
- Investment Banker
- Data Scientist
- Investment Strategist
- Head Of Treasury
- Private Wealth Manager
- Financial Analyst
Curriculum
- Module – 1 Introduction to Financial Modeling
- Module – 2 Understanding Financial Statements
- Module – 3 Excel Fundamentals for Financial Modeling
- Module – 4 Building Financial Models
- Module – 5 Valuation Techniques
- Module – 6 Budgeting and Forecasting
- Module – 7 Industry-Specific financial modeling
- Module – 8 Performing Valuation of Listed Companies
- Module – 9 Introduction to Credit Analysis
- Module – 10 Introduction to Stock Markets
- Module – 11 Interview Coordination
Eligibility
- Students in Undergraduate Programs
- Pass out Graduates
- Students who recently completed their senior secondary
Top FM Coaching Institutes
- edZeb
- Quintedge
- Zell Education
- The WallStreet School
4. US Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
Certified Management Accountant, USA (CMA US course) is the best course for commerce students. It ensures students gain vital knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for successful careers in Management Accounting.
CMA Job prospects
- Finance Director
- Financial Analyst
- Finance Manager
- Senior Accountant
- Senior Financial Analyst
- Senior Finance Manager
- Vice President (VP)
- Tax Consultant
- Certified Management Accountant
- CFO (Chief Financial Officer)
CMA Curriculum
Financial Planning, Performance and Analysis
- Section A: External Financial Reporting Decisions (15% Weightage)
- Section B: Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting (20% Weightage)
- Section C: Performance Management (20% Weightage)
- Section D: Cost Management (15% Weightage)
- Section E: Internal Control (15% Weightage)
- Section F: Technology and Analysis (15% Weightage)
Strategic Financial Management
- Section A: Financial Statements Analysis
- Section B: Corporate Finance
- Section C: Decision Analysis
- Section D: Risk Management
- Section E: Investment Decisions
- Section F: Professional Ethics
CMA Eligibility
In the US CMA program, eligibility is open to anyone aspiring for a Career in Finance allowing flexible entry points based on prior qualifications and experience
- 12th Pass Out [any stream]
- Post Graduate (MBA, MCom)
- CMA India
- Commerce Graduate
- CA Intermediate
- Anyone wanting to make a Career in Finance
- Coaching Institutes
CMA Coaching Institutes
- edZeb
- Zell Education
- The WallStreet School
5. Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
CIMA is a recognized certificate across the globe. With more than 250.000 members operating in almost 180 countries, CIMA is the biggest professional association for management accountants worldwide.
CIMA Job prospects
- Financial Analyst
- Risk Management
- Management Accountant
- Business Analyst
- Management Consultant
- Forensic Accountant
- Financial Controller
- Project Manager
CIMA Curriculum
Certificate Level
- BA1– Fundamentals of Business Economics
- BA 2– Fundamentals of Management Accounting
- BA 3– Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
- BA 4– Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance and Business Law
Operational Level
- E1:Organizational Management
- P1: Management Accounting
- F1: Financial Reporting and Taxation
Management Level
- E2: Project and Relationship Management
- P2: Advanced Management Accounting
- F2: Advanced Financial Reporting
Strategic Level
- E3 Strategic Management
- P3 Risk Management
- F3 Financial Strategy
CIMA Eligibility
- Undergraduates
- Bachelors
- Postgraduates
- Professional Certificate Holders
- Accountants
Top CIMA Coaching Institutes
- IMS Proschool
- Saraf Academy
- The WallStreet School
6. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
The Certified Financial Planner (CFP) program offers professional certification training covering a variety of financial planning topics. It is one of the best courses for commerce students to invest six- to twelve-months in the CFP course offered by FPSB in India.
Job Prospects
- Fundamental Research Analysts
- Para Planner / Senior Planner
- RM/Senior RM/Wealth Managers
- Deputy Growth Manager
- Growth Coordinator
- Associate RM
- Certified Financial Planner
- Financial Advisor
- Associate Fundamental Research Analyst
- Mutual Fund Analyst
CFP Curriculum
Module 1:Introduction To Financial Planning
Module 2:Risk Analysis & Insurance Planning
Module 3:Retirement Planning & Employee Benefits
Module 4:Investment Planning
Module 5:Tax Planning & Estate Planning
Module 6:Advanced Financial Planning
CFP Eligibility
There isn’t any set eligibility criteria but candidates must fulfil a few fundamental eligibility requirements.
- A minimum of 50% overall in any stream in the 10+2 from an accredited Board.
- Some of the institutions provide exams to shortlisted, qualified applicants for courses at the time of registration.
- The CFP course has no minimum age requirement or upper age limit.
CFP Coaching Institutes
- Maestrro Finplan Academy
- IMS Proschool
- International College of Financial Planning
7. US Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) offers the internationally recognized CPA, professional accounting credential. According to NASBA (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy), over 670,000 people hold active licenses, making the US CPA one of the most sought-after credentials in the world.
