Top 10 Short Term Courses For Commerce Students

Finance forms the backbone of any business, whether a well-established company or a start-up. Be it buying assets and raw materials or even funding projects, a company’s finances will determine the success of all business operations. Managing finances, therefore, becomes crucial for any organisation. Companies in India and abroad hire finance professionals, and the demand for finance experts is only rising. But how do you prepare for a rewarding career in finance? You can start a career in finance at any time and age if you know what to do, how to do it, and where to do it.

Whether you have passed class 12, are still pursuing graduation, or are probably working, taking one of the best finance courses in India is the first step towards developing a career in the financial sphere. Read further to get information on the 10 best finance courses in India and the prospects they offer.

Courses on Portfolio Management and Investment Analysis

1. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

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 are inclined toward investment management.

• Duration: The duration of this course is about 2-3 years.
• Eligibility criteria: Students with two years remaining in their undergraduate studies are now eligible to register for the Level I exam.
• Salary: CFA salary in India is INR 12 – 18 LPA.
• Job roles: The job profiles of CFA are Portfolio Manager, Research Analyst, Risk Manager, Corporate Financial Analyst, and Investment Banking Analyst.
• Hiring companies: KPMG, Deloitte, Motilal Oswal, Morgan Stanley, and others.

2. Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA)

Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) is one of the best certification courses, which has a great reputation in the finance industry, especially for alternative investment professionals. This course provides specialised knowledge and skills to analyse, manage, and advise on alternative investment opportunities.

• Duration: The CAIA program is approximately 12 to 18 months, consisting of two levels of examinations.

• Eligibility criteria: Candidates should be bachelor’s degree holders from a recognised college or university or possess appropriate professional experience in the finance industry.

• Salary: CAIA charter holders command lucrative salary packages and can expect their earnings to range from INR 8 LPA to 20 LPA or more in India.

• Job roles: Some of the common jobs for charter holders of CAIA include Alternative Investment Analyst, Hedge Fund Manager, Private Equity Analyst, Portfolio Manager, Risk Manager, and Investment Consultant.

• Companies hiring: Some of the large hiring companies are Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, BlackRock, Bridgewater Associates, KKR, and McKinsey & Company.

3. Financial Modeling & Valuations

Financial Modeling & Valuations is the best-known industry certification, which will give you concrete knowledge about financial modelling and techniques of valuation. Beginning your journey through Financial Modeling & Valuations certification will not only make you more analytical with better financial skills but also offer excellent career opportunities and high earning potential in finance.

• Duration: It is usually around 3 to 6 months in duration, covering comprehensive training and practical experience.

• Eligibility criteria: Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognised college or university, preferably in finance, accounting, economics, or related fields.

• Salary: Individuals with expertise in this field can command attractive salaries, ranging from INR 8 LPA to 30 LPA or more in India.

• Job titles: The most common job titles include Financial Analyst, Investment Analyst, Equity Research Analyst, Investment Banker, Corporate Finance Manager, and Valuation Specialist.

• Recruiting companies: These are firms such as Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, J.P. Morgan, and McKinsey & Company that always look to recruit into their ranks experts in financial modelling and valuations.

Courses on Risk Management

1. Financial Risk Manager (FRM)

US-based Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) offers the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) certification. Risk management professionals are primarily involved in analysing and controlling potential liquidity, credit, and market risks.

• Duration: The duration of the course ranges from 2-3 years.

• Eligibility criteria: A bachelor’s degree and two years of relevant work experience are the eligibility criteria for this course.

• Salary: The average salary of an FRM is in the range of INR 6–9 LPA.

• Job roles: The FRM course provides several job opportunities relating to risks and trading, structuring, and related areas.

• Hiring companies: Companies that hire FRMs include Amazon, Deloitte, Paypal, and American Express.

2. Professional Risk Manager (PRM)

PRM (Professional Risk Manager) is an elite certification course with wide recognition in the financial sector, and it is suited to professionals looking to become specialist risk managers. It allows the students to have greater knowledge and skills required in identifying, assessing, and eliminating risk opportunities related to finance in different fields.

• Duration: The duration of the PRM course will be 6-9 months with intense training followed by exams.

• Eligibility criteria: Individuals should possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, college, or university or possess relevant professional certificates sanctioned by the Professional Risk Managers’ International Association (PRMIA).

• Salary: The average salary for a PRM-certified professional in India is INR 8-35 LPA.

• Job Positions: Acquisition of the PRM qualification enhances the qualification of a holder for different job positions relating to risk management. Some of them include Risk Manager, Credit Risk Analyst, Market Risk Analyst, Operational Risk Manager, Financial Risk Analyst, and Compliance Officer.

• Hiring organisations: Companies such as Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, BlackRock, Deloitte, and PwC hire PRM-qualified professionals for significant key risk management positions.

Courses on Financial Planning and Wealth Management

1. Chartered Financial Planner (CFP)

Chartered Financial Planner (CFP) is one of the most respected international professional courses. This program is offered by the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB). Finance enthusiasts choose this course because of the scope of growth in the market. Chartered financial planning deals with concepts like risk analysis, financial planning, insurance planning, budgeting, financial modelling, and tax planning.

