There has always been an ongoing debate in the Indian corporate world about who is a better professional out of a Chartered Accountant and a Mba. People have put forward various arguments in this context. Some say that an Mba being better equipped with skills such as presentation, communication, analytical etc turns out o be a better professional and others argue that a CA who is more thorough, intelligent and hard working is much better. But if the recent placements and campus recruitments etc are to be seen, Mbas turn out to be the winners. Further, the Indian Inc has over a period shown more liking towards them.They certainly have scored over the Chartered Accountants in this regard.
So shall we all start believing that Mbas are better that us Chartered Accountants???????????
I invite your comments in this subject.
Madhur Khandelia
December 27th, 2005 at 2:13 pm
This view seems to be entirely correct. The job prospects in the key banking sectors (Investment Banking, Treasury etc) are exclusively for top notch MBA intitutes(read the IIM’s). A CA’s resume will not even be shprtlisted for the same. Even though the kind of curriculum that we study is pure finance but the day to day skills of presentation, negotiation and communication are not incorporated in the curriculum itself. An MBA during his two years is taught in such a manner that the moment he qualifies, he is well equipped to enter the market with all the relevant skills (Including but not restricted to Finc
December 27th, 2005 at 2:24 pm
This view seems to be entirely correct. The job prospects in the key banking sectors (Investment Banking, Treasury etc) are exclusively for top notch MBA intitutes(read the IIM’s). A CA’s resume will not even be shprtlisted for the same. Even though the kind of curriculum that we study is pure finance but the day to day skills of presentation, negotiation and communication are not incorporated in the curriculum itself. An MBA during his two years is taught in such a manner that the moment he qualifies, he is well equipped to enter the market with all the relevant skills (Including but not restricted to Finance unlike us)
For a plain CA, it therefore becomes necessary to supplement ur degree with either a full time MBA course or even a diatance learning programme…..
Why can’t the institute do something about this?
December 27th, 2005 at 7:03 pm
hi madhur,
i totally disagree that mba’s are having an edge over the ca’s… i do agree that due to their presentation skills and the reputation, placement by their institutes they start high as compared to chartered accountants…
But my dear friend let me throw a light on the fact that ca’s are the creators while mba’s just visualise and present it in a better way what ca’s create. u can visualise this with the help of any transaction entry… The ca’s enters a transactions, whereas the mba he just manipulates the figures and presents it in a better way, being entered by ca…. Thats all….
Gautam Khetan
December 28th, 2005 at 12:54 am
The debate seems to be a fight similar to that which happened in between the two letters B and C. C says to B ” I am Cool and Competent, but you are Bad. You are always into Biting People, You bitch, bastard, black buffalo. Many times you have been Beaten down and still you are Barking…..” To this … B replied, ” I am beautiful and brilliant, but you are a Coward, you Cheater, you always remain Confused and have no clue why you are always Criticized…..”….the fight continued for a long time till they learnt their importance. ….Every individual has a role.. a very important role that he has to play… Be it a CA or an MBA. Both are equally dependent on each other. Without a CA, an MBA may not be able to manage the finances of his business as good as he could do with the help of a CA and yes definitely he is thorough, intelligent and hard working. On the other hand an MBA is more presentable, is good in communication and also succeeds in the analytical skill matrix. When the question arises about managing of a company and the people, processes and when talking about Motivation, Marketing, etc definitely an MBA scores far higher. ….
So it is important for us to think over the topic once again and think if it is really necessary to make one side score over the other…. What if they Move Ahead Together and benefit by sharing their complementary skills.
Siddarth Surana.
IIMT- Oxford Brookes University,UK.
Gurgaon.
siddarthsurana@yahoo.com
December 28th, 2005 at 9:52 am
I believe MBAs are in no way as competent as CAs when the criteria are of Knowledge and Skills. Though, I obviously agree that they are better placed in Corporate world because of there communication and inter personal skills.
In today’s world even rubbish can be sold on strength of packaging and marketing. Using there presentation skills MBAs are able to acquire better job positions with good corporates.
If CAs can develop these skills they will prove much better of than MBAs.
Sometime back, i heard that ICAI is planning to offer six months residential course at IIM, Bangalore for CAs on voluntary basis. This might turn out to be good step.
December 28th, 2005 at 12:28 pm
So my dear freind you agree that they have an edge…right?? And further you agree that CAs lack certain skills which Mbas possess…My dear freind…at the end of the day what matters is ..who is bringing home how much??? and there they are the clear winners..
December 28th, 2005 at 2:48 pm
Yes Madhur i do agree with u. Actually we only concentrate on our syllabus our text books and acaedemics that we do not pay any attention to our presentation, communication skills and there we lack behind.We spend 3-4 years in studies only believing that its our knowledge only that counts but we forget that at the end of the day “jo dikhta hai wo bikta hai”. We lack in markeeting skills. we always have a better future prospective than MBAs but we dont know how to market ourselves. You cant compare an MBA with a CA as regards as knowledge is concerned but they definitely have an edge in confidence level and it is here only that they score.
So i would like to suggest that if we pay a bit atention to PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT we gonna have best of both the worlds.
