CA vs CS: Everyone wishes to have the best career which has great career opportunities, a good salary, and a good job profile as well. If you are on your way to choosing the best career in the commerce stream then here you go. There are a lot of career opportunities for commerce stream students. If you also think CA vs CS is better, then go through the blog to know the brief comparison. We have listed out differences between the two i.e., Chartered Accountant or Company Secretary to make your decision easier.
What is a CA (Chartered Accountant)?
You might know that CA is the most reputed course in the commerce stream. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), which is the second largest accounting body throughout the world, is the only authority to give the CA degree and conduct the exam.
Chartered Accountants (CA) is well known for earning high incentives in the corporate world and also held responsible for handling the financial and legal matters of the company. The profession is challenging because a CA is always required to update himself with the amended laws and case studies. A person who is an expert in CA is aware of various domains such as accounting, auditing, taxation, finance, and corporate laws. He/she is eligible to get appointed on various job profiles such as Internal Auditor, Portfolio Management, Finance Advisor, etc.
What is a CS (Company Secretary)?
Company Secretary is another reputed course in the commerce stream. It is comparatively a less tougher examination as compared to CA. The CS course is conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and offers a CS degree.
The Company Secretary (CS) is also an equally good professional option for commerce and other graduates alike. There are immense opportunities and scope for CS professionals in the field of the private sector, public sector, banks, stock exchanges, law firms, and other financial institutions.
A Brief Comparison Between CA vs CS
Below is the table consisting of a detailed comparison between CA vs CS. Go through the table to know in detail.
| Parameter | CA | CS |
| Course Structure | CA course is divided into three levels
along with three years of practical training. One can enroll for the entrance examination of the CA Foundation after qualifying 12th standard. |
CS is also divided into three levels
One can take up the CS Foundation programme after completion of 10+2 or equivalent. |
| Duration | The total duration of the CA Course is a minimum of 4.5 years including 3 years of articleship training. | The total duration of the CS course is a minimum of 2.5 years. |
| Job Profile | A CA can work on multiple Job Profiles such as –
|
A CS can be appointed in the following job profiles
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| Average Salary | A fresher Chartered Accountant can be offered an average salary of 6-7 lakhs which increases with experience and ability. However, the candidates who passed out in the first attempt are usually offered 10-12 lakhs and Rank Holders gets to offer up to 25 lakhs. | A fresher Company Secretary can earn up to 3-5 lakhs per annum. Based on the rank and marks, the salary might increase. |
| Expertise | A CA needs to have a lot of Quantitative ability. A CA must be accurate in numbers. | A CS needs to have a Qualitative approach to his/her career. CS should be good in law and management. |
| Authority | A CA can be a lawyer in favor of the client. | But, a CA doesn’t have the authority to defend his client or represent him in any case. |
| Hiring Priority | CA’s are mainly hired by audit and consulting firms and firms with global repute. | CS’s are being hired by public enterprises and government organizations. |
| Pass Percentage |
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Major Differences Between CA and CS
There are Some major differences between CA and CS
Expertise
- Chartered Accountant needs more Quantitative Ability than Qualitative Ability whereas Company Secretary need more Qualitative Ability
- CA Should be Good at Analytical Skills and Numbers
- CA needs more Accuracy with Numbers and there is shouldn’t be a place for Errors Also be able to handle Pressure
- CS should have Very Excellent Communication and Knowledge of Law and Management is a must.
Authority
CA can Defend His/her Client and Act as a lawyer when Necessary, but CS Doesn’t have such Authority.
Focus
- The main focus for the CA Course is Quantitative Aptitude and accounting, where as the CS Course focus will be on Qualitative ability, Corporate Law, and Communication
- CA Comprises of Various Subjects of Accounting whereas CS is more of Soft Skills and Technical Skills
Hiring Priority
- CA’s are hired by Audit and Consulting firms, whereas Public Organizations and Government bodies will Hire Company Secretary
- CA and CS will be hired by other Industries as Well
CA vs CS Salary in India
- CA Gets more Salary than CS, most of the Companies Prefer CA’s and It has more Career Opportunities
- CA Freshers will get a salary of 6-7 LPA but CS Freshers will get 3-5 LPA
- The salary Percentage of Both CS and CA Increases as with Experience, talent, and Work
Thus, it depends upon the interest of the candidate. You can opt for any one of the both between CA vs CS. Remember to choose the best career out of both based on your interests. You can excel in CS Exams with a wide range of CS Preparation Books available for all three levels. Choose the best career among CA vs CS.
FAQs On CA (Chartered Accountant) vs CS (Company Secretary)
Is CS easier than CA?
While difficulty level for the two courses differs based on the individual background. CS is considered easier in comparison to CA. CS is more theory-based while CA is more maths-oriented.
What is better CA vs CS?
Both professions are some of the most sought-after programs in India. Based on one’s preference, skills, and competency you can decide between CA vs CS.
What is the salary of CS?
The starting salary of a Company Secretary is somewhere between 3 to 4 lakhs per annum while the average salary is 5 to 6 Lakhs in India.
Can a CS become CEO?
Yes, a CS can progress in the company and get the job of a CEO.