If you're thinking about your career after 12th grade and are interested in finance, business, and numbers, then it would make sense to choose a career as an accountant. Accountants are an integral part of nearly every business, from local shops to global enterprises. This document contains the essential information you require to have a successful career as an accountant in India—the accountant’s profile, responsibilities, necessary skills, compensation, education, examinations, and all directions to complete the profession.
Who's an accountant?
An accountant is a finance professional in charge of collecting, maintaining, and analyzing financial information; preparing financial statements; conducting account audits; making sure all financial and business legislation is followed; and aiding the business in more informed financial choices. They are needed for every company's finance department.
What Does an Accountant's Job Profile Look Like?
An accountant can find a job in the:
•Private Sector
•Public Sector
•CA Firms
•Banks
•Financial Services
•Start-ups and Large Corporations
•Manufacturing and Service Industries
They are in charge of all duties involving financial statements as they pertain to reporting, responsibilities, compliance, enforcement, and financial records management.
Primary Functions and Obligations of an Accountant
Major responsibilities of accountants include the following:
1. Office Bookkeeping and Accounting
- Daily financial payments and collections
- Ledgers, journals, and vouchers
2. Preparation of Financial Statements
- Financial Statements
- Income Statements
- Cash Flow Statements
3. Tax Preparation
- Filing of GST
- Completing TDS
- Preparation of Income Tax Returns
- Tax compliance verification
4. Internal Audit
- Verification of financial detail
- Prevention of fraud and errors
5. Preparation of Budgets and Financial Forecasting
- Preparation of financial budgets
- Tracking of the financial spending of the organization
- Financial planning
6. Payroll Functions
- Processing of employee salaries
- Complying with PF and ESI
7. Payments to Vendors and Customers
- Subsidizing receivables and payables
8. Financial Guidance
- Cost analysis
- Reports on profit margins
- Assessment of investment opportunities
Requirements to Be a Successful Accountant
To be successful and productive in the field of accounting, an individual needs:
- To be analytically sound
- Have a proficient knowledge of accounting software like Tally or ERP
- Understanding of GST, TDS, and Income Tax
- Be detail-oriented
- Have the ability to approach problems with a pragmatic mindset
- Manage their time effectively
- Communicate well
- Be proficient in Excel and MS Office
- Display good work ethics
What Should Be the Stream After Class 12 to Become an Accountant?
An accountant is a profession that is determined by first choosing the correct stream after Class 12. The best stream after completing your 12th is Commerce. When selecting Commerce, you will learn about accounts, business studies, math, and economics, which is the perfect combination.
The foundational knowledge commerce students receive is core competencies in their respective expertise; they are the following:
• Accounting
• Finance
• Business
• Economics
• Taxation
Additionally, students who did science or arts during their 12th can also become accountants later on, should they choose the correct degree or certification within commerce.
There is also a variety of accounting-allied courses available.
1. B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce)
Duration: 3 years
This is the most selected degree in order to obtain accounting positions.
2. BBA (Finance/Accounting)
Duration: 3 years
3. M.Com (Master of Commerce)
Duration: 2 years
This is an advanced degree to obtain after graduation.
CA (Chartered Accountant)
CMA (Cost Management Accounting)
CS (Company Secretary)
There are many available diploma courses, including but not limited to:
• Diploma in Accounting and Finance.
• GST certification.
• Tally ERP/SAP FICO
• Financial Accounting Course
Exams Required to Become an Accountant in India
Several accounting roles don’t require an examination; however, there is an array of professional roles that do require you to get certified.