December 28th, 2005 at 4:39 pm
There are 38 Chartered Accountants and i guess all of them agree to the fact that Mbas are better. See people, this is the difference between a CA and a Mba. Had this been a forum of professional Mbas….there would have been a war of words from them by now…..but we CAs are………………!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 29th, 2005 at 12:15 am
This has always been a debated issue!….But only in CA circuits.I wonder whether a B-school ever had such a topic for debate.The fact being,MBA is the “in” thing.The Top B-school Grads get salaries better than a Top CA.Moreover,they’ve got “brand names”(IIM being th best one),which perhaps a CA lacks.ICAI has failed to establish itself as a brand name.It has boiled down to just being a central “facilitator” for CA exams,not more than that.
I fail to agree that better packaging sells MBAs more than a CA.I firmly believe that packaging gives just “an edge” and not more than that.& in this case,its more than just an edge.So,it has to be something more than the “packaging”.
But,what i would also like everyone to take note of,is that there are many MBAs who are jobless,and there are many who do it for the sake of adding a degree to their “biodata”(The reason might be the sea of MBA colleges across the country).But,no one will ever come across a CA who does CA for the sake of his/her biodata.So,if we take out an All India Average,CAs might just turn out to be the winners!(will try to get statistics).
Also,its a known fact that the knowledge content of a CA is better than a MBA.So,CA are the winners in this part too.
In the end,I’d like to conclude that,when we talk about the Top,we dont take the averages,we just have to talk about the Top!….So,until & unless ,the top CAs command better salary than the Top MBAs ,& build a brand name for the profession & the institute….v’l always be No. 2.Its the ICAI which has to take the initiative.Are the guys listening?
December 29th, 2005 at 10:58 am
We’ve got all that it takes, but we just need to channelise it in the right direction.
A year of post qualification experience can enable us acquire all the necessary skills that a successful manager should possess.
December 29th, 2005 at 1:14 pm
Pranav said we need “Personality Development”.,and for the same reason, ICAI has launched the GMCS programmme.I hope Pranav will/has take/taken 200% benefit of the GMCS training…….wotsay Pranav…
December 29th, 2005 at 1:30 pm
At present,..a Chartered Accountant might require an additional course of say 1 year (not more than that) to come at levels with a MBA….
But this should not be the case in future..A chartered Accountant should not require any other course or qualification to come at par with a MBA…But once again,the onus lies on ICAI…..(V probably need some views from MBAs as well,try & get some MBAs guys.,,i’l try as well)
December 29th, 2005 at 3:53 pm
Hi…Madhur,
Who’s better ? I think its a very relative subject/topic.There is no doubt that an individual really toils harder to become a CA than an MBA but at the same time one must also realise that an MBA aspirant works really hard to get into an a class institute and harder to get out of it with flying colours.
An MBA (Finance) definately commands better pay packs compared to the rival because the new stream of this professional qualification..MBA( compared to CA )overtook CA at a very crucial time when the market got overflooded with CAs(15-20yrs ago)…when this CA explosion in the market happened…it spelt disaster for the community as there were no jobs to match their qualification/salary & this happened because India had not opened its economic policy…there were hardly an corporate to accomodate the qualified CAs….at this point MBA gradually picked up & got an edge over CAs & have maintained a lead in terms of commanding a better price & position in a corporate….even though the work profile does not fall in sync with each other…at the end of the day…its who takes a better package & position…..initially when I mentioned relative….I meant every individual have their own opinion & corporates their requirement.
To sum it up ….hope everyone knows WHO’s BETTER…!
December 29th, 2005 at 5:49 pm
Needless to say who are better, every one knows. here are the comparisons:
Qualities:
MBA >> Learns the leadership from very begining.
CA >> Tought to do work under someone.
MBA >> Known for Team Work
CA >> Never work as a Team member
Personality:
MBA >> A charming dude
CA >> Blood hound under gogle
Public Appearance >>
People love an MBA and fear about non performance.
People afraid of an CA because he may scrutinize every thing of him.
Appraisals:
MBA is a degree accepted world wide. An MBA from an India is equivallent to MBA of USA
Where as
A CA of India can not be a CPA untill and unless he study again.
These are few points which should be taken under consideration
Last one very important !!!!!!!!!!!!
An MBA is more Net Savy than a CA and dont dare to present his views.
December 29th, 2005 at 5:50 pm
CAs vs MBAs: the popping-up of this question at a site for CAs in itself makes it quite apparent that somewhere CAs themselves feel that they are in a way inferior to MBAs…but what I feel is that these are two different fields…both have got there own importance…where an MBA excels in presentation, communication etc, at the same time CAs have an upper hand when it comes to accounting, and details etc…such type of questions don’t occur to MBAs… Instead of comparing themselves to MBAs, CAs should rather work towards improving their presentation and communication skills so as to improve their overall personality…the Indian Inc requires both CAs and MBAs…Both have their own place and importance in their specific area of activity and weighing the two is not correct intellectually.
