Manoj has just completed his 10+2 with the commerce stream, and like many others, he was happy and nervous about what to do next. He has always wanted to join a respected profession that challenges him and offers excellent career opportunities. When he searched, he found that CA and CS are the two best options for future growth.
He knows both professions are highly respected and offer a high salary, but he wasn’t sure which one was the best. Many questions come to his mind, like what is the difference between CA and CS? Which career can he pursue?
This blog can help many students like Manoj who are confused between CA and CS. We will discuss every possible aspect of both professions, like salary potential, their educational path, their roles and responsibilities, etc.
Who Is a CA?
A Chartered Accountant (CA) helps businesses manage their money, taxes, and financial records. A Chartered Accountant makes sure that companies follow the rules regarding money matters. CAs also help businesses plan how to save taxes and manage their finances better.
As a CA, your job would include checking financial records, helping with taxes, and advising on how to save or manage money. CAS can work in many industries, like banks or businesses, or even start a firm.
Becoming a CA is not an easy task. It involves qualifying for difficult exams and training under a CA for about 3 years. It takes time and effort, but it’s a promising career if you are dedicated and consistent toward your goal.
Who Is a CS?
A company secretary or CS is a professional who ensures that companies are following all the legal rules and regulations or not? They help businesses to obey the law and manage important documents like contracts and shareholder meetings. A CS also give legal advice to the company and the directors for their business growth.
As a Company Secretary, your main job is to handle the company’s legal paperwork, making sure the company follows all the rules, and helping the board of directors with legal advice. You would also arrange important meetings, prepare reports, and keep all company records up to date.
Becoming a CS is also a challenging task, but less stressful than becoming a CA. To become a CS, you must complete a course offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), which includes three levels: Foundation, Executive, and Professional. After passing the exams, you also need to do practical training.
CA Vs CS: What Is The Educational Path To Be One?
Chartered Accountant
Step 1: Start after the 12th
After passing 10+2, you must register for the CA Foundation course the ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India) offers. The foundation course is the entry-level exam.
Step 2: Clear the Foundation Exam
After passing the CA Foundation examination, you can now register for the next level, which is called the CA Intermediate course.
Step 3: Begin Articleship
After clearing either or both groups of CA Intermediate, you need to do 3 years of practical training called “articles,” where you have to work under a qualified CA during this time to gain practical experience.
Step 4: Appear for the CA Final
After completing your articleship and clearing both groups of Intermediate, you can take the CA Final exam.
Step 5: Now you are a Certified CA
After qualifying for the final level, you are officially a Chartered Accountant. You can then work in firms, start your practice, or take roles in finance and auditing.
Company Secretory
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
To begin the CS course, you must have qualified for 10+2 (any stream) from a recognised board. If you are a graduate in certain subjects like Commerce or Law, you can skip the foundation level and directly enter the Executive Programme.
Step 2: Register for the Foundation Programme
If you are starting after Class 12, you will first need to register for the Foundation Programme through the ICSI website.
Step 3: Pass the Foundation Exams
The Foundation Programme includes subjects:
- Business Environment & Law
- Business Economics
- Fundamentals of Accounting & Auditing
- Business Management, Ethics & Entrepreneurship
- Communication (English)
Step 4: Enrol in the Executive Programme
Once you pass the Foundation level, or if you’re eligible for direct entry after graduation, you can register for the CS Executive Programme. This level has two modules, which have a total of eight papers related to company law, taxation, accounting, and financial management.
Step 5: Complete Executive Training
After clearing the Executive Programme, you need to do a 15-month training under a practising Company Secretary or with a recognised company. This training gives you practical experience on how corporate laws are applied in real situations.
Step 6: Register for the Professional Programme
Once you have cleared both modules of the Executive level, you can register for the Professional Programme. This is the final academic stage of the CS course and covers advanced topics like governance, strategic management, and financial regulation.
Step 7: Pass the Professional Exams and Complete Final Training
After studying for the Professional Programme, you must pass all its papers. You are also required to complete another round of specialised training, which may include:
- In-office training
- Industry attachment
- Specialised courses as directed by ICSI
Step 8: Become a Member of ICSI
After completing all exams and training, you can apply for membership in ICSI. Once approved, you become an Associate Member (ACS), officially recognised as a Company Secretary in India.
Know about: How To Become A Company Secretary In India
CA Vs CS: Roles And Responsibilities
Chartered Accountant
- A professional CA helps businesses to keep their financial records managed and maintained, and makes sure everything is up to date.
