Is Doing CPA(US) Worth It?

A surge in the number of commerce students in India is noted in recent times. There is a consequential rush to enrolling themselves with ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants / Cost Accountants of India) and ICSI (Institute of Company Secretaries of India) is noted. Pursing a certification like CA, one must appear for 20 exams and 4.3 years of internship, with a job prospect limited mostly to India.

In this scenario, there is another career option, simple to pursue yet global in terms of its job prospects but with lesser fan following due to the lack of awareness in India. Certified Public Accountants or CPA (US) is a certification course conducted by American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for professionals in Financial Accounting industry. Not just in USA, CPA (US) is acknowledged in many countries like Canada, Australia, member countries of European Union etc. A CPA (US) professional act like Chartered Accounts in these countries.

From startup ventures to nonprofit organizations to multinational corporations, all relies on the professionals who have undergone the rigorous training and strict licensing norms of CPA (US). With growing complexity of business environment, the demand for these advisers with their trusted credentials are also increasing.

Common Career Paths for Certified Public Accountant CPA (US)

Today CPAs make strategies in business decision making and have more career options than ever before, posing a strict competition to their MBA colleagues.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Pay By Employer

Warm Up Points To Decide Why You Need CPA (Us)

• International Recognition

• Strong Knowledge Base – Auditing, Accounting (US GAAP & IFRS), Finance, Tax

• Significant career progression opportunity with Big 4 & MNCs

• Other Take-aways: Leadership skills, international perspective, elite professional network

CPA Course USPs

• US Equivalent of CA (Chartered Accountant)

• Short Course Duration (can be completed within 12 months compared to 4.3 years for CA)

• Easy-to-pursue Course (4 parts, single level, objective pattern exams compared to 20 exams for CA)

• Convenience (Computerized Online Exams held over 8 months/year)

CPA Exam Eligibility

Minimum education requirements for CPA (US) exams:

Points to Note:

• Every year of University Education in India is equivalent to 30 semester credits of US education.

• For International CPA Candidates from India, general 3-year commerce graduates from NAAC A universities who have scored a 1st division are awarded 120 credits, and therefore, qualified to take CPA exams