Banking, Finance & Insurance

Hi Ranjini,
There are many emerging job oriented courses in the field of commerce that can help you in career growth like:
1. Certified Bank Manager Programme: A 2-year course covering the areas of banking and financial services, money, banking laws and regulations, treasury, credit, risk management and banking strategy. The course is offered by the Institute of Bank Management and Research (IBMR), Hyderabad.
2. Diploma in Banking & Services (DBFS): This is a post graduate 2-year Diploma course offered by the Institute Of Finance, Banking & Insurance (IFBI), Mumbai.
3. Certified Financial Planners: Certified course (6 months to 1 Year) is offered by various institutes including Financial Planning Academy (FPA), Mumbai, BLB Institute of Financial Markets (BIFM), Delhi/NCR, and Indian Institute of Financial Planning (IIFP), Mumbai. Graduates in any discipline are eligible for this course, along with undergraduates and working professional. A CFP certification with specialisation in financial planning, Insurance and Risk Management, Investment planning, Tax Planning offers great job opportunities for students.
4. Certificate Course in Project Finance: The certificate course in Project Finance is conducted by two institutes in India: Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF) and Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR). It provides advanced skills and practical knowledge in the field of project appraisal, lending, financing, etc.
5. CRISIL Certified Analyst Programme (CCAP): This is a two-year programme, combining coursework, job assignments and interactive seminars, is undertaken by CRISIL, the country leading Research, Ratings, Risk and Policy Advisory company. Graduates with at least 50% marks and qualifying CAT XAT or CRISIL Aptitude Test are eligible for the course. This course helps students to acquire exceptional financial and business skills.

Hi Srini, No, Bank jobs are not as tough as CA. If we talk about exam also, Bank PO is a competitive exam covering a variety of subjects and you need to work really hard to pass it. However, CA on the other hand is a rigorous course that usually takes 4.5 years to complete. It includes detailed knowledge of financial reporting, financial management, cost accounting, taxation, law and audit. Moreover, there is a need of compulsory 3 years article ship training. Apart from the work, you may have to take a separate tuition for each subject which you will have to manage before or after your office hours. So, in my opinion, CA is a lot tougher and chances of clearing all the exams in the first attempt are also less.

Hi Vishnu,
Company Secretary is a professional certification administered by The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). Company Secretary Course gives you knowledge and understanding of the modern practice in corporate financial and legal affairs. A company secretary acts as a vital link between the Company, the Board of Directors, shareholders and governmental and regulatory agencies. He is a compliance officer of the company as well as Corporate Planner and Strategic Manager. Apart from carrying out these functions he also looks after finance, accounts, legal, personnel and administrative functions. Company Secretary is required to handle matters related to central/state sales tax, excise laws, labor laws and corporate law. Company secretary has a great scope of employment in Private companies, consulting firms, financial institutions, banks, Department of company affairs and other regulatory bodies. The CFA course on the other hand is typically meant for graduates interested to build a career in financial analysis and investment management, professionals like Chartered Accountants, Cost Accountants and Company Secretaries, MBAs/PGDMs/PGDBAs or equivalent, executives working in investment industry and professionals in Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance sectors. Both professions are great as a career option and are very promising. Please read out the difference between the two that I have mentioned above and take a decision for yourself according to your interest.