10 Best Job Prospects after M.Com

Chartered Accountant

A Chartered Accountant, commonly known as a CA, is a sought-after career path following M.Com. CAs oversee the management of financial reports within businesses. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) regulates this profession. Despite requiring dedicated preparation, one can pursue this program even after completing high school. The core responsibilities of a Chartered accountant include:

• Budgeting: CAs take charge of crafting and managing financial budgets and statements, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and financial goals are met.

• Auditing: They also delve into the intricacies of business financial documents and account ledgers, conducting thorough evaluations to ensure accuracy, compliance, and transparency.

• Taxation: With a keen eye on tax regulations, CAs handle tax returns, navigate tax assessments, and offer comprehensive advice to clients, ensuring they navigate the complex landscape of taxation with confidence.

• Accounting: At the heart of financial management, CAs oversee the meticulous management of financial records, ensuring that accounting practices are in line with regulations, and preparing vital account information for informed decision-making.

• Leadership: They take on leadership roles within the accounting department, spearheading all accounting activities within the business. They provide guidance, oversee compliance, and manage a team of accountants to ensure seamless operations.

To become a CA, one must pass three stages:  Foundation, intermediate and Final. Subsequently, a 2.5-year Internship is mandatory to practice professionally. Upon attaining the CA designation, the average salary typically ranges from 7 to 12 lakhs per annum.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a skilled financial professional who is qualified to offer accounting services to the public. They have deep knowledge of accounting principles and rules, allowing them to handle complex financial matters and ensure that everything follows the right standards.

Here are the main things CPAs do:

• Preparing and Analyzing Financial Reports: CPAs organize and update financial records, both in digital and paper formats. They create and study reports on financial transactions to make sure they’re accurate and follow the rules.

• Auditing and Accuracy: CPAs regularly do detailed audits to check that financial documents, spending, and investments are correct. They also keep an eye on ledger reconciliation and take part in making budgets.

• Forecasting Revenue: They help organizations predict how much money they’ll make in the future. This helps businesses plan ahead.

• Providing Valuable Insights: CPAs make sure that an organization’s finances are healthy and give advice to help with making good decisions.

• Compliance and Legal Accuracy: CPAs make sure that everything follows the laws and rules about accounting. They help with making sure financial reports are accurate, which is important for legal and rule-following reasons.

While some may confuse CAs with CPAs, they are distinct. Not all accountants hold the CPA designation, but every CPA is an accountant. The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) grants this designation. As a CPA, one can expect to earn around 6.8 to 7 lakhs per annum, as per Payscale.

Company Secretary

If you’re considering your options after completing your M.com to find good job opportunities, becoming a Company Secretary (CS) could be a promising path. A Company Secretary plays a crucial role in ensuring legal compliance and meeting regulatory requirements for both public and private sector companies. Company secretary has some crucial responsibilities in company include:

• Legal Compliance: A Company Secretary (CS) holds the duty of upholding the company’s financial records, auditing tax returns, and ensuring adherence to statutory regulations.

• Corporate Governance: A CS takes charge of formulating company policies and procedures while advising the board on matters of corporate governance.

• Business Planning: As part of their role, a Company Secretary (CS) focuses on optimizing office workflows and providing support to colleagues and managers. Additionally, they manage legal aspects such as tax returns, audits, and financial data for the company.

• Record Keeping: A CS maintains all legal documents of the company, including meeting minutes, resolutions, contracts, and regulatory filings.

In India, Company Secretaries usually make around ₹7,50,000 per year on average. They might also get extra cash, with an average of about ₹1,00,000 more. The extra money can range from ₹77,105 to ₹3,00,000, as per Glassdoor.

Financial Risk Manager (FRM)

A Financial Risk Manager (FRM) is a professional who identifies and analyzes the potential threats to the assets, earning capacity, or success of a business or organization. FRMs work in various sectors, such as financial services, banking, insurance, accounting, or asset management. They may specialize in different areas of risk, such as market, credit, operational, or regulatory risk.

Some of the typical responsibilities of a FRM include:

• Analyzing and evaluating financial data, economic trends, and other factors that could affect the organization’s performance or reputation

• Developing and implementing strategies, policies, and procedures to mitigate or reduce the exposure to various types of risk

• Monitoring and reporting on the organization’s risk profile and compliance with internal and external regulations and standards

• Advising and collaborating with senior management, business units, and other stakeholders on risk-related issues and decisions

In India, a Financial Risk Manager usually earns around Rs. 75,000 per month on average. (Source: Glassdoor).

Investment Banker

Investment bankers are skilled professionals in the financial industry, blending expertise in finance, analytical abilities, and persuasive communication skills. They assist institutional clients in various activities like raising capital and handling mergers and acquisitions. Their services cater to a wide spectrum of clients, from startups to established companies and even governments. Whether employed by an investment bank or within a company’s investment banking division, they play a vital role in driving the financial growth and development of businesses, organizations, and other corporate entities.

