Which is better: CA or CFA?

Hi, CA and CFA both are different courses and both own market value. So it is very difficult to say which is better. CFA focusses on investment management and covers topics in finance like corporate finance, ethics, equity investments and derivatives, fixed income while preparing you for careers in investment banking, research and portfolio management. CA focusses on Accounting, Taxation, and Auditing and prepares you for careers in budgeting, accounting & auditing, and management accounting. CFA is organized by The CFA Institute (American Based Institute), CA is organized by The Institution of Chartered Accountant of India (ICAI). CFA is a 3-year course and CA is a 4-year course. CFA Part I, II, III levels, In CA each of the levels is of 3 hour duration. It takes at least 4 years to complete CA including all of the three exam levels. CFA focuses on ethics, accounting, corporate finance, equity investments, fixed income and portfolio management, CA focuses on business environment and concepts, financial accounting and reporting, audit and attestation. CFA gives job in Investment banking, portfolio management and equity research and CA gives in public accounting, management accounting, government accounting and internal auditing. So it is totally up to you in which subject you are more interested and want to make your career.

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CFA as it is internationally acclaimed and also have a value in market.

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CFA is internationally accredited. It's PhD in finance and provides good job opportunities.

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For my opinion is CFA is better than CA.

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They are doors for different fields but they do compliment each other. CFA is more focused towards investment industry. It provides you an opportunity to enter into equity research, investment banking, Valuations, Merger and Aquisition etc. CA is more focused towards accounting in general. You can join any firm in corporate finance, FRA (Financial Reporting and Analysis), Treasury etc. CA is more prevalent than CFA. People usually pursue CFA along with an MBA or if their job demands it. If you plan to do an MBA then I suggest you should go for CFA. If not, then CA is a better option. Choose wisely!

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Hi, CA is a specialization in accounting, auditing, taxation, corporate laws, costing, etc. While on the other hand, CFA is a specialization related to finance (subjects like portfolio management, equity, fixed income, alternate investments, etc.). If you want to make your career in the area of accounting or auditing, CA is better than CFA. However, if you want to make my career in the area of investment banking or equity research, CFA is better than CA. Both the certifications are equally respected across the globe and are best in their field knowledge. Personal opinion: In the developed economies like US, UK or Australia where equity and debt markets are efficient and quite large in volume, CA and CFA both have an equal probability of securing a job. However, markets like India, Sri Lanka or other developing economies, CAs are given more preference than CFA for the initial jobs (speaking this by the experience). All the best.

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Dear Student, You cannot really compare both the professions as both are the best in their own ways. Talking about CA, I would say that it is comparatively easier than CFA but gives you ample opportunities and validates your signature. CFA gives you upper hand in fact most valued professional when it comes to financial markets. Talking about salary, yes, CFA earns more than CA as he is directly associated with securities market. Efforts- For qualifying CA and CFA exams, what one needs to do is regular studies and understand the basics in order to master higher ends problems. So, all the best for future. Whatever you choose, make a wise decision. All the very best. Good luck.

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