Accountant & Clerk Career

Educational Requirements

Education Requirements for Accountants and Clerks

To become an accountant or clerk in India, a specific educational path and skill set are generally required. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Educational Qualifications:
- Minimum Requirement: A high school diploma (10+2) in any stream (Commerce, Science, or Arts) from a recognized board.
- Preferred Qualification: A bachelor's degree in Commerce (B.Com) is highly preferred. Other degrees like Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or Economics can also be beneficial.
Core Subjects:
- Accountancy
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Mathematics/Statistics
Skills Enhancement:
- Computer Skills: Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word) and accounting software like Tally or SAP is essential.
- Communication Skills: Good written and verbal communication skills for interacting with clients and colleagues.
- Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze financial data and prepare reports.
Professional Certifications (Optional but Recommended):
- Certified Accounting Technician (CAT): Offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
- Diploma in Accounting and Finance: Various institutes offer diplomas that enhance job prospects.
Further Education (Optional):
- Master's Degree: A Master's degree in Commerce (M.Com) or MBA in Finance can open up more advanced roles.
- Professional Courses: Chartered Accountancy (CA), Cost and Management Accountancy (CMA), or Certified Public Accounting (CPA) for specialized accounting roles.

Having a strong educational foundation combined with the right skills and certifications significantly increases employability and career advancement opportunities in the accounting and clerical fields.

Study Path

Top Colleges

Top Colleges in India for Aspiring Accountants and Clerks

To pursue a successful career as an accountant or clerk, choosing the right college is crucial. Here are some of the top colleges in India offering relevant courses:

For Bachelor's Degree (B.Com):
- Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi: Known for its excellent faculty and comprehensive curriculum.
- Hindu College, Delhi: Offers a strong foundation in commerce and economics.
- Lady Shri Ram College (LSR), Delhi: Renowned for its academic excellence and diverse learning environment.
- Narsee Monjee College of Commerce & Economics, Mumbai: A top choice for commerce education in Mumbai.
- Loyola College, Chennai: Offers a well-rounded B.Com program with a focus on practical skills.
For Master's Degree (M.Com, MBA):
- Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs): Offer MBA programs with a specialization in Finance.
- Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi: Known for its affordable MBA program and strong industry connections.
- Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai: A premier business school with a focus on finance and accounting.
- Delhi School of Economics (DSE): Offers a highly regarded M.Com program.
For Professional Courses (CA, CMA):
- Coaching Institutes: ICAI chapters and private coaching centers like Vsmart Academy, JK Shah Classes, and Aldine CA offer specialized coaching for CA and CMA exams.

These institutions provide quality education, experienced faculty, and resources to help students excel in their accounting and clerical careers.

Fees

The fees for courses and certifications to become an accountant or clerk in India can vary widely depending on the type of institution and the level of the course. Here’s a general overview:

Diploma Courses:
- Government Institutes: INR 5,000 to INR 20,000 per year.
- Private Institutes: INR 20,000 to INR 50,000 per year.
Bachelor's Degree (B.Com):
- Government Colleges: INR 5,000 to INR 15,000 per year.
- Private Colleges: INR 20,000 to INR 1,00,000 per year.
Professional Certifications:
- CAT (Certified Accounting Technician): INR 10,000 to INR 20,000 for coaching and exam fees.
- CA (Chartered Accountancy): INR 70,000 to INR 1,50,000 for the entire course, including registration, exams, and coaching.
- CMA (Cost and Management Accountant): INR 50,000 to INR 1,20,000 for the entire course.
Master's Degree (M.Com, MBA):
- Government Universities: INR 10,000 to INR 30,000 per year.
- Private Universities/Business Schools: INR 1,00,000 to INR 5,00,000 per year.

These fees are approximate and can vary. It’s essential to check the specific fee structure of the respective institutions and courses.

To excel as an accountant or clerk, several exams and certifications can significantly boost your career prospects. Here’s a breakdown of relevant exams:

For Entry-Level Positions:
- Basic Computer Skills Certification: Exams that validate proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word) are beneficial.
- Accounting Software Certification: Tally, SAP, or other accounting software certifications demonstrate practical skills.
For Professional Advancement:
- Certified Accounting Technician (CAT): Conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), this certification is a stepping stone to becoming a Chartered Accountant.
- Chartered Accountancy (CA): A prestigious certification in India, offered by ICAI. It involves clearing the Common Proficiency Test (CPT), Integrated Professional Competence Course (IPCC), and the CA Final exam.
- Cost and Management Accountant (CMA): Offered by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI), focusing on cost accounting and management accounting.
For Higher Education and Specialization:
- Entrance Exams for Master's Programs: Exams like CAT, MAT, or GMAT for MBA in Finance or related fields.
- UGC-NET: For those interested in teaching or research positions in accounting and finance.

Preparing for these exams involves a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and consistent effort. Coaching classes, self-study, and mock tests are valuable resources for exam preparation.

Exam Name	Exam Date

Course Name	Average Fee
B.Com	₹60,000
M.Com	₹80,000
M.Com Commerce and Business Management	₹60,000
M.Com Finance and Taxation	₹60,000
M.Com Accounting and Financial Management	₹80,000
M.Com Business Economics	₹80,000
M.Com Banking and Insurance	₹80,000
M.Com Business Management	₹80,000
M.Com Business Policy and Corporate Governance	₹80,000
B.Com Accounting and Finance	₹60,000
B.Com Industry Integrated	₹60,000
B.Com Information System and Management	₹60,000
B.Com International Business and Finance	₹70,000
B.Com Corporate Secretaryship	₹60,000
B.Com Accountancy and Finance Major	₹60,000
B.Com Hons	₹60,000
B.Com Hons Applied Finance KCAP in Collaboration with KPMG	₹3,00,000
B.Com Hons Banking and Finance	₹6,00,000
B.Com Hons Business Analytics in collaboration with EY	₹80,000
B.Com Hons Capital Markets Practice in Collaboration with Bombay Stock Exchange	₹60,000