Last updated on July 16th, 2024 at 04:47 pm
In the ocean of finance related courses, if you feel lost then I am here to simplify and help you decide on the best finance courses after graduation. Which also happen to be the top finance courses in India that you must pursue.
Finance Certification Courses Summary
| Name of Course | Rating | Cost | Recommendation |
| Post Graduate Diploma In Global Financial Markets | 4.8/5 | 6.92 Lacs | Low |
| CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) | 4.9/5 | 2 Lacs | Low |
| Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) | 4.9/5 | 5 Lacs | Average |
| Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) | 4.9/5 | 3 Lacs | High |
| Financial Modeling & Valuation | 4.9/5 | 15k | High |
| Certificate in Investment Banking Operations | 4.9/5 | 15k | High |
Finance Professional Certifications After Graduation
So let me first begin by introducing you to the list of finance courses which are more like a qualification than a course. The professional courses in finance that I will discuss are a great alternative to finance degrees in India.
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP)- For Personal Finance Career Path
This is the best financial certification course if you wish to work in the field of personal finance related career paths.
A unique 4 Level Program with Specialist Certification at each level, making it 4-in-1 Program. The CFP course is given by FPSB board of India, which is owned and controlled by FPSB Global from U.S. During the years of 2008 to 2013, CFP used to be a sought after desiganation to own, however the qualfication has failed to get real results in terms of jobs and actual financial planning work.
Now, CFP Syllabus is designed to give a person a flavour of CFA level III portfolio management directly. However, that being said it also means why not pursue CFA directly instead of CFP.
Course Insights:
So the CFP Program has different modules given below
Each specialist level exams is of 2hours and 75 minutes each . The exam is conducted by NSE
Eligibility Criteria
Any candidate who has passed class twelth can sit for the FPSB Exams.
Overall Recommendation
So, my overall recommendation remains neutral. Also, the reason is that since the knowledge gained doing CFP defintely helps in understanding financial planning, however it limits its use for other kinds of jobs in finance like investment banking.
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) : For Accounting & Finance
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a UK-based accounting body offering the ACCA qualification globally recognised in over 180 countries. Make sure you check out our list of best ACCA institutes in India !
ACCA is an on-demand course. Big firms like KPMG, Deloitte, PwC, EY, Grant Thorton and many companies actively hire ACCA candidates. So, this course has primarily gained traction in India, posing as an easy alternative to ICAI’s CA program.
However, that has been primarliy just marketing and some misselling happening from various education providers. In reality, ACCA is very similar to a good b.com graduation, which is proven by the kind of jobs it is able to garner for its candidates.
Eligibility criteria:
To be eligible for this course, candidates should have cleared their 10+2 examinations with a 65% aggregate in mathematics or accounts and English and a minimum of 50% in all other subjects.
You can check out our detailed article of exemptions for ACCA for CA article.
Recommendation
My recommendatio is again do it, only if you don’t have any other options left. Since, as an ACCA you really don’t get any statutory powers like auditing, or even starting to practice. So, the opportunities are very limited to only Accounting outsourcing jobs in India, which don’t really pay that great.
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): For Investment Banking
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is one of the most sought-after finance courses in India after graduation. The CFA course primarily deals with investment tools, asset valuation, portfolio management and many more. It is a go-to course for students who incline toward investment management. This is also counted as one of the best finance courses in the world. The program is provided and administered by CFA Institute U.S.
Eligibility criteria:
Students with two years remaining in their undergraduate studies are now eligible to register for Level I exam. You can check out our detailed article on CFA for more information.
Overall Recommendation
So, the recommendation for CFA would obviosly be high because, since the time it has been launched in India it has maintained its niche. Most of the the finance jobs in India, would reserve a special space for its premium quality and that makes it one of the best options for finance careers in the long term
Financial Risk Manager FRM
I have written extensively on the growth of risk management as an area of finance. Majorly after the 2008 banking crisis, managing risk in financial institution s has taken prime importance. FRM is provided by GARP U.S.
Eligibility:
The program has a very basic eligibility that you should be in your finanal year of graduation.
