CA Vs MBA

The basic difference between CA and MBA is the pedagogy. On the one hand, the CA course offers specialized expertise in accounting and finance. In contrast, the MBA degree offers a more holistic overview of businesses and various functions within an organization. Often students find themselves in a state of dilemma while deciding between CA and MBA, and hence this article will try to pave the way for an informed decision.

They are two distinct fields of study that require different types of skillset and empower the candidate to pursue different career paths. It completely depends on the individual’s career goal, knowledge, interest and skill. Sometimes students pursue both of them to gain a comprehensive knowledge on management and accounting in the financial domain. However, it is always better to evaluate the personal aspirations before making any decision.

CA (Chartered Accountant) and MBA (Master of Business Administration) are very lucrative career options offered to students who want to pursue studies and career in the finance, accounting, or business. However, CA Vs MBA in finance require some skillsets that help in studying them and gaining success later on.

The primary focus of the CA is in the areas of finance, tax, audit, accounting, etc which helps in financial analysis and interpretation. MBA focusses more on management skills, teamwork, coordination and cooperation, consultation and advisory service. It helps in training the mind to identify opportunities for entrepreneurship and make business decisions The above points should be kept in mind before deciding CA Vs MBA, which is better.

There are various bodies that provide the certification for Cas all throughout the world. Some of them are Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). They give the candidates, a good level of practical training and a wholesome experience of the accounting and financial world,

MBA provides business education in a broader sense, giving an idea about different fields like finance, marketing, human resource, operations and various other areas and giving career option in the field of management, consulting, and other similar roles.

CA Vs MBA which is better, the decision is to understand the strengths, interests, and direction that a candidate intends to give their career.  Both are lucrative opportunities if studies with total dedication and enthusiasm to learn. Some candidates pursue both so that they get a wholesome knowledge about the financial market and have more and better career option in the future. 

The infographics below will gives a detailed view of the differences between the two at a glance. Let us go through it to understand CA Vs MBA in finance.

It is difficult to interpret CA Vs MBA which is tough, but the comparative table give below will definitely give a very detailed view in a systematic and well-arranged manner regarding the various point the candidate should keep in mind while selecting any one of the two career options.

To decide which is a better option – CA or MBA, we need to understand that both of these courses can lead you to a successful career in their unique ways. While getting an MBA from a Tier II or Tier III institute might be easier, getting an MBA from an Ivy League college is as difficult as a CA certification.

As such, the best of either of these professional courses is one of the highest-paid professionals in the country. So, the right answer to the question 'which is better' or CA Vs MBA which is tough is whichever suits the career aspirations.

After completing CA certification, a candidate can systematically approach financial accounting and auditing, gain a more in-depth understanding of the socioeconomic conditions, and become an excellent communicator. They also possess technical skills accounting, auditing, taxation, financial analysis and reporting, etc.  They are highly capable in data analysis, managing audits and providing financial advice.

On the other hand, an MBA graduate acquires leadership qualities, gains adept business knowledge, learns how to handle pressure, and develops a strategic bent of mind. They learn how to analyse different problems and develop solutions for them, understand and interpret market movements, manage and coordinate tasks among team members and make important decisions.

The CA certification requires candidates to clear three levels of examinations coupled with three years of articles under a practicing CA. The entire course can be completed within four years if the candidate can clear all the levels in the first attempt. On the other hand, enrolled candidates can complete a full-time MBA program in a span of 1 to 2 years, depending on the choice of a degree program or business school.

An aspiring student who has completed HSC graduation or post-graduation is eligible for the course of CA. So, a wide range of candidates can take up the course. In addition, there are instances where students pursuing a graduation course also pursue CA simultaneously. On the other hand, MBA mandates completing a bachelor's degree. Therefore, the MBA degree is more useful for a candidate with some work experience, although this is not mandatory.

The syllabus of CA is very much focused on subjects that involve accounting and finance. An aspiring CA candidate has to study Financial Reporting, Financial Account Management, Accounting, Economics, Mercantile Law, Business Law and Ethics, Taxation and Tax Laws, Auditing, etc. They become experts in the above fields and often work as auditors or accountants or handle an dmanage taxation related matters in companies.

On the other hand, the syllabus of an MBA degree covers both theoretical and practical aspects of the business. An aspiring MBA candidate has to study Financial Management, Financial Planning, Risk Analysis, Operations Management, Human Resource Planning, Marketing Research, etc. .  It covers various areas of finance, marketing, general business roles and help in developing management and leadership skills and techniques of consulting and advisory roles.  

Some of the job roles that a CA can land include Internal Auditor, Public Accountant, Government Accountant, Tax Manager, Finance Manager, and Financial Consultant. On the other hand, an MBA graduate can easily fit in the mid-management roles of any organization. The average salary of most CAs and MBAs at the start of their career lies in the range of $10,000 to $15,000 per annum, while the top CA rankers and graduates from the Ivy League colleges can garner a much higher salary that can go up to $30,000 per annum or more.

The cost of an MBA degree is multiple times that of a CA course. While a CA course can cost around $900-$1000, a degree of MBA from a reputed business school can easily cost more than $20,000. However, the fees shouldn't be the primary criteria for deciding between a CA course and an MBA degree.

The CA exams are very difficult, and some candidates cannot clear the exams even after multiple attempts. On the other hand, the candidates who enroll for MBA invariably pass the exams.

ICAI has declared the dates for the CA exams for January/ February 2022, and it will be conducted from 21st January 2022 onwards. On the other hand, there are several entrance exams for MBA, such as CAT, MAT, SNAP, XAT, MAH CET, etc., and each exam has its window that usually starts in November and continues till the following January.

One needs to complete HSC to enroll for CPT (CA) course, while the IPCC Course requires graduation . For MBA, one needs to complete graduation and then write any of the exams conducted by the top business schools.

This has been a guide to what is CA Vs MBA. We explain which is better, with infographics, comparative table, skills obtained & duration. Do we also discuss why to pursue them? You may also have a look at the following articles –

• CPA vs. CA Differences
• CS vs. CA - Which is Better?
• FRM vs. CA - What's the Best?
• CFP vs. MBA