Shazia Khan
MBA-FORE School of Management
December 29th, 2005 at 6:47 pm
The debate is useless because CAs have clear winning over the MBAs. They are better in the knowledge , experience ,expertness,and are hard working. They have an authority which is recognised not even by corporate world but by the world at large.No MBA has signing authority but even a new ACA having CP can sign and audit the finalcial papers of the corporate sector . These are accepted by the world at large. CAs command more respect and acceptability,and they can lend these things to the documents which they can certify by their signatures . No MBA command such authority.
December 29th, 2005 at 7:31 pm
Heat is on
need more inputs from CA’s…
Why not CA and MBA can work as a “Team”. My calculation is:
Determination + Hardwork + Dedication + Personality + Leadership + Teamwork = Win Win Situation for every one??
December 29th, 2005 at 8:23 pm
Hello friends
I think the debate is really getting HOT… so I should also join in.
See any tom,dick or harry can pass out from an MBA institute.but that`s not true in case of a C.A. Validity of our degree(related to the institute) cannot be questioned.
Today MBA are one step ahead of us. But time doesnot remain same, surely after sometime we will be ahead of them.and i think our Institute has also reconized this fact. and the result is the G.M.C.S classes/(one step towards it).If some new changes incorporated then the question who is better will never be raised.
“We are better than an M.B.A. but our value is not yet paid according to it“
Muskan
December 29th, 2005 at 10:17 pm
Hello Mr. Naresh Vaid and others.
With due respect to all of you posting my next argument, let’s see the reaction now.
I still proove my point again. Your lone voice can not represent the entire community of CA’s. The difference remain the same and it will remain, because a CA act like a shield to an MBA. Read the points below:
1. An MBA can take all important decisions and have full control over the organization including a “CA”
2. Ever heard a CA represent an organisation any where else except financial matters.
Muskan for you.
Its realy sad that CA’s are undervalued and not paid high, the entire blame is on Indian system as here the wages are low.
It all depends upon the organisation chief to deciede who is the most valuable asset of the company a “CA” or a “MBA” and based on that they decide to pay.
Suggestions for all CA’s:
1. Knowledge: Does not mean that you have read many books and remember all the subjects, but it has more than that.
2. Being a sighning authority does not reflect that you can take the core decisions for the management of company.
3. Why not the institute works toward personality development of CA’s.
4. Why all CA’s carry negative attitude, I mean here only pointing out the wrong things or weak points.
Dont took me harsh, but I dont like the system where institute trained a CA in India. Life is beautiful and we should learn to enjoy it.
The core of a professional is allround development, open mind, aggressions, lively and positive.
its my 2c
December 31st, 2005 at 2:22 pm
hi, friends
this is really a hot topic of debate, but there is no two opnion that CAs r 4times better than MBAs.there is no intelligence on arguging same, so dont waste time.we sould our work bcoz anything saying about the intelligence of CAs would similar to”suraj ko diya dikhana”
December 31st, 2005 at 5:35 pm
As shazia said that CA’s feel inferior to an MBA, its CA’s who have fuelled this debate.It seems that she doesnt have points to defend themselves.
It seems that Mr.Romit has underestimated Chartered Accountants in the field of Information Technology. Dear friend, our institute has launched HIGH END SPECIALISED COURSES in the field of IT. Also, it would be unfair to pin point the institute relating to their training programmes.
A CA gets exemption in various professional exams in India as well as abroad. This shows the credibility, reliability and recognition of the course contents. But, i haven’t heard any such exemption to an MBA.
To conclude, i would like to appreciate the views of Mr. Siddharth Surana, who says that instead of making it a debate, let both the professionals work together.
Gautam Khetan
January 1st, 2006 at 4:22 pm
hello madhur
i disagree with ur views.i no it is a debated topic but the amount of knowledge we possess mbsas dont possess even 1/3rd of it.n for the presentation skills it is a inbuilt thing of a person’s personality which gmcs will polish ne how.
January 2nd, 2006 at 9:21 pm
Shaily says Ca is 4 times better than Mba and shipra says CA has 3 times more knowlegde than MBa…m sure u people have some statistics to prove it….
But jokes apart…in todays world it realy doesnt matter who posseses more knowledge but what matters is who uses his skills the best..
Mr Naresh…it doesnt really matter who has the signing authority…as that authority has been confered by the law. Signing few papers and authenticating them does not make them a better professional. What matters is who pulls the threads and makes others dance to his tunes….
Romit has rightly pointed out that CAs are not IT savvy…i agree to it to some extent…but Mr romit…every MBA is not a charming dude…I have come across many MBA “DUDS” in my limited experience in corporate till date.
and guys…a 15 days prog is not at all sufficient to enhance all those skills which r drilled into an Mba in 3-4 years of his education.
Vrinda is right in sayin ‘We’ve got all that it takes, but we just need to channelise it in the right direction’. So freinds its upto us to groom us…accuire that charm…be suave and polised…accquire all those skills which makes one a better professional…
No degree or course can make anyone a better professional. It depends from individual to individual.
Madhur Khandelia
January 3rd, 2006 at 5:30 pm
hi madhur i totally disagree with this.
as it is said that exceptions are always there
thats why it could be, that some mbas have done much better than ca,s but that doesn,t means that it is a general rule that mba,s are better than ca,s.Infact if compared in hardwork & intelligency we are far ahead than mba,s.yes but probably in presentation skills mba,s could be better than ca,s but thanks to institute for starting GMCS classes as it will be helpful in bridging the gap.