Overall Recommendation:
I would suggest FRM as one of the more relevant finance courses for working professional. I would highly recommend that a fresh graduate first pursue programs like CFA and then get into the more specialised finance exams in India like FRM. Along with the CFA program FRM tops the list at second place as the top finance course in the world.
Best Skill Related Certification in Finance and Accounts
So now let me change gears and cover the list of certification courses in finance which are more focussed towards interviews. These finance related certification courses that I will discuss are essential for entry into the finance sector.
Financial Modeling
So, financial modeling and valuation course is one of the best finance certifications to be pursued. This should fall under your bucket list of the most essential finance courses for finance students.
No one can think of joining the core finance jobs without having a solid grab of this skill. What makes it even better, is that it’s not that costly to pursue and can be done in 3 months time.
Financial Modeling is a 3 months certification course, with the following modules
- Advance excel
- Financial statement Analysis
- Quants
- Equity valuation
- Project finance
The course is entirely practical and can help in clearing the various interviews you give for core finance jobs.
Course Fees
As I said at the beginning that financial modeling course, is very easy on your pocket and one of those skills that you will always remember and apply all your life.
Overall recommendation
Overall highly recommended to be pursue right from your graduation days, and if you are already holding a graduate or post graduate degree, then sooner the better.
Certificate in Investment Banking Operations
So, this is the course which again completely focussed on finance placements in MNC investment banks. Now, MNC’s investments banks operating out of India, have large back office and middle office operations. This course prepares you for such interviews.
The CIBO course is spread accross 3 months duration and covers very specific modules like below
- Introdution to trade operations
- Financial markets
- Trade life cycle
- Settlement and risk mangement
- Excel
The course is again very easy on your pocket and the best part is it gives you a quick return on investment by providing you placment assistance.
Overall Recommendation
My overall recommendation would be for those, who are seriosly looking to start working in Investment banking MNC’s. This course is not a qualfication and less academic but more placement oriented.
Post Graduate Diploma In Global Financial Markets: BSE Institute
About This Finance Course in India
Post Graduate Diploma in Global Financial Markets is a 2 years postgraduate course offered by BSE Institute Ltd in collaboration with the University of Mumbai and Garware Institute of Career Education and Development. The financial markets arena is a constantly evolving field in which updated and specialized knowledge is required. This course is designed to give students in-depth knowledge of Global Financial Markets as well as hands-on experience in the Financial Markets industry which will not only open up numerous job opportunities but also aid them to prepare for a wide range of careers in financial markets around the world.
Course Insights :
This financial markets course begins with the very basics which form the core of finance, such as Financial Accounting, Business Statistics, Derivatives, Strategic Financial Management and Financial Statements and Fundamental Analysis. It eventually goes into highly advanced, specialized fields of study like Forex & Debt Markets, Financial Modelling, Investment Banking, Treasury & Risk Management and Securities Law.
Eligibilty Criteria:
- Student should have scored atleast 60% in their graduation.
- Graduates of any background from a recognized University can apply
- Working professionals can also apply
Overall Recommendation
So, the course is excessively priced at INR 6.92 Lacs, while the content itself looks very basic and no real promise of strong placements. At 6.92 Lacs, one can actually complete legitimate qualifications three times, if a person fails each level. Hence, at the moment I would not really recommend this course.
Conclusion
So, overall my top picks would be CFA and financial modeling as the best finance certification course in India. In case you are planning to build a long term core finance career in investment banking, project finance and equity research. Along side pursue financial modeling to get all of that knowledge converted to practice. Finally CIBO for those who don’t want to go that technical but want to quickly start working in MNC’s in IB operations process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which finance course is in demand?
In my opinion at the current situation, I have seen CFA to be the highest demanded professional certification programs. With close to around 60,000 candidates writing the CFA exam.
Which is the best finance courses in India?
In my opinion based on the 15 years experience with investment finance industry and business. I feel Financia modeling is something that is the best certification course in finance.
Which course is best for a finance graduate?