CPA Job prospects
- Accountant
- Management Accountant
- Auditor
- Treasurer
- Business Advisor
- CFO
- Forensic Accountant
- Tax Consultant
CPA Curriculum
- Auditing and Attestation: Covers Statements of Audit Standards
- Financial Accounting and Reporting: Covers US GAAP and IFRS
- Regulation: Covers US federal taxation
- Business Analysis & Reporting (BAR)
- Information & Systems Controls (ISC)
- Tax Compliance & Planning (TCP)
CPA Eligibility
The AICPA Guidelines require 120 credits for the CPA exam and 150 credits for the CPA License. In India, each year of college corresponds to 30 credits. Eligible candidates include those with a
- Bachelor’s degree in commerce from a NAAC-A college, who have 120 credits, and those from non-NAAC colleges who need a 1-year bridge course to fulfil the 30 credits required for the exam.
- Non-commerce candidates, like engineering candidates, need to complete the shortfall by pursuing a 2-year course in Business & Accounting.
- Master’s degrees, such as MBA, M.Fin, or M.Com, also have 120 credits, but they must check if their Accounts & Business Credits requirement is fulfilled.
- A Professional Charter Holder, such as a CA/CS/CMA, is eligible to take the CPA exam and apply for the License. The requirements vary by state, and candidates must complete a bridge course accordingly.
CPA Coaching Institutes
- EduPristine
- IMS Proschool
- Global FTI Pvt Ltd.
- Shri Sharada Academy
- Kautilya International Coaching Institute
8. Chartered Accountancy (CA)
A Chartered Accountant uses their accounting expertise to guide their client’s financial plans and ensure that all tax activities comply with provincial and federal regulations. CAs are more sought-after professionals and have greater responsibilities than regular Accountants.
CA Job prospects
- Accountant
- Strategic Planner
- Assistant Accountant
- Cost Accountant
- Junior Accountant
- Controller
- Senior Accountant
CA Curriculum
- Level 1: CA Foundation Level
Principles and Practice of Accounting
Business Laws and Business Correspondence and Reporting
Business Laws
Business Correspondence and Reporting
Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, and Statistics
Business Economics and Business and Commercial Knowledge
Business Economics
Business and Commercial Knowledge
- Level 2: CA Intermediate Level
*Group I:
Accounting
Corporate and Other Laws
Company Law
Other Laws
Cost and Management Accounting
Taxation
Income Tax Law
Indirect Taxes
*Group II:
Advanced Accounting
Auditing and Assurance
Enterprise Information Systems & Strategic Management
Enterprise Information Systems
Strategic Management
Financial Management & Economics for Finance
Financial Management
Economics for Finance
- Level 3: CA Final
*Group I:
Financial Reporting
Strategic Financial Management
Advanced Auditing and Professional Ethics
Corporate and Economic Laws
Corporate Laws
Economic Laws
*Group II:
Strategic Cost Management and Performance Evaluation
Elective Paper (One of the following)
Risk Management
Financial Services and Capital Markets
International Taxation
Economic Laws
Global Financial Reporting Standards
Multidisciplinary Case Study
Direct Tax Laws and International Taxation
Direct Tax Laws
International Taxation
Indirect Tax Laws
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Customs and FTP
CA Eligibility
- Commerce stream graduates/postgraduates with a minimum of 55% aggregate or equivalent score.
- Non-commerce graduates/postgraduates with a minimum of 60% aggregate or equivalent grade in any recognized university examination.
- Direct route entry is for the intermediate-level candidates by The Institute of Cost Accountants of India or The Institute of Company Secretaries of India, who are exempted from qualifying Foundation.
- Candidates can register for the Intermediate course on a provisional basis, with regular registration after submitting the final year mark sheet or passing certificate within six months.
Top CA Coaching Institutes
- National School of Business (NSB), Bangalore
- The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
- Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi
- Vidhya Sagar Institute Limited, Jaipur
- Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), Delhi
- Northern India Regional Council of ICAI, Indraprastha Estate, New Delhi
Conclusion
There are many after graduation courses in the commerce field that not only enhance qualifications but also increase earning potential. You can select anyone from globally recognized commerce graduation courses like ACCA, CFA, and CPA to short-term courses like data science and digital marketing. These courses not only equip students with essential skills and knowledge but also open doors to lucrative jobs across the globe. As the financial industry continues to evolve, staying updated with the latest trends and acquiring professional credentials can significantly boost a commerce student’s career trajectory. Therefore, by choosing the right course, students can set themselves apart in the competitive job market and achieve their professional aspirations.
FAQ’s
Can I pursue the CFA after completing B.Com?
CFA certification can definitely be pursued after graduation courses in commerce. B.Com students stand a higher chance to enrol in the CFA program after the completion of their Bachelors.
What is the duration of the ACCA course?
ACCA course offers flexibility to students while filling their exams, so the duration of completion of ACCA differs for candidates depending on their exam dates and ACCA paper exemptions as well.
Which is the best course for commerce students?
The best courses after graduation in commerce differ for every student but a course that aligns with your personal interests and job prospects is considered to be the best, so before selecting any course analyse your preferences and choose accordingly.
What should I do after 12th commerce for a high salary?
When it's the right time to choose any commerce graduation course, salary prospects cannot be missed. Therefore, selecting a globally recognised course can help you gain a competitive edge in earning higher salaries than your peers in the job market.