- CAs assist businesses and individuals in planning their taxes, making sure everything is filed correctly and on time.
- A CA analyses and creates important documents, like income statements, balance sheets of a company, which show the company’s financial health.
- CAs guide businesses on how to manage their money wisely, give smart investment tips to grow their operations.
- A responsible for making sure the company is following all financial rules and regulations, so everything is legal and above board.
- CAs help businesses plan their expenditure and budget management to avoid financial risks.
Company Secretory
- A CS ensures the company follows all legal rules and regulations set by the government.
- They schedule board meetings, prepare agendas, record minutes, and ensure all procedures are followed correctly.
- The CS acts as a link between the company and government offices like the Registrar of Companies.
- CS are responsible for maintaining important company records, such as shareholder lists, legal documents, and meeting files.
- They give legal and business advice to the company’s directors whenever needed.
- A CS helps the company stay transparent, responsible, and fair in all operations.
- During mergers, partnerships, or changes in company structure, a CS helps with the legal process and paperwork.
Difference Between CA And CS
Below is the difference between CA and CS:
Aspect | Chartered Accountant (CA) | Company Secretary (CS) |
Main Focus | Finance, taxation, auditing, accounting | Corporate laws, compliance, governance, and legal matters |
Course Duration | Around 4.5 to 5 years (can vary) | Around 3 to 4 years (can vary) |
Eligibility After Graduation | Direct entry to the Intermediate level | Direct entry to the Executive level |
Examination Levels |
|
|
Exam Structure | Written exams with 3 levels, high difficulty | Written exams with 3 levels, moderate difficulty |
Key Subjects | Financial Reporting, Audit, Taxation, Law | Company Law, Securities Laws, Governance, Compliance |
Job Roles | Auditor, Tax Consultant, Financial Analyst, CFO | Legal Advisor, Corporate Planner, Company Secretary |
Popular Sectors | CA firms, private companies, government jobs, or self-practice | Corporate offices, law firms, consultancies, company boards |
Governing Body | Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) | Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) |
Growth Opportunities | Very high with experience; can become CFO or open CA firm | Good growth; can become Head of Legal or Company Secretary of MNCs |
CA vs CS Salary Comparison
Chartered Accountant
According to different data available on platforms like AmbitionBox and Glassdoor, the average salary of a Chartered Accountant (CA) in India can range from INR 10 LPA to INR 15 LPA, with a fresher in this field can easily get 8-6 LPA, which can increase with experience one will gain.
However, this figure can differ based on experience, location, specialisation, and organisation. For example, experienced CAs working in top-tier firms or high-demand industries like finance, taxation, or consulting can get higher salaries, often exceeding INR 20 lakh per year.
Company Secretory
The average salary for a Company Secretary (CS) in India can range from INR 4,00,000 to INR 7,00,000 per annum for freshers, and this salary can increase with your experience and responsibilities. In India, experienced CS professionals can earn between INR 18,00,000 to INR 48,00,000 or more per month.
Company Secretaries play an important role in managing legal and compliance matters, and that is why they are paid well. As compared to many other careers in finance or law, the salary for a Company Secretary is quite good.
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Final Thoughts
So now you know the difference between CA and CS. Both professions are respected and have a lot of responsibilities to take on, these professions are filled with a lot of challenges and offer great career growth.
Choosing one from CA and CS depends on your interests, strengths and career goals. If numbers, accounting and finance excite you, then CA can be the perfect path for you, but if you are interested in company law, corporate governance and legal compliance, then you can go for CS.
Before choosing any career path, take your own time to analyse the syllabus and duration of the course; this can help you to select a suitable profession for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 Which is better, CA or CS?
Ans: Both professions offer distinct career paths with strong potential for growth and fulfilment. CA is ideal for those with a passion for finance, accounting, auditing, and taxation, while CS is suited for those interested in corporate governance, compliance, and legal aspects of business.
Q.2 Is the CS exam tough?
Ans:Yes, the CS (Company Secretary) exam is generally considered challenging, particularly the Professional level. The exam requires a strong understanding of complex legal and financial concepts, and the syllabus is extensive.
Q.3 Which course is best for corporate governance and law?
Ans: CS is ideal for professionals interested in corporate governance, law, and compliance, offering expertise in company law and regulatory affairs.
Q.4 Which course has more job opportunities?
Ans:Both CA and CS courses offer excellent job opportunities, but CA might have a broader range of job prospects in finance and accounting.
Q.5 What are the main differences between CA and CS?
Ans:CA focuses on finance, accounting, and taxation, while CS focuses on corporate law, governance, and compliance.