Chartered Accountant Salary in India

Chartered accountants (CAs) are financial professionals with specialized accounting skills.

CA is a highly demanding and respected job in India. As reported by NDTV, most CAs who participated in ICAI’s 58th campus placements got high-paying jobs where Indian companies offered salaries up to 23.70 lakhs per year.

As a result, CAs are valued by companies and have excellent earning potential, along with a promising career trajectory.

CA Roles and Responsibilities

• Oversee the duties of the accounting team
• Manage accounting systems and processes
• Prepare monthly financial reports
• Reconcile income statements
• Handle budget reports
• Detect and prevent fraud
• Provide financial advice
• Guide and advise clients on tax planning

Average Salary Of CA in India

A chartered accountant’s salary in India ranges from 7–14 lakhs per annum. And they have the choice to become

• a part of the Audit team
• a part of the Finance team
• a specialist officer in the Banking and Insurance sectors
• Start your practice or firm

India’s Chartered Accountant (CA) profession offers a dynamic and rewarding career path. CAs are essential in financial management, auditing, taxation, and advisory services.

The salary details for CA in India, considering different career stages according to ICAI, are:

Fresher

As a fresh CA, the average salary ranges from ₹4.5 lakh to ₹6 lakh per annum. According to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the average CA salary offered through campus placements has risen from ₹8 lakh to ₹11.50 lakh per annum in 2024.

Accomplished

With substantial experience, yearly raises, and promotions, an accomplished CA can earn anywhere from ₹80 lakh to ₹ 2 crore per annum. The scale of the company significantly influences CA salaries. Some CAs also start their practice after gaining relevant experience in reputed firms.

Highest

The highest recorded salary for a CA in India can reach up to ₹60 lakh per annum.
After a decade of experience, annual compensation for senior-level CAs can range from ₹30 lakh to ₹2 crore. For example, Bharti Airtel offers 12–22 lakhs to their senior CA.

CA Salary Based on Experience in India

The salary structure of CA is based on and can vary depending on individual skills, industry, and location. Hence, continuous learning and specialization remain essential for CA professionals seeking career advancement. The remuneration also depends on the nature and type of the job.

Note: CAs who have cleared the exams in their first attempt, get higher salary packages, starting at 12–13 lakhs per annum. However, the salary provided to a CA topper in India is INR 15 to 20 lakhs per annum.

CA Salary in India Based on Job Profile

CAs are highly sought-after professions, and their salaries can vary significantly depending on the specific job profile they choose. One with more experience, working in major cities and industries like investment banking, consulting, and technology, earns more.

Besides, factors like experience and specialization can also influence their earning potential. Let’s examine the salary structure according to their job title.

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CA Salary Based on Skills

Any CA will be paid more than others if they have analytical, compliance, and reporting skills.

Also, the typical salary for a CA with specific expertise in budget management, strategic accounting, management auditing, financial analysis, and management exceeds INR 8 lakhs.

The table below shows the salary of a CA in India in 2024 according to their level of expertise/skills.

CA Salary In India Based On the Major Cities

CA salaries in India climb alongside the cost of living and business activity. Major metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai offer the highest CA salaries due to the concentration of large BPOs, financial institutions, and multinational firms.

These cities can see average annual salaries exceeding ₹10 lakhs, with experienced CAs potentially earning upwards of ₹20 lakhs. Other cities, like Pune, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad, also boast attractive CA salaries, starting from ₹7 lakhs to ₹12 lakhs per annum.

Salary and Sources of CA in Corporates and Other Field

BIG 4 (EY, Deloitte, PWC, and KPMG): BIG 4 is undoubtedly one of the best firms in India for hiring CA freshers. On average, freshmen working in a BIG 4 CA firm are paid between 12 and 25 lakhs annually.

PSUs—PSUs, such as ONGC, OIL India, HPCL, and others, provide a competitive salary package ranging between 6 and 15 lakhs. Candidates are consistently shortlisted based on their interview performance.

Company Director: Beyond traditional sources, a CA can also be on the board of directors of companies, offering financial expertise. Board member salaries can vary greatly depending on the company size, industry, and responsibilities.

IT Services—Companies such as Infosys, Wipro, and Microsoft hire many CA candidates as they have a full-fledged audit team. For example, the salary of a TCS Chartered Accountant in Bangalore ranges between ₹ 7 and 10 lakhs per annum.

Freelance Consulting: Offer expertise in taxation, financial advisory, etc., on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. CAs can potentially earn income ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 or even higher for complex projects.

