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Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Course Overview:

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is an internationally recognized qualification awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Although originally an American certification, it is highly valued globally and applicable in many countries, including India. CPAs are skilled in accounting, auditing, taxation, and consulting, and they provide a range of financial services.

Duration:

The CPA certification process typically takes about 1 to 2 years, depending on the candidate's preparation time and exam schedule. Preparation time varies based on individual study habits and prior knowledge.

Syllabus (Semester-Wise / Level-Wise Structure):

The CPA exam is divided into four sections. Each section tests specific areas of accounting and finance.

1. CPA Exam Sections:

  • Auditing and Attestation (AUD):

    • Understanding the CPA's role in audits

    • Auditing procedures and techniques

    • Risk assessment

    • Internal controls and fraud

    • Audit evidence and documentation

  • Business Environment and Concepts (BEC):

    • Corporate governance

    • Economic concepts

    • Financial management

    • Information technology

    • Operations management

  • Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR):

    • Conceptual framework and standards

    • Financial statements and disclosures

    • Accounting for assets, liabilities, and equity

    • Revenue recognition and leases

    • Accounting for income taxes

  • Regulation (REG):

    • Ethics and professional responsibility

    • Business law

    • Federal taxation

    • Professional and legal responsibilities

    • Taxation of individuals and entities

Average Fees:

  • Preparation Courses: ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000

  • Exam Registration Fees: Approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per section (including application fees)

  • Total Cost: ₹2,50,000 to ₹4,00,000 (including all sections and preparation materials)

Exams to Attend:

  • Apply and Register with a state board of accountancy

  • Pass all four CPA exam sections

  • Complete the required education and experience requirements (varies by state)

  • Obtain licensure from the state board

Top 10 Institutions in India:

  1. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)

  2. Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI)

  3. Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)

  4. Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad

  5. Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi

  6. Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad

  7. Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA)

  8. Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB)

  9. Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC)

  10. Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIML)

Top 10 Institutions in Kerala:

  1. Kochi Business School (KBS)

  2. Rajagiri Business School

  3. SCMS School of Business

  4. Amrita School of Business

  5. NIT Calicut (National Institute of Technology)

  6. University of Kerala - School of Business Management and Legal Studies

  7. Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit

  8. Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS)

  9. Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT)

  10. Mahatma Gandhi University - School of Management and Business Studies.

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