The finance industry is ever-growing and generating numerous job opportunities, making it a highly competitive field for those pursuing a career in finance. Professionals with specialized skills and qualifications will only advance their careers in accounting and finance.
Individuals must stay up to date with industry trends. Continuous learning will help in professional development. So, there are many courses for commerce students, including courses after BAF, along with certification courses in finance and short-term certification courses in India. These programs provide the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in finance and accounting careers.
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What are Finance Certifications?
The finance certifications are professional credentials validating the industrial expertise and knowledge of finance. These certifications infuse specialized skill sets in financial analysis, risk management, investment banking, accounting, and financial planning.
Recognized professional bodies and institutions offer all the finance certifications. After passing all the exams, meeting educational as well as work experience requirements. The top finance certifications enhance credibility and open doors to advance career opportunities. Having a professional certification differentiates professionals and demonstrates their commitment to continuous learning and industry excellence.
5 Best Finance Certification Courses in India
Many professional certifications are available in India to stay upgraded and approach global job opportunities. Out of all these versatile finance professional certifications, we bring you the 5 best finance certifications. Let us read further and find out the top finance courses that align with your goals to gain competitive job opportunities.
1. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Certification
The CFA course is one of the best certification courses in finance. The CFA charter is offered by the US-based CFA Institute. The program teaches advanced investment analysis and provides a generalist knowledge of other areas of finance. Many students are also exploring the option of pursuing CFA after 12th, which can set a strong foundation for a successful career in finance. The CFA certification is among the best online finance courses of edZeb, equipping students with all the necessary skills required to excel in their careers.
A candidate successfully completing the program and along with work experience requirements is awarded the CFA charter. It takes an average of four years to complete the CFA charter. These finance professionals are hired by various industries for their certification courses in finance.
CFA Exam Structure
The Level I CFA exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions, divided into two 135-minute sessions with an optional break between sessions.
- First session (2 hours, 15 minutes): 90 MCQs
- Second session (2 hours, 15 minutes): 90 MCQs
The Level II CFA exam consists of 22 item sets comprised of vignettes with 88 accompanying MCQs. The Level II exam is 4 hours and 24 minutes, divided into two equal sessions with an optional break in between.
CFA Duration
The CFA course duration takes a longer time to complete, so the CFA duration takes 3 years or more depending on the situation of the candidate to pass all the CFA exams and fulfill the experience requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
The CFA eligibility is open to all students aspiring to build a finance and accounting career. They need a bachelor’s degree, a 2nd-year CFA level I exam, 23 months or less exam preparation before graduation, and non-graduates with 4,000 hours of work experience.
You can start your CFA journey after passing 12th and as you enroll in graduation but you can only sit in foundation level CFA exams in the 2nd year of your graduation year.
Job roles
Commonly offered CFA job roles include:
- CFA Faculty
- CFA- Equity Research Analyst
- Finance Executive
- Research Analyst
- Jr Valuation Analyst
- Financial Analyst Intern
Hiring Companies
According to Glassdoor, many Indian firms like the ones listed below are hiring CFAs.
- IIM SKILLS
- Wizz Technology
- Foxx Life Sciences Pvt Ltd.
- Deloitte.
- Jobiva International
- Alquimie Advisors LLP
- Hitya Global
CFA Salary
The CFA salary in India varies depending on the experience, level of hierarchy, and employer. The CFA freshers earn between ₹7-12 lakh, and mid-level senior’s salary package ranges between ₹13-25 lakh. CFA professionals with 10+ years of experience get a salary between ₹26-50 lakh or more. Whether you are working in multinational corporations, smaller firms, or startups, the salary package varies between ₹6-25 lakh.
2. Financial Modelling Course (FM)
The Financial Modelling course is one of the short term certification courses in India. At edZeb, the best finance and accounting institute offering Financial Modelling and valuation analysis. It is one of the top finance courses in India to build practical skills for job roles in investment banking, equity research, and corporate finance.
Structure
The financial modelling course structure includes building a Three-Statement financial model, Cash Flow Analysis, Business Valuation Methods, and many more concepts. It also develops your Excel proficiency skills. This short term certification course in India will equip you with all the practical knowledge expected from professionals in the industry.
Duration
The financial modelling courses offered by edZeb are one of the short term courses in India. It is also one of the best online finance courses which takes a few months to complete. We, at edZeb, have made it an application-based finance course that can be done in 1-3 months depending upon your calliber of grasping the concepts.
Eligibility Criteria
This FMVA course is for those who want to either pursue their career or transform it into a finance role. Whether it is a CA final student, an MBA finance graduate, a homemaker wanting to begin her second innings, or an undergraduate seeking financial knowledge. It is ideal for all aiming for roles in Investment Banking, Equity Research, Corporate Finance, and Investment Banking.
Job roles
- Associate
- Financial Analyst
- Analyst
- Equity Research Analyst
- Financial Analysis Intern
- Marketing Analyst
- Business Development Analyst
Hiring Companies
- Private Equity Asia
- AVP – Financial Budgeting
- Microsoft
- JPMorganChase
- Sentiss Pharma Pvt. Ltd.
- Kreativstorm
- Tata Consultancy Services
Financial Modelling Salary
The salary after completing a financial modelling course in India ranges from ₹2.1 lakhs up to ₹48 lakhs per year or more. The annual compensation increases with experience and at higher positions, executives earn more. The highest-paying cities are Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Pune.
3. Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Certification (ACCA)
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is the global professional accounting body founded in 1904. It offers the Chartered Certified Accountant qualification (ACCA). 252,500 members and 526,000 future members make it the fourth-largest professional accounting body in the world.
