ForumGarden - View Single Post

misguided_will · 05-31-2008, 07:53 AM

hi there mshl8188 and thanks for your kind words.
i guess it will be hard for me to speak and try translate my experiences and views since i am an australian CA. i can however share my thoughts and experiences from an australian context and then have a guess at how it may or may not apply to your situation.

firstly in australia there is the ICAA and the CPAA. NOTE that the CPA in australia is certified PRACTICING accountant and NOT the american certified PUBLIC accountant which is of a higher league. the programs in australia and quite different in that the CA program is much more demending with compulsory workshops on which you are scored, presentations, assignments and a written final exam. all 5 modules are set with no electives. this contrast greatly to the CPAA program which has electives, multiple choice exams and no assessments or classes. i guess testament to the CA vs CPA is that the Big 4 firms are all CA firms NOT CPA firms. that in itself i think says a lot! also most ppl who FAIL the CA programs go on to the CPA program instead as it is less demanding. so i think the CA program training is great as you learn to think more about applying concepts whereas the CPA program is very much showing you HOW to do something but not extend it beyond a given situation. i have found this to be the case when using a tax accountant (one was a CPA and the other a CA).

About me. I did my CA while working in commerce within financial services organisations including state street, jp morgan and ing.

In recommending a course, i depends on motive. if in australia and u didn't want to go global or want to work for large more picky organisations, i think a CPA would be fine as it's less demanding and the fastest way to get professional qualified.

given your situation, i think need to similarly consider if you plan to work abroad and how the CA is regarded in the future industries and countries you plan to work for. this might be a long shot but maybe read a little about the CEO of pepsi and her story. she would be a great way to get one perspective.

what are the alternatives to the CA program in india?

from what i know of india and trends in my mind are that obviously india and china are the heavyweights of the future. i think it might be good to think about how you can position yourself to take advantage of india's upcoming rise. IT would seem to be the main driver. i work in mgmt accounting and the future is very much focused on technology and advancements in Business Intelligence. You're in a good position to get into this by getting your CA qualification and moving into systems accounting type work if wanting to work in commerce. if professional services is more your thing, you'll need the CA for sure.

anyway not sure if i have been much help but just some thoughts that might be helpful.

05-31-2008, 07:53 AM	#8 (permalink)
misguided_will Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 5	Re: CPA Vs CA hi there mshl8188 and thanks for your kind words. i guess it will be hard for me to speak and try translate my experiences and views since i am an australian CA. i can however share my thoughts and experiences from an australian context and then have a guess at how it may or may not apply to your situation. firstly in australia there is the ICAA and the CPAA. NOTE that the CPA in australia is certified PRACTICING accountant and NOT the american certified PUBLIC accountant which is of a higher league. the programs in australia and quite different in that the CA program is much more demending with compulsory workshops on which you are scored, presentations, assignments and a written final exam. all 5 modules are set with no electives. this contrast greatly to the CPAA program which has electives, multiple choice exams and no assessments or classes. i guess testament to the CA vs CPA is that the Big 4 firms are all CA firms NOT CPA firms. that in itself i think says a lot! also most ppl who FAIL the CA programs go on to the CPA program instead as it is less demanding. so i think the CA program training is great as you learn to think more about applying concepts whereas the CPA program is very much showing you HOW to do something but not extend it beyond a given situation. i have found this to be the case when using a tax accountant (one was a CPA and the other a CA). About me. I did my CA while working in commerce within financial services organisations including state street, jp morgan and ing. In recommending a course, i depends on motive. if in australia and u didn't want to go global or want to work for large more picky organisations, i think a CPA would be fine as it's less demanding and the fastest way to get professional qualified. given your situation, i think need to similarly consider if you plan to work abroad and how the CA is regarded in the future industries and countries you plan to work for. this might be a long shot but maybe read a little about the CEO of pepsi and her story. she would be a great way to get one perspective. what are the alternatives to the CA program in india? from what i know of india and trends in my mind are that obviously india and china are the heavyweights of the future. i think it might be good to think about how you can position yourself to take advantage of india's upcoming rise. IT would seem to be the main driver. i work in mgmt accounting and the future is very much focused on technology and advancements in Business Intelligence. You're in a good position to get into this by getting your CA qualification and moving into systems accounting type work if wanting to work in commerce. if professional services is more your thing, you'll need the CA for sure. anyway not sure if i have been much help but just some thoughts that might be helpful.
Local Time: 03:53 PM Local Date: 03-21-2010