1. ICAI CA Examinations
• Foundation CA
• Intermediate CA
• Final CA
2. Examination for CMA (Indian Institute of Cost Accountants)
• Foundation CMA
• Intermediate CMA
• Final CMA
3. Exams for Government Accounting Positions
• SSC Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGL)
• State Government Examination for Accountants
• Public Sector Undertakings (PSU) Examination for Accounts Officer
Job Roles for Accountants
Upon completion of your course or degree, you are qualified for:
•Accounts Executive
• Assistant Manager-Accounts
• Auditor
• Finance Executive
• GST Accountant
• Junior Accountant
• Payroll Executive
• Tally Operator
• Tax Consultant
With a few years of experience, a few of the positions you can apply for are:
• Accounts Manager
• CFO (Chief Financial Officer)
• Finance Manager
• Financial Controller
• Senior Accountant
• Tax Analyst
Accountant's Salary (2025)
The salaries of accountants are different depending on a few factors, like experience levels, skills, and the company's size, which are stated below:
Freshers: â‚ą12,000-â‚ą18,000
1-3 years: â‚ą50,000-â‚ą100,000
3-5 years: â‚ą35,000 - â‚ą50,000
Accountants with a CA/CMA specialization are usually paid more and will earn much higher than the average salaries stated above.
Why Accounting as a Career?
· High demand in all sectors
· A career is a secure and stable one.
· There is a chance to progress.
· High pay.
· You may establish your own accounting firm.
· There are other options available in finance, banking, taxation, auditing, and management.
Complete Roadmap to Become an Accountant in India.
Step 1: Pursue commerce in 12th grade.
Step 2: Obtain a B.Com or BBA in Finance.
Step 3: Learn accounting software such as Tally and other tools like GST and Excel.
Step 4: Apply for internship opportunities.
Step 5: For enhanced career opportunities, opt for higher-level courses like CA or CMA.
Step 6: Apply for accounting roles in organizations or use job sites like Job Kosha.
Conclusion
A degree in accounting will get you a respected and steady job in one of the most highly sought-after professions in all of India. With the right qualifications and skills, you will be able to have a successful career in finance in almost any industry.
As one of India’s leading job providers, Job Kosha will be able to assist you in finding the job you need, no matter your experience level.
FAQ
Q1. What does being an accountant entail?
Being an accountant means you will be responsible for handling a company's financial records and ensuring that all its financial data is accurate and that the company is compliant with the law.
Q2. As an accountant, what is my job?
As an accountant, you will be responsible for completing payroll, preparing a company’s financial statements, and preparing budgets, as well as other tasks that involve financial planning, record keeping, auditing, and planning.
Q3. What subject can I study in class 12 if I want to be an accountant?
You can study commerce. By studying commerce, you will be able to learn accounting, business, finance, and other topics that will give you a better understanding of the field.
Q4. Do I have to study commerce if I want to be an accountant?
There is no such restriction. If you have studied in the science or arts streams, you can still become an accountant if you choose to do a degree in B.Com. You can also become an accountant through accounting diplomas and other professional courses, such as CA or CMA.
Q5. What courses can you take to become an accountant?
Some of the courses are
• B.Com
• BBA (Finance/Accounting)
• M.Com
• CA (Chartered Accountant)
• CMA
• CS
• Diploma in Accounting & Finance
• Courses on Tally, GST, SAP, and ERP
Q6: Is CA a must for becoming an accountant?
No, CA is not a requirement. Accounting can be pursued with a B.Com, Tally/GST certification, and an internship. CA is only for higher positions.
Q7. What are the skills needed to become an accountant?
Some skills needed are
• Accounting knowledge
• Knowledge of GST and TDS
• Tally/ERP
• Excel
• Good analytical & numerical skills
• Attention to detail
• Basics of auditing and taxation
Q8. Is accounting a good profession to pursue in India?
Yes. Accounting is a very stable profession and is also in huge demand. Accountants are needed in every organization for financial management, compliance, and making business decisions.
Q9. As a fresher, can you get an accountant job?
Yes. Companies hire junior accountants, Tally operators, and accounts executives with very basic accounting knowledge and practical skills.
Q10. Is knowledge of GST essential for accounting jobs?
Yes. Knowledge in GST, TDS, and income tax is essential for most accounting jobs these days.
