Chartered accountants opt for MBA to better job prospects
Posted On Friday, August 31, 2012 at 03:18:08 AM
The Common Admission Test this year will also have a good number of chartered accountants appearing for the same. A bleak placement scenario in the wake of economic slowdown has prompted several CAs to pursue MBA and better their growth prospects, say sources. Jainik Vakil, chairman of Indian Chartered Accountants of India, Ahmedabad , said, “Over the last few years, the number of CAs opting for MBA Finance is increasing. It helps them get better job profiles. With an MBA, they can run business consultancy and handle legal matters smoothly.”
He added, “The other reason for the trend is the fact that these days students become CAs at the age of 23-25. Having age by their side, they feel they can study further and enhance their skills.” A desire to start his own enterprise made Prateek Gupta, a practising CA, register for CAT 2012. Interestingly, the 22-year-old is also a filmmaker. Prateek feels that institutes no longer invite companies for placements like they used to once.
He said, “The demand for government auditors is more than the supply.
It seems that to help the government, the companies are deliberately not inviting companies for placements. Those that come for recruitments do not offer impressive packages. Even the quality of CAs has gone down.” Parasharan Chari, COO, Endeavor Careers Pvt Ltd, feels that an increase in the number of CAs appearing for CAT is an industry-driven trend. He said, “Earlier, it was a personal decision but now the industry demands a CA-MBA combination. Mere CA degree restricts a student to audit, treasury and taxation departments whereas with a CA+MBA, he will be able to enter the management cadre quickly.” Interestingly, Manan Vakil, 40, did his MBA in 2003, almost 15 years after he started his CA practice.
He said, “Those who are satisfied doing auditing need not do an MBA. But for those who wish to get into corporates, an MBA degree in HR or Finance is a plus factor.” However, given the fact that hundreds of B-schools are mushrooming these days, Vakil warned, “Getting a degree from a random B-school will only serve as an advanced BCom degree.” Hem Chhajed, 21, will also be appearing for CAT 2012 since he is not very happy with CA placements. “Also, with age by my side I have enough time to acquire management skills and then take up a job,” he said.
Source: Ahmedabad Mirror (31 aug 2012)
My questions to all friends:
1. How can Mr Prateik practise and be a filmmaker at the same time?
2. Do u agree with MR prateik's views abt campus and govt companies?
3. What is ur take on Mr Hem Chhajed and Manan Vakil's opinion on this article?
CAclubindia
