7 Benefits of doing CFA after CA

Last Updated On -09 Jan 2025

Thinking about the benefits of doing CFA after the CA course, worry no more., we are here with a comprehensive review of all the pros and cons helping you decide your future ahead. Combining your Chartered Accountancy (CA) qualification with a Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) program can be an excellent choice if you are wondering what's next in your professional journey. As CFA is a globally recognized designation, it can give you a competitive edge in the broader financial and accounting landscape.

In this blog post, we'll navigate the question of why do CFA after CA Top 7 benefits to do CFA, so that you can effectively plan to broaden your career prospects and enhance your acquired, commendable skill-set.

What is the Difference between CA and CFA?

The difference between CA and CFA stems from various aspects, even though both these qualifications belong to the field of finance and accounting. However, certain things chiefly set them apart.

To understand the difference properly, let's have a closer look:

Feature	CA	CFA
Focus	Accounting, auditing, taxation, financial reporting, and other business advisory services.	Primarily focuses on Investment analysis, portfolio management, wealth management, corporate finance, and financial analysis.
Governing Body	The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)	CFA Institute (formerly known as the Association for Investment Management and Research or AIMR)
Recognition	Well acknowledged in India and some Middle Eastern Countries.	Globally recognized and respected certification in over 160+ countries.
Examination Structure	Consists of 4 levels: CPT (Common Proficiency Test), IPCC (Integrated Professional Course), & Final 2 groups (Group I & Group II)	Consists of 3 levels with the same 10 subjects. At each level the weightage and depth increase.

Why do CFA after CA? - Top 7 Benefits

1. A Wholesome Knowledge of Finance

Being CA professionals, you have already demonstrated your excellence in the fields of accounting, taxation, corporate law, and other related areas. However, complementing it with the CFA certification, you will achieve a comprehensive knowledge of the investment aspect of finance as well, which will grant you a deep understanding and expertise of almost every major financial domain. Consequently, this will not only attract handsome opportunities globally but will enable you to explore complex financial scenarios with confidence.

2. It Upgrades Your Resume for Global Recognition

The recognition of CA is limited, on the other hand, this is not the case with the CFA certification, adding another reason to your “why CFA after CA.” The CFA qualification is globally recognized and respected across 160+ countries, including the UK, the US, Canada, and many others, providing you with international job mobility and lucrative career opportunities across the globe.

3. Your Earning Potential will Increase.

Undoubtedly, being the holder of two of the most sought-after and prestigious certifications, the CA and the CFA, you will find yourself employed in roles such as investment banker, asset manager, financial analyst, and many others in highly reputable MNCs, investment firms, and financial institutions. This directly translates to higher packages and an increase in your earning potential, wherever you decide to establish your career globally.

4. Continuous Learning and Professional Development

Opting for CA already showcases your dedication and commitment toward challenges that lead to better avenues for your career paths. For this reason, pursuing a CFA might just be a strategic move from your side to be involved in continuous learning and professional development. CFA provides an in-depth learning opportunity regarding the investment industry with a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum that assists you in adding novel information to your prior knowledge, as well as facilitates your professional growth by promoting moving forward without feeling stuck with one career path.

5. Smooth Transition to CFA through CA

The transition from CA to CFA will come to you as less demanding and difficult, as most of the areas that will be covered in the CFA curriculum, you are already familiar with through your CA curriculum. For example, the CFA covers topics like financial statement analysis, inventory valuation, and accounting for income taxes, and the quantitative section covers concepts like the time value of money, statistical concepts, and probability distributions, which are all part of the CA syllabus. All of this will help you to center your focus and efforts more on the investment-specific topics and analytical techniques included in the CFA program structure while making the overall acquisition of the CFA certification easier.

6. Versatile Career Paths

Individually, CA and CFA credentials specialize in certain financial and accounting areas. However, combining these certifications gives you the expertise of both domains, expanding your career prospects and enabling you to explore a broader range of career paths ranging from External Auditor, Tax Advisor, Financial Controller, and Chief Financial Officer, to Portfolio Manager, Equity Research Analyst, Private Banker, Treasury Analyst and so much more.

7. Valuable Networking Opportunities

By obtaining the CFA qualification, you'll be able to leverage effective global networking opportunities that the CFA Institute offers its members. This connection will help you reach out to diverse finance professionals, including other CFA charter holders globally, which will help you create an enriching professional environment for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQS)

Is CFA good after CA?

Yes, pursuing CFA after CA is an ideal choice for CA professionals interested in the investment industry and trying to expand their financial analytical expertise, as the CFA qualification equips one with comprehensive knowledge of investment management, financial analysis, and portfolio management. Moreover, the curriculum of CFA complements the base knowledge of the CA syllabus, making the acquisition of this prestigious credential less taxing than it actually is, thus leading CA professionals to be the holders of two distinguished certifications in the finance and accounting discipline.

Is CFA tougher than CA?

Both CFA and CA are considered to be difficult and challenging in their own ways. However, due to the CFA’s examination structure that delves into the thorough understanding of the investment sphere of finance, and because of its global reach that adds an edge of difficulty to each level of its examination CFA can be considered tougher than the CA.

Who is eligible for CFA?

To be able to pursue the credential, the CFA eligibility criteria are that candidates must have a bachelor's degree or an equivalent approved by the CFA Institute, and 4 years of professional work experience.

What is the salary of a CA with a CFA?

The average salary of a CA with CFA in India, at entry-level roles, starts from ₹8-₹12 lakhs per annum. At mid-level roles it starts from ₹15-₹25 lakhs per annum, and at senior roles, ₹30-₹50 or sometimes even higher. Meanwhile, globally, at entry-level roles, it can start from $60,000 to $80,000 per annum. At mid-level roles, it ranges between $100,000-$200,000 per annum, and at senior roles, it is estimated to be between $200,000-$500,000 per annum.