A Company Secretary (CS) advises on various fronts while a Chartered Accountant (CA) handles company finances. Both are experts in different fields – accounting/finance and company law/governance respectively. Most individuals are frequently uncertain between choosing CA or CS since they are among the most sought-after professional courses after completing graduation or 12th standard. This blog aims to clarify the differences between CA and CS, helping you choose the right fit.
Difference: CA vs CS
Listed below are a few differences between CA and CS.
Career Path: CA vs CS
How to Become a Chartered Accountant?
Both CA and CS fields commence from a foundation in Commerce, but eventually branch into distinct paths. Those who aspire to pursue a career in CA must possess a strong aptitude for mathematics to manage large-scale accounting and budgeting.
Steps to follow to become a CA:
- Enroll with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
- Successfully clear the Competency Professional Test (CPT) and pursue a degree course in Commerce or a related field.
- Qualify the Integrated Professional Competence (IPC)
- Complete Articleship and gain work experience for a minimum of 3 years under professional CA.
- Clear the final CA exam.
The CPT exam can be taken immediately after completing class 12th. However, completion of graduation is a prerequisite for appearing in the IPC examination.
How to Become a Company Secretary?
To pursue a career in CS, it is crucial to possess strong critical thinking abilities to manage the company profile and participate in decision-making processes.
Steps to follow to become a CS:
- Register with the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.
- Enroll in the Foundation course, which lasts 8 months.
- Enroll in a 1-year Executive Program to gain additional qualifications.
- Enroll in the Professional course of 1 year to gain specialization.
In order to pursue CS programs after graduation:
- Complete a three-year graduate program in the field of Commerce.
- Qualify the Executive program of 1 year.
- Qualify the Professional course of 1 year.
Differences in Subjects
Let’s dive deep into the syllabus of the two courses:
| Difference | CS | CA |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Institute of Chartered Accountants of India [ICAI] | Institute of Chartered Accountants of India [ICAI] |
| Who should opt for it? | Candidates with a strong foundation in mathematics and logical reasoning | Candidates with an inclination towards theory and legal |
| Stages | Foundation, Intermediate, and Final Course | Foundation, Executive, and Professional Programme |
| Course Duration | 5 Years | 2-3 Years |
| Entrance Exam | Chartered Accountancy Common Proficiency Test | Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test |
| Eligibility Criteria | Candidates who have qualified their 12th exams and with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks can register for the CA Foundation 2023 exam
Candidates who have scored an aggregate of 55% marks in their graduation or postgraduate degrees in Commerce stream or its equivalent from any recognized university or open university, are eligible for exemption from CA Foundation 2023 |
The Foundation Programme (requires candidates to have passed 10+2 or an equivalent examination from any stream) Executive Programme (requires graduation from any field except for fine arts) Professional Programme (Executive Programme) |
| Jo Profiles | Auditor Accountant Credit Analyst Forensic Audit Financial Analyst Research Analyst Investment Advisor |
Associate Company Secretary Legal Advisor Corporate Policymaker Principal Secretary Company Registrar Corporate Planner Chief Administrative Officer |
| Average Salary | Rs. 7-8 Lakhs | Rs. 5-6 Lakhs |
| Employment Opportunities | Accounting, Taxation, Auditing, etc. | Public Relations, Corporate Law Advisor, Corporate Governance, etc. |
| Official Website | https://www.icai.org/ | https://www.icsi.edu/home/ |
| CA | CS |
|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Accounting | Company Law |
| Auditing and Assurance | Tax Law |
| Financial Management and Cost Accounting | Economic Labour and Industrial Law |
| Direct Taxes | General and Commercial Laws |
| Management Accounting | Banking Laws |
| Financial Analysis | Insurance – Laws and Practices |
| CA | CS |
|---|---|
| Deloitte | Aditya Birla Group |
| Price Waterhouse Coopers | TATA Steel |
| KPMG | Robert Bosch India |
| Ernst and Young | Bharat Forge |
| Grant Thornton International | TATA Consultancy Services |
| ICICI Bank | IBS Software |
| BDO International | IDFC Mutual Fund |
| SS Kothari Mehta and Co | Somaiya Group |
| Luthra and Luthra | Ernst and Young |
Career Prospects
Graduates in CA and CS can discover lucrative employment options in both the private and public sectors throughout India. The demand for qualified CAs and CSs is on the rise, and candidates can select from a diverse range of job profiles. Below are some of the leading firms in India for CA and CS professionals:
We trust that this article has provided you with useful insights into the difference between CA and CS. If you’re considering a career in either field or require guidance, the professionals at Protree Academy are available to assist you in selecting a course that can enhance your career prospects.