Regarding cpa

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Querist : Anonymous

Querist : Anonymous (Querist)

29 October 2013 sir i have completed my mba in finance from amity university now i am working with cocacola as a finance executive but the job profile doesn't have anything at related to finance i want to know how can i increase my better job possibility i am confused that whether to do cpa or icwa please help me regarding the same and also is cpa have any recognition in india or not

Ajay Mishra

Ajay Mishra (Expert)
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29 October 2013 Go to the following article, it will help you:

https://www.caclubindia.com/articles/cfa-us-cpa-us-overview-comparison-5985.asp#.UP4brB2E2Jw

Querist : Anonymous

Querist : Anonymous (Querist)

29 October 2013 thanks sir to reply but still i am confused on one thing whether i would be able to get recognition in india also after completing my cpa course or not .

Aashok Kumar Sharma

Aashok Kumar Sharma (Expert)
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20 July 2025 You're asking a great and very relevant question — whether CPA (Certified Public Accountant - US) is recognized and valuable in India, and whether CPA or ICWAI (now CMA India) is a better choice for your career.

Let’s break this down based on your background and goals:

✅ Recognition of CPA (USA) in India:
Formal recognition:
The CPA (USA) is not officially recognized as equivalent to Indian CA or CMA for signing authority under Indian laws (like signing audited financial statements).
However, many MNCs, Big 4 firms, and global finance roles in India recognize and highly value CPA, especially in roles like:
Financial reporting
US GAAP/IFRS compliance
SOX compliance
Global consolidation
Practical recognition:
In shared service centers, outsourcing (BPO/KPO), and companies dealing with US clients or operations, CPA is highly respected and may even be preferred over Indian qualifications.
Salary packages for CPAs in India can be attractive, especially with experience.
⚖️ CPA vs CMA (ICWA) — Which should you pursue?
Factor CPA (USA) CMA India (ICWA)
Recognition in India Growing in MNCs, BPOs, Big 4 Fully recognized by Indian laws
Signing authority No Yes, for cost audit/compliance
Focus Area US GAAP, IFRS, taxation Costing, management accounting
Job opportunities MNCs, Big 4, US/IFRS roles Manufacturing, PSUs, Indian corporates
Exam flexibility 4 papers, can complete in 12-18 months Multiple levels, 3+ years duration
Cost High (~INR 2.5–3.5 lakh+) Moderate (~INR 1 lakh or less)
Post-MBA relevance Excellent for international roles Excellent for core Indian roles
🧭 Recommendation Based on Your Background:
Since you've already done MBA (Finance) and you're working in Coca-Cola, which is an MNC, doing CPA could align well with future growth, especially if you're planning to move into financial reporting, FP&A, or global accounting roles.
If you want a career focused in Indian public sector, manufacturing, or costing, then CMA (ICWAI) may be more suitable.
✅ Final Answer:
Yes, CPA has recognition in India, especially in multinational corporations and global finance roles. If you're looking for faster global opportunities and work with US-based entities, CPA is a strong choice.

If you're more India-focused and want statutory recognition, CMA (ICWAI) may be better.

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