January 3rd, 2006 at 9:16 pm
hi friends.
i fail to understand that where does it comes to ur mind to compare these two professions.i wud say that each has its own uniqueness.where the profession of CA is more knowledge oriented the MBA curriculam concentrates on presentation.
if at all i were to put my finger on one i wud say that CA is much better coz it is the one and only of its kind and the criteria of passing is such that only the best can clear it.mba may be tough to enter but very easy to clear as i hav been seeing.
thanks.
January 9th, 2006 at 5:43 pm
You know what guys,
It does’nt matter what course you’ve done. It’s what you yourself are without the degree attched to you. Education is one but not the sole indicator of how well you turn out in the professional arena.
When an MBA passes out, he has an inbuilt level of confidence, a CA has to develop it in the initial few months.
After that, it’s just what you are from within, ur ability to handle pressure, you’re ability to meet deadlines.
Thats the time to prove your worth!!!!!
January 17th, 2006 at 8:46 pm
CA v/s MBA: A question much debated by CAs rather than MBAs. Why? As one comment here puts it: ‘CAs probably feel insecure’. But Why should they? Do MBAs have more knowledge or brains than a CA.I don’t think so. So what does an MBA have? Two things, according to me: A broader perspective & a better perception. ..hmm sounds like MBA talk.
Broader perspective? It simply means ‘looking things from both micro & macro levels and from all possible angles’ (did it sound like a formula from chemistry!) An MBA course in itself is very broad based. MBA students learn things from a variety of subjects including those related to their specialisation. The case studies, team work, presentations, summer projects,etc. are a definite plus and add to the softer skills of a to-be-manager. A potato can be mixed with any vegetable. Likewise an MBA can fit in more or less any function of an organization (please excuse the example as this is the only one which crossed my mind!) Its no surprise if an MBA with Finance specialization is seen designing promotion strategy for that new product.
Better perception. This means that an MBA perceives himself and is perceived by others as one complete packaged and ready to use product. Jo dikhta hai woh bikta hai bhai. MBA institutes not only market themselves to prospective students, they also market their students to the companies. Remember, an MBA carries weight in direct proportion to his or her Institute’s ranking. There must be atleast 10 MBAs passouts every year for one CA passout. Atleast eight out of these would not get a great career start because their institute was lesser known and so were they. So, perception plays a big role! I strongly feel that perception of CAs should be changed. They should not be ’seen’ as a guy jisko itna hi ATA (audit, tax, accounts) hai. I know CAs who are razor sharp and can make top-institute MBAs sweat. Its not as if they are not doing good in their careers. They are, pretty much. But, they could have probably done better only if they carried the right perception!
Would wind up with this line by a great personality-
Does not matter if you are a CA or MBA or…
If one believes in himslef, great things can be achieved!
Disclaimer: These are personal thoughts of the writer and not intended to create trouble. The last line which you read is also writer!
April 3rd, 2006 at 3:51 pm
CA’s are simply better than MBA”s……! How ?? Here the debate ends…..
CA course offers SECURITY as far as the future is concerned and more than anything else it also offers FLEXIBILITY in the sense that CA’s can either practice their PROFFESSION or go for a JOB…whereas MBA’s have no other option than going for NAUKRI(JOB)…!!
April 8th, 2006 at 8:50 pm
I think the CA + MBA combination is what the corporate world today really needs. A thorough mix of knowledge and presentation skills are required to suceed. The Institute should tie up with all the IIM’s in the country or on its own start a one year MBA programme exclusively for CA’s. This one year addition can push the CA into a different paradigm and make them unmatchable. Remember that a CA +IIM(A) graduate received the highest pay package in 2005 and sets a benchmark for others to follow.
May 7th, 2006 at 2:34 pm
Gee, too bad there’s a discussion of such a simple stature. Myself no
MBA. Im a CA student.
MBA - Pay more to study, boast “scream” it out that youre an
“EMMBEEAAYY!”, Add to your “biodata” 3 letters instead of two (of
course, not incl. those practising CAs), focus on your pay and for
that pay you will do what you can! Tell him that the world is round
and he’ll take you on a whirlwind sea of attractive
“product,price,place,promotion,packaging…”, of course, coupled with
the ever faithful Powerpoint –MBAs would have no need to go extinct
without that tool, they wouldnt even have originated!– and finally
establish the fact, coupled with some “team work” of course!
CA - Pay less to study, Dunno any one who screams it out. People know,
so we shut up - hence branded as “QUIETER LOT” by our MBAs. You never
work towards your “biodata”, you work on it coz you love it with an
unending passion, hence less focus on your pay (and to all those who
think that CAs need their “pays” from a bossie who squashes his subs,
a decent practise in a reputed firm wont hurt as much).And NOBODY else
can command more respect than you over that flick of your pen.
And yes tell him the world is round, he’ll quietly agree. CA aint need
any tem work. CA aint need Powerpoint, umm well we can do our own
software too you know, you see, when we complete our compulsory
computer training, try checkin our syllabus and that of a BCA course.