ACCA equips individuals with the industry-needed knowledge and technical skills to excel in global accounting careers. The ACCA course enhances expertise and the organization actively works in interest to enhance the value of accounting in reputation and its influence in society.
Structure
The ACCA certification is gained after passing all exams divided into three levels:
- Applied Knowledge Level
- Applied Skills Level
- Strategic Professional Level
After passing these exams, the placement cell at edZeb is dedicated to placing you best either for an internship or a job role in the accounting and finance sector. Being high in demand, it is one of the top finance courses in India.
Duration
The ACCA duration is not fixed by the organization but yes it takes up to 3 years for the students to pass all 13 exams and those who get ACCA exemptions may pass the remaining exams in less than 3 years ACCA duration.
Eligibility Criteria
The ACCA eligibility criteria are flexible, allowing students from any academic background, qualification, and experience to apply. With entry points based on 10th, 12th, graduate, postgraduate, CA, CMA, or 5+ years of experience.
Job Roles
- Accountant
- Finance Manager
- Senior Accountant
- Financial Controller
- Management Accountant
- Financial Analyst
Hiring Companies
- EY
- Sapaad Pte. Ltd
- Grant Thornton INDUS
- Apple
- Samyojak Consultancy Services
- BP Energy
- Sapaad Pte. Ltd.
ACCA Salary
The ACCA salary in India for fresher ranges from INR 2-17 lakhs per year, while experienced professionals can earn INR 11 lakhs. At the senior level, ACCA professionals can earn INR 16 lakhs or more and the Big 4 firms offer higher salary prospects.
4. Certified Management Accountant USA (CMA US)
CMA in the USA stands for Certified Management Accountant. It is one of the top finance courses having global recognition which is highly demanded in the US. It is ideal for all accounting and financial professionals.
The certification is offered by the IMA (Institute of Management Accountants). The CMA course or qualification is suitable for anyone whether a newcomer or an experienced professional, aiming to enhance a career in business and finance.
Structure
The CMA exam is a two-part exam,
- CMA Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics
- CMA Part 2: Strategic Financial Management
Each part consists of different topics having the same structure. Each part of the CMA exam is four hours long and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and 2 essays. You will have three hours to complete the multiple-choice questions and 1 hour to complete the essay.
Duration
The US CMA duration to complete the qualification can be 12 – 18 months.
Eligibility Criteria
The US CMA program is to make a finance career, so anyone interested whether a 12th pass out, postgraduate, CMA India, commerce graduate, or CA Intermediate, can enroll in the CMA US, one of the top finance certifications.
Job Roles
- Business Analyst
- Cost Accountant
- Financial Controller
- Management Accountant
- Internal Auditor
- CFO
- Finance Analyst
Hiring Companies
- Amazon
- Deloitte
- Jio
- Barclays
- EY
CMA US Salary
The salary in India varies based on experience, location, and industry. The CMA US salary of freshers ranges from INR 5-7 lakhs per year, which increases as you gain experience. At the CFO level, you can earn up to INR 46 lakhs per year or more.
5. Chartered Accountancy Course (CA)
CA is among the best finance certifications in India. It is regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) established under an act of parliament. It equips professionals to work within the finance and business industry. Chartered Accountants are highly qualified professionals providing public accounting and consultancy services.
Structure
The Chartered Accountancy (CA) course in India is considered one of the best finance certifications. You need to study rigorously to earn a CA title. The syllabus is divided into three levels: CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final. The primary focus of the CA course is primarily on auditing, taxation, and financial management.
CA Course Duration
The total duration to complete the CA course depends on various factors including the time taken to clear each level and the completion of the articleship.
Eligibility Criteria
A class 12 pass-out student is eligible to appear for the CA Foundation level examination. Also, the candidate must have completed four months of study after registering for the Chartered Accountant course.
Job roles
- Tax Advisor
- Financial Controller
- Management Consultant
- Company liquidator
- GST expert
- Staff Accountant
Hiring Companies
- Google Cloud
- Maruti Suzuki
- Qatar Airways
- Hilton
- Muthoot Fircorp Ltd.
Salary
The CAs earn between INR 6-8 lakhs per year at the beginning of their career, while the CAs with experience can earn INR 15-20 lakhs per year. However, the Big 4 firms or the industrial sector offer the best salary packages and CA who are posted out of India earns INR 75 lakhs per year or more. What is interesting to note here is that the CA salaries are majorly affected by certain factors like inflation, economic conditions, and job market changes.
Conclusion
The Top 5 Best Certification Courses in Finance enhance your financial skills. Due to this, you stay relevant in the competitive industry and advance your career. You can choose any one of the best finance certification courses like CFA for global prestige, Financial Modeling technical expertise, ACCA or CA certifications offer broad opportunities. Each course provides specialized knowledge that aligns with your career goals and takes the next step toward success in the finance sector.
FAQ’s
Which certification is best for banking and finance?
For banking and finance, you have the choice to enroll in the financial modelling course but consider your passion and interest. Other choices include ACCA, CFA, CMA, and others.
Which professional degree is best for banking?
To get a job in a public sector bank, you must have a bachelor's degree in banking, economics, finance, or a commerce-related course. It is then followed by preparing for banking entrance exams or pursuing an MBA in banking and finance.
What is an ACCA qualification?
The ACCA Qualification is a globally recognized accounting qualification preparing students to become finance professionals. This certification is earned after passing all 13 exams, if not exempted from any of these.
What is a CFA qualification?
To become a CFA, you must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent program. You then have to pass all exams divided into three levels. Also, have 4,000 hours of work experience, and have two or three letters of reference, to become a member of the CFA Institute. You shall adhere to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics, have an international passport, and complete the assessment in English. Lastly, you must live in a country participating with the CFA institute.