• Duration: The duration of the course ranges from 6-24 months.
• Eligibility criteria: CFP is one of the best finance courses in India after the 12th. To be eligible for this course, candidates should have qualified for their 10+2 examination.
• Salary: The salary of a Financial Planner is INR 5-9 LPA.
• Job roles: The CFP certification opens various job opportunities with profiles such as Portfolio Manager, Tax Planner, Risk Analyst, Debt Management Specialist, Financial Advisor, and Mutual Fund Advisor.
• Hiring companies: Companies like NBFCs, AMCs, ICICI, Chartered Bank, RBI, JP Morgan, and Visa engage CFPs.

2. NISM and NCFM Certifications

NISM (National Institute of Securities Markets) and NCFM (NSE’s Certification in Financial Markets) certifications are recognised and respected certifications in the financial sector, intended to train professionals in the niche knowledge and expertise required for successful manoeuvring of the financial markets.

• Duration: The duration of the NISM and NCFM certification courses differs from one certification to another. For example, it may be for a few days to months.

• Eligibility criteria: Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from any recognised college or university or relevant professional experience in the financial industry to seek NISM and NCFM certifications.

• Salary: The average salary for holding these certifications in India is between INR 4 – 20 LPA.

• Job Roles: NISM and NCFM qualifications lead to opportunities in positions such as a Stockbroker, Investment Analyst, Equity Research Analyst, Mutual Fund Manager, Risk Analyst, Compliance Officer, and Financial Advisor.

• Hiring companies: Major financial institutions, broking firms, asset management companies, investment banks, and regulatory bodies hire NISM and NCFM graduates. Most of the top organisations, like HDFC Bank, ICICI Securities, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Axis Securities, are on the lookout for people with certifications in NISM and NCFM.

Courses on Accounting, Auditing, and Financial Control

1. Certified Management Accounting (CMA)

Certified Management Accounting (CMA) is a prestigious certification course with global acceptance. This course is apt for students interested in planning, budgeting, and forecasting decisions for companies. While CMA is offered in the US, CIMA is conducted by the UK-based Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

• Duration: The duration of the course ranges from 6-9 months.
• Eligibility criteria: A candidate having a bachelor’s degree from a recognised college or university or IMA-approved professional certification is eligible for this course.
• Salary: The average salary of a CMA is 6.5 LPA in India, which will rise exponentially with experience.
• Job profiles: CMA certification is qualified in a variety of job profiles such as Financial Manager, Financial Risk Manager, Cost Accountant, Cost Advisor, and others.
• Employment companies: L&T, Capgemini, Haier, and others.

2. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a globally recognised certification course for those who want to master accounting and financial management skills. This course is recommended for students who want to achieve expertise in financial planning, analysis, and decision-making for organisations.

• Duration: The duration of the CPA course is usually 18 to 24 months.

• Eligibility criteria: Bachelor’s degree from renowned colleges/universities.

• Salary: The average salary of CPAs working in India ranges from INR 8 LPA to 18 LPA or more, along with experience specialisation and an industry requirement.

• Job positions: The CPA certification helps an individual qualify for job positions in accounting, finance, and auditing. Some of the job positions include a Certified Public Accountant, Financial Controller, Auditor, Tax Consultant, Financial Analyst, and Compliance Officer.

• Companies hiring: Key hiring companies include Deloitte, PwC, Ernst & Young, KPMG, and JP Morgan, which hire CPAs for key positions in accounting, auditing, and financial management.

3. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)

International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is a well-known course of certification offered worldwide for those who aspire to gain knowledge of financial reporting and accounting standardisation. This course is designed for working professionals who want to master international financial reporting standards and advance in their careers as accounting and finance professionals.

• Duration: The IFRS course usually runs for 3-6 months.

• Eligibility criteria: IFRS certification requires that candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognised college or university. Other eligibility criteria include relevant professional experience in accounting or finance with good knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting frameworks.

• Average Salary: The average salary of an IFRS certification holder in India varies from INR 8 LPA to 17 LPA.

• Job roles: Financial Accountant, Auditor, Financial Controller, Reporting Analyst, Compliance Officer, and Financial Consultant.

• Firms involved: It comprises top-of-the-range companies such as Deloitte, PwC, Ernst & Young, KPMG, and JP Morgan that recruit IFRS professionals into strategic roles in accounting advisory and financial reporting services.

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Wrapping up

Now that you have a fair idea about some of the best finance courses online and offline in India, it will become easier to determine which suits you best according to the interests of your career and life. All the courses discussed are in demand and recognised globally. Visit Zell Education for more information on globally recognised courses such as CFA, CMA, &  ACCA certification. 

FAQs on Finance Courses in India:

Which course is best for finance?

ACCA, CFA, CMA, and CA are among the top finance courses in India. But which is best depends entirely on your professional goals and interests.

What are the top 3 courses in finance?

Certified Management Accounting (US CMA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and PG in Investment Banking Operations are three of the best short-term courses for finance.

What is the best degree in finance?

The best and the most prestigious degree in finance is Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). While it’s tough to crack the CFA levels, it is worth the effort.

How do I choose a career in finance?

Start with weighing your interests and expertise and then research the finance courses that will help you enhance them.

Anant Bengani, brings expertise as a Chartered Accountant and a leading figure in finance and accounting education. He’s dedicated to empowering learners with the finest financial knowledge and skills.