You’ll laugh at the latter! Our GMCS gives us more personality than we
can ask for. Sad that our former CAs were not lucky enough to have it
too.
May 8th, 2006 at 12:13 pm
Dear Members,
there is no doubt in it that CAs are more thorough and analytical, but the reason for better placement of MBAs may be that they are equiped with better weapons to fight in the Corporate World.
The reasons being that they go through proper classroom study atmosphere with well disciplined & seniors faculty. As against faculty in our areas are mainly Chartered Accountants who are more enterpreneur than a faculty.
Their syllabus emphasise also on presonality and communication skill, where our syllabus emphasise only on technical skills.
We get training from Chartered Accountants firms which emphasis more on taking work from the Article and in the case on MBAs, they utilize their time in Campus and preparing and presenting projects during the two year tenure.
This should really be a matter of great concern and this matter cannot be left only upto discussion and debate, but the profession require a overhauling,
I can remember that my GMCS batch which is first batch of GMCS at Lucknow and the Coordinator is Mr. Gyan Pandey has also emphasised on weakness in the CAs due to improper channel of study.
I have represented my view on the topic and also requires views from other members specailly from young CAs.
Disclamer : i have given only my view and my intention should not be taken in negative.
Regards,
Vijay Jain
+919839350172
May 8th, 2006 at 2:01 pm
The Comparison between the CA’s & the MBA’s can be done only to the extent of jobs, as obviously an MBA cannot have his own profession generally.However it is true that MBA’s are better equipped when it comes to management,adminstration,presentation skills.No doubt CA’s knoweledge base is vast & strong, still when it comes to practical implentation of this knowledge we are not upto mark.The ICAI has to look into this matter seriously.I feel that the GMCS course is too short & unstructured to solve its purpose.If CA’s have to compete MBA’s there has to be rigouros training after completion of CA,which should equip the CA’s in Analytical,Presentation,Management skills.
May 8th, 2006 at 4:03 pm
pls read this joke then u will come to know that who is beter
This particular joke won an award for the best joke in a competition
organized in Britain and this joke was sent by an Indian……
A MBA and a CA go on a camping trip, set up their tent,
and fell asleep.
Some hours later, the CA wakes his MBA friend. ” look up at
the sky and tell me what you see.”
The MBA replies, “I see millions of stars.”
“What does that tell you?”
The MBA ponders for a minute.
“Astronomically speaking, it tells me that there are millions of
galaxies and potentially billions of planets.
Astrologically, it tells me that Saturn is in Leo.
Time wise, it appears to be approximately a quarter past three.
Theologically, it’s evident the Lord is all-powerful and we are small
and insignificant.
Meteorologically, it seems we will have a beautiful day tomorrow.
What does it tell you?”
The CA is silent for a moment, then speaks.
“Practically…Someone has stolen our tent”.
”
DEEPAK NAHATA
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT
May 8th, 2006 at 7:35 pm
This is not at all correct if we take a whole some view. May be an MBA from a top notch B-School may compete with CA, but when we compare the Css with an MBA of most other schools.. the picture is not true. Fat pay packets incase of MBAs is only for those having a decent work-ex. But a fresher without a professional qualification or decent work experience does not excel as high as a fresher Ca does. Infact this fact has been realised by corporates and that is why the job market for highly efficient CA community is opening up at exponential rate. While an MBA has to specialise in specific areas to get a job in specific sector, but a CA with his broad based curriculum is capable to take on any and every sector.
And it has to be noted that the integrity and repute of CA lies in the fact that its being awarded by a sinbgle pioneer body ICAI while MBA is being awarded to every other aspirant who can shell out a hefty sum .
Its not to far when this awareness comes to every body. A knoweledgeable person knows the difference between an MBA from IIMs and other sundry institutes , similarly the industry experts know a difference between an MBA from a non premier B school and a CA who is only and only from ICAI
May 8th, 2006 at 10:35 pm
If the ongoing debate is bewteen CAs and MBAs from premier institutions like the IIMs then I agree that MBAs do have an edge over us CAs in terms their presentation and Communication Skills.
But to the extent the debate relates to the difference between CAs and the MBAs from non premier institutions (mbas)…these class of mbas cannot claim to be at par with their counterparts form the IIMs and similar institutions….Well I have come across mbas in a fortune 500 American Oil MNC doing data entry work.
One more point that all will agree is when a person Tells sombody that s/he is a CA nobody asks ‘From which institution’ but the same is not the case with a MBA. When someone tells me that s/he is a MBA I instinctively ask ‘From where did you get your degree’
A debate titled ‘Who is better - MBAs or mbas’ would be more interesting.
Sudhir Shenoy
May 10th, 2006 at 9:58 am
Dear Vijay
I agree with your views.
We must look back and analyse how we as Professional Chartered Firms are imparting training to students of CA course. It is expected that the Principals impart technical as well as analytical skills amongst students. In the process communication skills and personality development including confidence which comes from sound knowledge of subject automaticaly sets in. We are also expected to update the students (our Articles) of the latest amendments in laws or procedures. But unfortunately it does not happen in practice.
