Financial Accountant
Runs an organisation's accounting activities, preparing financial statements and conducting audits.
Overview
A Financial Accountant is responsible for running the accounting and financial activities of an organisation. They carry out the day to day financial work for a firm, prepare financial statements and conduct audits. They also advise on accounting matters and ensure proper maintenance of account books and record of business.
Where they work
- All types of Private, Government and Commercial Enterprises such as Shops, Companies, Hotels, Retail Stores
Work environment
It is a desk job. At the entry-level you will not head any team. Local travel is not a part of the job profile. It is a full-time job, work hours may extend to more than 40 hours per week.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like working with numbers
- You are good at keeping records of expenses, income and savings
- You are good at keeping records of your work
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10 + 2 in any stream (preferably Commerce)
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.Com) in Commerce
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree (M.Com) in the same or related field
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Commerce.
Government institutes
- Delhi University, New Delhi
- Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara, Gujarat
- Presidency College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- National P.G. College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- University Commerce College, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- St. Xavier's College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Mumbai University, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Stella Maris College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Women's Christian College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Vimala College, Thrissur, Kerala
- Christ College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Kalinga University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh
- Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab
- Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Accounts Clerk
- 2Assistant Accountant
- 3Accountant
- 4Accounts Officer
- 5Chief Accountant
Expected income
₹8,000 – ₹35,000 per month
INR 8,000 – 12,000 per month for new entrants and INR 20,000 – 35,000 per month for candidates with experience. The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Cost and Works Accountant
Records production costs and develops budgets and cost-control initiatives to increase profits.
Chartered Accountant
Qualified to monitor a company's finances across taxation, accounting, applied finance and management accounting.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Commerce, Any Stream.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to analysing.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Sutapa Bakshi — A Senior Accountant in a leading NGO in Kolkata. She has done her Bachelor's in Commerce. Bakshi joined the NGO in 2006 as an Accounts Officer and has been promoted to the position of Senior Manager now.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 221 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://bit.ly/3HTy9hG
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The source card cites a personal interview for this case study rather than a published link; the link shown is the National Career Service portal for general reference.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.