The Role of an Investment Banker:

• Capital Raising: Investment bankers specialize in helping businesses, governments, and other entities raise capital. This can involve issuing debt instruments like bonds or selling equity through shares.

• Financial Advisory: They offer financial consultancy services, guiding clients through complex processes such as mergers and acquisitions, bond offerings, and stock transactions.

• Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Investment bankers play a crucial role in facilitating M&A transactions. This includes identifying potential targets, valuing companies, negotiating deals, and ensuring smooth transitions.

• Market Trends Analysis: Keeping abreast of market trends, economic indicators, and industry developments is vital. Investment bankers analyze data to provide insights and make informed decisions.

• Legal and Financial Documentation: Investment bankers are responsible for preparing legal and financial documents related to transactions, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Risk Assessment: They evaluate the risks associated with investments and provide advice to clients on risk management strategies.

The average annual salary for an Investment Banker in India is ₹16,73,296. On top of this, the average additional cash compensation amounts to ₹6,00,000 per year, with a range spanning from ₹1,80,000 to ₹18,50,000. (Source: Glassdoor)

Cost and Management Accounting (CMA)

A Cost and Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional who helps businesses figure out how much their products or services cost to make, set prices for them, and make sure that all the costs are recorded properly for taxes. They also help businesses plan their budgets and control their spending to avoid going over budget. CMAs can predict how much a project will cost before it even starts.

In India, to become a CMA, you need to pass three exams held by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI). These exams are called the CMA Foundation, CMA Intermediate, and CMA Final levels. If you have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, you can skip the Foundation level and start directly at the Intermediate level.

Major Responsibilities of CMAs include:

• Finding ways to cut costs and figuring out the best prices for products to make sure the company makes good profits.

• Making reports about how much it should cost to make products, keeping an eye on how much stuff the company has in stock, comparing costs, analyzing product costs, keeping track of differences, and recording financial transactions.

• Working with other departments to make sure budgets are accurate and that the company can predict future costs.

• Giving advice and help to senior managers, different parts of the company, and others involved in making decisions about costs.

The average annual salary for Cost and Management Accountants in India is estimated to be around 7 lakhs, according to data collected from professionals in this field. (Source: Ambitionbox)

Teaching and Research

If you’re keen on exploring the diverse aspects of commerce and business, pursuing a doctorate in one of these fields could be an excellent option. Common fields for doctoral studies include finance, operations research, and human resource management. After completing your Master of Commerce (MCom), there are several rewarding career paths you can explore, especially in the fields of teaching and research. Here are some of the teaching and research careers you can explore:

Teaching Career:

1. Assistant Professor: With an MCom degree, you can pursue a teaching career in colleges and universities. Becoming an assistant professor allows you to impart knowledge to students, conduct research, and contribute to academic institutions.

2. Lecturer: Similar to an assistant professor, a lecturer primarily focuses on teaching. You can specialize in subjects related to commerce, finance, accounting, or economics.

3. Private Coaching and Tuitions: If you prefer a more personalized teaching approach, you can offer private coaching or tuitions to students preparing for commerce-related exams.

Research Opportunities:

1. Ph.D. in Commerce: MCom opens doors for advanced studies like a Ph.D. in Commerce. Pursuing a Ph.D. enables you to delve deeper into research, contribute to academic literature, and become an expert in specific areas of commerce.

2. Research Associate: Work with research organizations, think tanks, or universities as a research associate. You’ll be involved in data analysis, literature reviews, and contributing to research projects.

3. Industry Research Analyst: Many companies hire research analysts to study market trends, financial data, and industry-specific information. Your MCom background equips you with the necessary skills for such roles.

Insurance Advisor

An insurance advisor, also referred to as an insurance agent or consultant is a seasoned professional offering guidance and recommendations regarding insurance matters. These advisors may operate independently or be affiliated with an insurance company, assisting both individuals and businesses in understanding and manoeuvring through the intricate landscape of insurance. Some major responsibilities of an insurance advisor are:

• Understanding Needs: Insurance advisors assess clients’ financial status, lifestyles, and risk factors to determine their insurance requirements. They then suggest suitable insurance products to meet these needs.

• Product Guidance: Advisors elucidate the characteristics, advantages, and limitations of different insurance policies. Whether it pertains to life, health, motor, or other types of insurance, they assist clients in selecting the most appropriate option.

• Claim Assistance: In the event of insurance claims, advisors provide support throughout the process. They assist clients in completing required paperwork accurately and coordinate with insurers to ensure timely claim processing.

Entrepreneurship after M.Com

Starting a business after M.Com also lets people take advantage of new trends in the market, use new technology, and meet the changing needs of customers. Now, with the internet and online shopping, it’s easier for new entrepreneurs to get started with less money. Plus, M.Com covers lots of different areas, so individuals have skills they can use in many kinds of businesses. This means they can try different things and adjust to changes in the market. Through entrepreneurship, M.Com degree holders can help the economy grow, create more jobs, and make life better for everyone, all while achieving their dreams of running successful businesses.