Let us recall when was the last time we had a internal office meeting to discuss the amendments made by Finance Bill
Let us recall when was the last time we had a internal office meeting to discuss the latest Accounting Standards issued by ICAI. For that matter also the Draft Accounting Standards published in our Journals.
So the problem lies within.
We have to gear up to understand that the Articles are not Cheap Audit Assistants to whom petty payments are payable as per the population of the town.
The onus is also on the students - they have to understand that the objective of Articleship is not to go around the clients’ office and act Bossy. It is not about obtaining your monthly cheques of Stipend and look forward to meeting the gap from reimbursement of conveyance and travelling expenses. These issues are too petty against the oppurtunity that comes in the form of getting exposure to working environment of diverse clients, about seeing procedures and control run in actual practice, about solutions to problems that arise in implementation of laws and procedures - to name a few. The outlook is actually too narrow at times against the expectation.
Therefore, it is indeed the need of the day to debate on this issue and forward our comments to the Institute for better implementation of our course.
With Kind Regards
CA Amit Seth
IInd Floor,
46 - 1, Wazir Hasan Road,
Lucknow - 226 001.
Tel (Office) - 0522 2206593
Mobile - 9415004584
May 10th, 2006 at 10:03 am
Dear All,
Things that we need to understand here …..
1.) You can complete a CA course in 30,000 or so…..A MBA degree costs 4.5 Lacs…
There are people in CA from all walks of life….it is not so in MBA where only affluent and middle class people enter. These who enter into MBA are already convent studied and are thorough in their English and style…..Compare that to a average CA student who comes from any where between a small village or town to that the son of Birla (Kumar Mangalam Birla)….
So there lies no point comparing the cream to the milk…..
2.) Wrong Comparison…
We are comparing two very different things…..Like we cannot compare India and China, similarly we cannot compare MBA to CA…..Moreover because of today’s media (who broadcast that MBA get 1 Cr salary) MBA has got glorified….BUT the point I wish to make is that what are we comparing……The elitist of the elite make it to the top B schools….They already have 3 yrs work experience….. I know many CA in jobs who have three years of work ex and are earning 7-8 lacs p.a. (same to that of average salary of MBA from a top notch school).
So again on this point we cannot compare the both….
3.) Minimum Salary….Best point…
Lets see the other side now……..WHAT IS THE MINIMUM SALARY OF AN MBA???????? Because of the supply pressures they go down to as low as 7,500 per month…..yes I can produce you people who have done MBA and earn this much……Now what is the minimum salary of a fresh CA…..Lets take up the case of campus recruitment of Bangalore….the minimum salary offered ranged between 15,000 to 20,000 p.m…….Now who earns more in the beginning…
Here again CA scores over MBA.
4.) Facilities….
In my GMCS batch we had Mrs. and Mr. Chaturvedi who had come from IIM Lucknow to impart knowledge to us on attitude….There one person threw a question to Mr. Chaturvedi that who is better MBA or a CA???? He gave a very interesting answer…..he said……CA’s are better in knowledge BUT the facilities provided to and MBA student are far superior…..He again stated the cost of the two courses to be the main difference…..
5.) Choice…..
CA gives us a very fine edge over MBA because it gives us the choice of either practice or job…..whereas approximately 95% MBA students aspire to do jobs after their graduation…..Then they forget all the entrepreneurial skills taught to them…..
Here once more we see that we are in a better position after clearing our degree…
Therefore, in the end I see that Institute has done a lot for the profession and the students in like…….
I somehow cannot blame the institute for the lagging of CA to MBA(in the physiological sense)….It is the problems of the students who do not actively participate in their ciricullam…..
If it had been institute fault we would never had personalities like Prannoy Roy, Kumar Mangalam Birla and Shekhar Kapoor pass out as Chartered Accountants.
–
Regards
Dhruv Seth
B.Com, A.C.A., D.I.S.A. (ICAI)
Seth & Associates.
90, Pirpur Square, Narahi,
Lucknow-226001
Phone :- 0522-2288287 (o)
9935522611 (m)
May 10th, 2006 at 10:07 am
i completely agree with u dhruv. we should not compare a ca with an mba. i’m proud to be a ca n i’ll always be.
VIVA ICAI
CA. Ashutosh Guha Sarkar
May 10th, 2006 at 10:09 am
I compliment Dhruv for such a nice reply. Those who have attended the inaugural function of the auditorium of our branch would have listened to the word of wisdom of our President. He said ” you may find an MBA unemployed but you will not find any CA unemployed”. Second thing, which he said was that MBA is done after doing engineering or so and therefore, any hefty package which we hear of, is not because of only being MBA, it is because of knowledge of other stream or the expereince.
Thanks
Pankaj Agrwal
Chartered Accountants
302, Chintels House
16 Station Road
Lucknow 226 001
Phone 2293522
pankaj@mgcoca.com
agrwalpankaj@gmail.com
May 10th, 2006 at 10:13 am
More over Take the words from our president
U can find the unemployed MBA
but u wud never find a unemployed CA.
May 13th, 2006 at 10:08 am
Dear Friends
This is an age old debate with no certain conclusions.
Now to add to these qualifications is another degree MFM (Masters in Business Management). This is a judicious mix of the earlier two degrees.