For finance graduate my recommendation is to pursue one of the following;
- CFA
- Financial modeling
- CPA
Majorly because these courses are more related towards employment.
How to choose the best finance course?
Choosing the right finance course can be challenging. Therefore, in order to make the right choice, it is important to consider your personal and professional goals, as well as the resources available to you.
Firstly, you need to thoroughly research the courses that are available. Look at course curriculums, prerequisites, and instructor experience. It can also be helpful to attend information sessions and speak with former students and employers who have experience with the course you are considering.
Next, identify the course that best fits your goals. Consider the topics covered in the course, the teaching methods, as well as the duration, cost, and location where the course is offered. Additionally, it is important to think about what kinds of job opportunities are available for graduates of the course you are considering and if the course can help you achieve your career goals.
Finally, look for reputable certificate or degree-granting organizations, such as universities and professional societies that offer industry-recognized credentials. This will help ensure that your time and money are well spent.
Which Are the Best Finance Certifications in India?
In India, several certifications can be done in the finance sector, such as
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification conducted by CFA Institute,
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification conducted by FPSB India,
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA) conducted by IMA USA,
- Chartered Accountant (CA from ICAI – The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India),
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) from IIA USA,
- Certified Cost Accountant (CMA/ACS) from ICMAI and
- Financial Risk Manager (FRM) conducted by Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP).
These certifications will help finance professionals gain a deeper understanding of financial concepts as well as create career opportunities in the finance sector. Moreover, a certified professional will also be able to assist the firm with innovative cost optimization techniques, investment strategies and portfolio analysis. The certifications also demonstrate their commitment to ongoing professional development and their decision-making capabilities in the financial management sector.
Which Are the Popular Finance Skills in Demand?
Popular finance skills in demand in India are:
- Data Analysis and Interpretation,
- Budget Creation and Forecasting,
- Financial Modelling,
- Working Capital Management,
- Financial Reporting,
- Risk Management,
- Accounting and Financial Software,
- Financial Statement Analysis,
- Treasury Management,
- Corporate Finance,
- Valuation, Financial Engineering, and
- Investor Relations.
It is also important to have good communication as well as presentation skills as finance is a people-driven industry. Professionals should be able to explain complex financial data to varied audiences including colleagues, clients and senior management. Knowledge of taxation, auditing and compliance is also important.
With the rise of digital technologies, professionals with knowledge of automation and analytics skills are in high demand. Technologies such as AI, machine learning, data mining and natural language processing are transforming the financial services sector, so technical knowledge in any one of these areas will be beneficial to help you stand out from the competition.
What Is the Average Salary for Finance Professionals In India?
There is no one definitive answer for the average salary for finance professionals in India since it depends on the individual’s level of experience, expertise, position and skills.
However, the average salary for a finance professional in India stands at INR 6,95,249 per annum, with possible bonuses and additional company benefits. Moreover, at the entry-level, the average salary would be much lower, and 9 to 10 years of experience can lead to an average salary of around INR 17 to 18 lakhs.
The finance sector offers lucrative job opportunities as well as excellent career growth. Professionals with experience as financial analysts, investment bankers, or financial risk managers can expect higher salaries. Those with knowledge in the field of AI-driven finance services, insurance and taxation can also look forward to higher salaries. Senior charter accounting professionals and those with CFA certification and experience in the stock market can also expect to get more than an average salary.
Which Are the Best Online Finance Courses in India?
The best online finance courses in India are offered by some of the top universities and professional certification bodies across the country. They offer a wide range of courses in banking, financial analysis, portfolio management as well as accounting practices, and more.
Some of the best online finance courses in India are:
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) from CFA Institute
- Chartered Accountant (CA) from The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
- Professional Diploma in Wealth Management Practice from the Indian Institute of Financial Planning (IIFP)
- Financial Risk Management (FRM) from GARP
These finance courses provide in-depth knowledge on various finance-related topics such as financial planning, asset diversification, debt management, and more. Moreover, the finance courses enable students to develop skills related to financial markets, banking and finance, and gain insights into dynamic financial theories, practices, and modelling techniques.