Teaching and Training: Coach CA aspirants, conduct classes, or create e-learning courses. Coaching institutes today offer salaries between ₹5 lakhs and ₹15 lakhs per annum, depending on your experience and the student base you handle.

Banks: Most banks offer salaries ranging from 5 to 10 lacs, including ICICI, HDFC, and others. They have a variety of job opportunities for new chartered accountants. The Reserve Bank of India’s CA salary ranges between ₹ 18 and ₹ 25 lakhs, with an average of ₹ 22 lakhs per annum.

Public Speaking: Conduct workshops and seminars or speak at conferences on financial topics. Fees for public speaking engagements can range from ₹25,000 per session for smaller events to lakhs for keynote addresses at big conferences.

Stock Market Trading (with Caution): Some CAs trade stocks using financial analysis skills.

CA Firms in India— Several Indian accounting firms hire CA candidates to handle office work. By increasing the number of CAs, they also gain the benefit of appointing Chartered Accountants as the number of audits increases. Some of the top accounting firms in India also include Luthra & Luthra India, SNB, Jindal and Company, and others.

The Best Way to Achieve the Highest CA Salary in India in 2024

Achieving the highest CA salary requires combining technical expertise, soft skills, and strategic career choices. So consider the following strategies to attain a good salary:

Skill development

Staying updated on the latest accounting, taxation, and financial regulation developments is crucial. To enhance your expertise, pursue additional certifications (such as CFA, FRM, or CPA) and attend workshops, webinars, and conferences to expand your knowledge.

Skill expertise

Prefer taking a specialization within the CA field in a specific industry.

Professional Networking

Connect with other professionals, CAs, and industry experts over social media or other platforms. Attend events and associations, and participate in online webinars. Building better networks can create better job opportunities and referrals.

Experiences and Internships

It is also important to gain practical experience through internships during your CA studies. Try to work for reputed firms or organizations to build a strong resume and diversify your skill base.

Soft Skills

The ability to communicate better and show leadership skills is essential. This also helps develop a strong work ethic, time management skills, and problem-solving abilities in the long run.

Certification and Licensing

Obtain certifications like Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). Licensing in GST, SEBI, or IRDAI can boost your career.

Technologically updated

Make sure you acquaint yourself with accounting software, data analytics tools, and automation. In today’s time, technology proficiency is highly valued in the job landscape.

Negotiation for Salary

This is also an art, some say. Negotiate your salary effectively when changing jobs or during appraisals. Research industry standards and present your achievements confidently.

Entrepreneurship mindset

Building the right mindset to start something is vital, like starting your own CA firm or consultancy. Having the right entrepreneurial skills allows you to raise your rates and grow better.

Professionalism

Ethics and professionalism are key in business, especially in the field of CA. Upholding and maintaining professional integrity can help you build a reputation and earn more. Ethical behaviour enhances your credibility.

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Conclusion

Chartered accountants (CAs) are crucial to India’s financial growth. Often described as the backbone of financial integrity, these individuals have a variety of roles in the nation’s economy. From ensuring compliance with ever-changing tax rules to giving strategic financial guidance to firms, chartered accountants are indispensable.

FAQs

What is the salary of a CA after 10 years in the Big 4?

An experienced CA with 5–10 years of experience can earn up to INR 25–30 lakhs per annum or more, translating to approximately INR 2.08–2.5 lakhs per month or more.

What are the highest-paying jobs as a chartered accountant?

The top 5 highest paying jobs as a chartered accountant with reported salaries are:

1. Deputy General Manager: ₹36.0lakhs per year
2. Senior Chartered Accountant: ₹27.0lakhs per year
3. Chartered Accountant: ₹21.0lakhs per year
4. Self-employed Chartered Accountant: ₹20.0lakhs per year
5. Practising Chartered Accountant: ₹20.0lakhs per year

What is the age distribution among employees who are chartered accountants?

23% of employees are between 31 and 36 years old, and 22% are between 26 and 31 years old.

Who is India’s No. 1 CA?

Many Indian CAs have achieved remarkable success, but Kumar Mangalam Birla holds the title of the richest amongst all.

5. How do I become a CA?

The CA course duration is 4 to 5 years, during which time an articleship is required. ICAI only permits candidates to enrol in a CA program after completing their 12th-grade year and after receiving their degree, provided they have taken a related course and keep the CA course duration in mind. 71% of employees studied at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).