Now who is better?
I think it is irrelevant. It is not the degree that matters; it is what you make of it on your job. Other than the specific job of audit for which they are chartered, all other jobs require professional in situ management. I know of some CAs who are very proficient and dedicated ‘managers’. But it needs to be understood that CAs working as Chartered accountants have a specific job which is not managerial. They do not have the leadership role, other than managing their own team of accountants.
On the other hand, the syllabus of MBA courses is very generalist and managerial implying they have the ability to ‘lead’ a team.
An MBA could fit into any assignment, whether it be HR, Admin, Marketing, or what have you. An accountant does not shift.
I have been dealing with CAs, MFM, and MBAs. I must confess that the later two have a better grasp over certain ‘soft skills’ that they have been able to develop. In fact they consider these soft skills their bread and butter, and keep regularly updating their skills.
On the contrary, I remember I was a part of the training team at ICAI, Bangalore focussing on communication, Presentation skills and personality development, and that all fresher were obliged to attend this orientation course.
Now some times two years back a feedback was taken from the freshers and the majority of the CAs felt that there was no need for them to be put through these soft skill programmes. The management of the ICAI, therefore decided to modify the course content minus these soft skills. CAs are now therefore sadly back to square one.
I personally feel that the MBAs are one up due to their managerial skills and such other soft skills. In case the new generation of CAs feel the above contention relevant they need to get back to training establishments to induce them to professionalize their courses, and include soft skills as a part of their curriculum.
Do that and you may be no less than MBAs.
I have almost 40 years experience handling people in various capacities. I have been the VP of a software development company having raised it in India, and had both CAs and MBAs on roll. The person who excelled best was in fact a MFM guy who was a perfect blend of business management and finance. I have traced his career and find that where ever he applied he was offered a job. He was offered one at Tatas, another at Reliance, one at IBM Global services, and so on. So what really matters these days is your personality. If you feel that you have a perfect personality and there is no need to be trained on certain aspects of personality development, as is the actual situation at ICAI, so be it.
With malice towards none.
Arun Malhotra
May 15th, 2006 at 12:48 pm
Hi all ,
there has a lot of hub bub about CA vs MBA. has our campus ever witnessed Lehman bros.,ABN amro etc. NEVER, and in fact why should it be? when in campus a student is asked about his article details , its the firm that matters the most. Infact, I am sorry to say Apart from few firms in Lucknow,Articleship from lucknow is even not worthy of considered good by many a recruiters.
If its so , y does our institute imparts the right ot train members to all CA’s . Should it not be reserved for those who train them well.
More over , Articles now a dayz have also become uninterested in taking training serioulsy,barring a few exmaples. Institute should make realistec efforts to start specialisation courses after PE-2, so that one can understand where the studies are to be focussed. and they do not become JACK OF ALL TRADES ,BUT MASTER OF NONE.
Then only our future is secure and we can stive in industry..
regards
CA.Ashutosh Singh
May 15th, 2006 at 12:50 pm
beg to differ with you Sir,
WHY DO WE ALWAYS HAVE TO BLAME THE INSTITUTE FOR EACH AND EVERY THING ????
Why cant…….
1.) We have more group discussions regulary at branch level amongst members and students alike….(A hit formula at our RRC’s)
2.) We have a better library at our branch….(If members donate their old books (which are not required) may be the dream of a library can be achieved very economically…)
3.) We promote CICASA….If you ever have the privilege of visiting Bangalore try to visit the branch there…..There is a separate section in the branch for SICASA (South India Chartered Accountant Student Association)….
Many of our branches in India would not be as active as SICASA…..It is entirely run by students and for the students…..They conduct seminars themselves, have management skills development, have sports activities, conduct mock papers, have group discussions, formed study circles…….etc.etc…..This is all done by the students themselves which eventually helps them in getting more lucrative job offers….It is not because Institute has helped them, it is because they have helped themselves.
4.) There be personality development classes for the members….
5.) We have a work shop on best practicies in our profession….Corporate world is reaching for Six Sigma attainment, we can also inculcate the better practicies followed by the professional brothers into our own offices.
Institute is there to work at the macro level and not delve down to the micro issues……..People say that institute has not done enough for the personality development of the students to make them comparable to MBA’s…..Please forgive me for mentioning the words “General Management and Communication Skills course” or more popularly known as (GMCS). I peronally learnt a lot from these classes even though i had the opportunity of studying from a better school.
INSTITUTE HAS DONE WHAT WAS REQUIRED……It has created a path for us to walk, but if we wish to stand were we are, then we would be left stranded!!!
Moreover to your question as to why does not Lehman Bros and ABN amro never visit our campus….may i reply that ITC, Airtel, ABB ltd, Dr. Reddy, Aptech, Citi, L & T, Maruti and to top that up your said bank ABN Amro also visited the campus and it’s need for Chartered Accountant can be found in the scroller at http://www.placements-icai.org/
WE HAVE TO STOP OURSELVES TO BE SPOON FED AND TAKE COGNIZANCE OF THE FACT THAT THERE EXISTS A WORLD WHICH WE, CHARTERED ACCOUNATNTS CAN GRAB WITH BOTH HANDS !!!
