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Hello

I am IPC student ,cleared ist group of ipc and completed articleship and have mcom degree .I have a employement gap .Recently in dec exam i appeared for iind group . I want to do job ,i have an interest in finance and startegic management .My articleship and last employement work experience was resticted to accounts,audit,taxation arena .I worked till year 2015. Since that i tried applying for a job in ca firm ,but didn't get .either they want semi qualified ca or qualified ca .simultenously i have been appearing for ca exams .please guide at this stage should i again try at ca firm or finding job at finance sector? i know finance sector mostly hire mba in finance candidates.but still i can try for trainee job .

Hey Shilpi! Thanks for sharing your journey — you’ve already put in solid effort with IPC, articleship, and MCom. That’s a strong foundation.

Given your background and current status (clearing 1st group, attempting 2nd group, employment gap), here’s what I’d suggest:

1. Keep Trying CA Firms (Semi-Qualified / Articleship Roles)

Many CA firms do hire semi-qualified candidates or interns for audit, accounts, taxation.
Highlight your articleship experience strongly in your CV.
Consider smaller or mid-sized firms where competition might be less fierce than Big 4 or top firms.
Even a trainee or internship role will help keep you connected with the profession and build recent experience.

2. Explore Finance Sector Jobs (Entry-Level / Trainee Roles)

Yes, MBA finance grads are preferred, but finance roles also exist for commerce graduates especially in areas like:
- Financial analysis
- Credit appraisal
- Accounts payable/receivable
- Banking operations
- Risk management (entry-level)
Start with internships, traineeships, or fresher roles to build experience.
Certifications like CFA (Level 1), Financial Modeling courses can boost your profile.

3. Leverage Your MCom & Interest in Strategic Management

You could target roles in business analysis, strategy support, or financial planning.
Look for companies offering management trainee programs or rotational programs.

4. Address the Employment Gap

Be honest but positive about your gap during interviews.
Focus on what you’ve learned recently (exams, self-study, skills).

5. Parallel Path: Continue CA Exams

Keep attempting CA exams at your pace.
Clearing CA will open many doors later.

Action Plan:

Apply to smaller CA firms for trainee roles.
Apply to entry-level finance roles in banks, NBFCs, mutual funds, startups.
Take online courses to enhance your finance and strategic management knowledge.
Network via LinkedIn, alumni groups, and CA student forums.
Prepare well for interviews focusing on your strengths, adaptability, and eagerness to learn.