The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, July 28: The demand for chartered accountants and cost accountants has always been there. But with ever-changing taxation policies, the requirement for these professionals is on the upswing.

A career in this field is not only prestigious, but also pays well in the long run. To pursue the courses, aspirants must contact the chapter offices of chartered accountancy (CA) and cost accountancy in Bhubaneswar.

Institutes

The regional centre for the east zone of both CA and costing is located in Calcutta. But information on the respective course as well as forms can be availed from the following institutes:

lInstitute of Chartered Accountants Of India (ICAI) Bhubaneswar chapter, which was set up by the Charted Accountants Act, 1949

lThe Institute Of Cost and Works Accountants of India (ICWAI) Cuttack-Bhubaneswar Chapter.

Eligibility

lFor chartered accountancy: The minimum qualification needed is Plus Two in any stream, but the aspirant has to take a Common Proficiency Test (CPT). Aspirants with a graduate degree in any discipline may also enrol for the Integrated Professional Competence Course (IPCC) provided the aggregate marks secured are 55 per cent for graduates in commerce and 60 per cent for graduates in non-commerce disciplines.

lFor cost accounting: For the foundation course, the minimum qualification is Plus Two and the aspirant should have completed 17 years of age on the date of admission.

lFor intermediate course: The minimum qualification for th course is graduation in any subject and the aspirant must have completed 18 years of age on the date of admission. The students who have cleared the foundation course are also eligible for the intermediate course.

Course fees

lChartered accountant: Rs 38,000, which includes Rs 6,000 for aspirants appearing for CPT examinations.

lCost accounting: Rs 3,600 for foundation course and Rs 19,800 for intermediate course.

Examination

lChartered accountancy: The CPT is held twice in a year — one in June and another in December. Examinations of IPCC are held twice a year — one in May and another in November.

lCost accounting: There are two examinations in year for cost accounting courses. One is in June and another in December.

Scope

According to B. Manoj Kumar Patro, chairman of the ICAI Bhubaneswar chapter, the possibilities in this sector are enormous as compared to other fields. “The tax system will always be there and hence the professionals of this sector will never be out of work,” he added. After completion of the course, one can work in private as well as the government sectors as a chartered accountant. One can also opt for independent professional practice. There are also jobs available in corporate governance, information technology services and audit.

Seniorspeak

Professionals who are continuing their courses advise juniors to put in an extra effort, as the final examinations are very tough.

“One must work really hard to get through the final examinations as they are very difficult to crack,” said Siddhartha Khatua, who recently cleared the final test.

Seniors also advise aspirants to develop their communication skills.

“Now, the scope of the courses is not limited to any state or country. One should pay extra attention to developing communication skills,” said Arbind Behera, who is preparing for his finals.