Last Updated On -23 Jul 2024
CPA full form is Certified Public Accountant. A CPA is an accounting practitioner whose knowledge and skills fulfill rigorous, defined criteria. Moreover, certified public accountants are legally permitted to carry out professional duties that non-CPAs cannot. Accounting is the primary profession for most CPAs. However, the certificate is also transferable to different job choices. Examples include forensic accounting, the field of auditing financial preparation, and accountability.
The average certified public accountant salary for freshers in India is around INR 6 LPA or around 50,000 INR. The average salary in India may reach INR 13.8 lakhs in metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi. This changes from one firm to another.
Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) reveal a world of strict requirements, various job paths, and enticing possibilities, particularly in India's rapidly expanding financial sector. The CPA credential not only demonstrates skill in accounting concepts, but it also provides access to specific sectors such as legal accounting and financial auditing. CPAs in India are paid competitively, with a typical annual CPA salary ranging from INR 6 to 13.8 lakhs, particularly in metropolitan regions.
The salary of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) varies significantly based on the geographical location. Below is a comparative overview of average annual salaries for CPAs in different countries, highlighting the financial rewards of this esteemed credential.
Country |
Salary |
India |
₹9,12,663 (INR)/yr |
Canada |
$100,291 (CAD)/yr |
Australia |
$113,035 (AUD)/yr |
USA |
$90,000 (USD)/yr |
Japan |
¥7,755,349 (JPY)/yr |
The below table shows the average CPA salary in India based on Job profiles:
Job Profile |
Average Salary in INR (per year) |
Accountant |
₹125k – ₹510k |
Chartered Accountant |
₹418k – ₹2m |
Finance Manager |
₹371k – ₹2m |
Financial Analyst |
₹222k – ₹1m |
Senior Financial Analyst |
₹321k – ₹1m |
Senior Accountant |
₹242k – ₹775k |
Account Manager |
₹263k – ₹1m |
Account Executive |
₹157k – ₹505k |
Assistant Finance Manager |
₹397k – ₹1m |
CPAs perform critical roles in promoting financial openness and strategic decision-making. As the need for CPAs grows in India, owing to their analytical skills and worldwide certification, prospective professionals are provided with a wealth of work options and the possibility of lucrative career paths.
For aspiring individuals, the route to becoming a CPA in India starts with meeting the educational criteria of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It involves getting a bachelor's degree in accounting or a similar discipline, completing suitable credit hours in business and accounting courses, and getting a practical understanding under the administration of a certified CPA.
After fulfilling these requirements, applicants must pass the Uniform CPA Exam, a four-part exam that covers attestation and auditing, business environment and principles, financial reporting, and accounting regulations. Moreover, potential CPAs must meet any state-specific license requirements, which may entail extra coursework or practical experience.
CPA expenses involve things like Registration fees, Application fees, testing fees etc. The below table shows CPA course details like CPA course fees and categories in USD and INR.
Category |
Expense |
Amount |
INR* |
Category A |
Evaluation |
$225.00 |
₹18,506 |
Category B |
SBA Registration Fee |
$170.00 |
₹13,983 |
NTS Application Fee |
$100.00 |
₹8,225 |
|
Total One-Time Fees |
$495.00 |
₹40,715 |
|
CPA Exam Section Fee |
$254.00 |
₹20,892 |
|
International Testing Fees |
$390.00 |
₹32,078 |
|
Total Exam Fees (Per Exam) |
$644.00 |
₹52,969 |
|
Total Exam Fees (Per Exam Fee × 4) |
$2,576.00 |
₹2,11,876 |
|
Total CPA Exam Fee (One-Time + Exam Fee) |
$3,071.00 |
₹2,52,590 |
The demand for the CPA in India lies in its global recognition and the massive professional prospects it offers. Here are some convincing reasons why aspiring students in India should consider pursuing a career in CPA:
The CPA accreditation is renowned and valued globally, opening doors to various career opportunities in cosmopolitan and international corporations, financial institutions, and regulatory organizations across the sphere.
Getting the CPA title can expressively increase career prospects and unravel ways to senior management roles, leadership positions, and profitable job opportunities both in India and abroad.
With the expanding international business environment, the demand for CPAs with highly analytical skills, along with deep knowledge about international accounting ethics, increases, thus CPA professionals get an advantage in the job market.
While historically linked with the United States, the CPA designation has acquired substantial support in India, creating a multitude of work prospects for ambitious financial professionals. The adaptability of the CPA degree provides access to a diverse variety of professional prospects in India. Some significant cpa job opportunities in India are
Countless CPAs choose to work in public accounting firms, where they offer services such as tax advice, auditing, and counseling the clients ranging from minor enterprises to multinational establishments. Public accountants play a precarious role in safeguarding the accuracy of financial accounts and assisting clients in enhancing their tax strategy.
CPAs are extremely sought after in roles of corporate finance, where they contribute to the analysis, financial planning, and reporting of administrative activities inside an organization. From financial controllers to chief financial officers (CFOs), CPAs inhabit key leadership positions, pouring strategic decision-making and ensuring the financial health of corporations.
Government agencies, tax authorities, and regulatory bodies frequently employ CPAs to supervise compliance with audits of public funds and fiscal guidelines. CPAs engaged in these roles play a vibrant role in endorsing accountability and transparency in monetary management practices.
CPAs with strong problem-solving and analytical skills discover breaks in management consulting firms, where they direct consumers on countless fiscal matters, such as risk management, mergers and acquisitions, and routine development strategies. Their skills enable businesses to pilot complex trials and achieve their strategic objectives.
Licensed CPAs can follow a variety of employment choices. Executives and directors in top-tier accounting professions can make up to 10L.p.a INR per year, which is more than four times the typical beginning pay for ordinary accountants.
In India, the average CPA salary is roughly INR 6,88,538. In the private sector, the average yearly income for a CPA is between INR 6 and 9 lakhs, with compensation levels reaching INR 25 lakhs.
Big 4 and Large Accounting Firms: Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG in India frequently recruit US CPAs for audit, tax, and consulting services.
Accountants, CPAs, and CFOs make excellent CEOs because they understand finances like no one else. As a skilled business tax accountant, financial analyst, and auditor, you can create a company plan that is both cost-effective and delivers the best overall ROI.