–
Regards
Dhruv Seth
B.Com, A.C.A., D.I.S.A. (ICAI)
Seth & Associates.
90, Pirpur Square, Narahi,
Lucknow-226001
Phone :- 0522-2288287 (o)
9935522611 (m)
May 15th, 2006 at 12:51 pm
Dear Mr.Seth ,
It was really nice to know about your views and i respect them , it woud be fine if we try to implement them.,
This contentious issue is to go a long way , and i probably have seen campus very closely and can tell u more about it.
out of 600 students just 6 to be selected by TATA’s, and if we call this fair opportunity then i dont now what to say .
how ever , i still say one has to rely on himself for his development,
BUT i wish we could help upcoming CA’s to establish them selves in a better way . and above all i dont expect anything more frm institute, what ever it has done or al of us , if beyond expectations.Kudos to ICAI
Regards
CA. Ashutosh Singh
May 19th, 2006 at 12:16 am
interesting topic indeed and one can go on passionately shielding or pushing for the side taken. But there are certain very fundamental reasons why MBAs enjoy so much clout these days…
1. the price for mba’ s is also inclusive of his base degree plus experience he put in earlier to the mba degree
2. the company in the liberalised economy needs more managers and the hr department feels mba’s are naturally suited for the job…(it is a myth…is different issue as it is people’s perceptions and it do matters)
3. the marketing strategy of the institutions ensures that the mba degree is marketed very well so that their growth prospects are more prosperous…
4. clear cut focus and concentration on subject or area specialisation.
5. it is a full time course with better facilities grooming your personality
Now coming to our CA….where do we stand…
1. the price is only for our degree as freshers we dont have any experience..
2. the name itself conveys our specialisation that we are good in accounting and taxation….real finance is something different.. is it so easy to handle M&A, derivative hedging, forex or securities trading or risk management…right from the word go…no way..we need to have confidence that we can do ……no doubt but without exposure,it is nothing but overconfidence and will definitely lead to disaster only…MBA by virtue of the case study method, project report and summer placements are better exposed to the high funda finance …
3. what is the marketing strategy of our institute…do we have any strategy atleast on other areas….
4. specialisation..what options we are giving….some time back some member opined that our institute has introduced some high end course in information technology….sadly mistaken…our institute has not created anything new…it just copies from international market ….the dsa course is still not recognised when compared with international cisa and many members are opting to do cisa these days rather than dsa….the same way abt the insurance also…there is no need to create separate courses….you just enter into alliance with professional institutes already existing in the country with industry recognition and make them available to the members and that will be best knowledge management solution…..the focus is not there on syallbus contents and the same set of subjects are still pursued with slight tinkering here and there ….is it specialisation….?
5. ours is a part time course fully depended on individual effort with no developmental or grooming chances..where do the person gets time….
abt kumar mangalam birla….though he is CA but he is also a MBA… the same way one can keep quoting abt leaders but their success cannot attributed to ca qualification alone…rather i can quote the present central bank of india chairperson..as perfect example for the success of ca qualification…she rose from the PO to the present post…but see the rise of mba’s in the industry…
Ultimately the need of the hour we need to recognise the perception of the industry and we need to either change the industry perception or our perception and try to learn and give a run for the mba’s….i am not sure how far we can succeed in the first option… but i am confident from my experience..try second option…definitely you emerge more successful than anybody else…
ganesh
July 26th, 2006 at 7:10 pm
Some points……..
I feel finally what matters is not the education….what matters is the commitment…..if the person has the passion, he will perform irrespective of where he comes from
fresher salaries dont matter coz-
1. The placement committe of B-schools are much more savvy than ours…let me be candid, i have heard that they even pay some money to the HR managers to get their students placed. The reason for this is that the criteria for the best b-school is the highest salary offered
2. Many of the MBAs also carry some experience before MBA…so, we need to factor the value of that experience
3. in bad years, these ppl dont report the salaries as the salaries are really bad to report! now here, the CA scores coz he will get much more …..i have seen ppl from good insti (leaving aside IIMs) not even getting jobs post the tech bubble….i fail to find a jobless CA….
If we look at the longer term (say 5 years) i see CAs scoring over MBAs…..take any topshot in any industry….from IT to media to banking….u will find at least a CA in a leadership position….CA is and will remain a force to reckon with….CAs can be messed with initially….but once he decides to take charge…man, there is no stopping
Ankit
September 24th, 2006 at 1:47 pm
Dear friends,
Whether a person is MBA or a CA, it does not matters. Bcoz its more important to have the ability to execute a working perfectly. Both their working defers from situation to situation. if the CAs want to be superior then talk like this: CA’s signature is being accepted in the Income Tax dept. (an obligation by law, but no of an MBA, as every TOM Dick & harries (colleges) are issueing MBA certificates. but for becoming CA there is one and only one.
if the MBAs want to be superior then talk like this:
CAs work monotonously only on sided accounts only, the MBAs have more scope than any other stream, …..but remember all have the different scope as
September 24th, 2006 at 1:50 pm
Dear friends,
Whether a person is MBA or a CA, it does not matters. Bcoz its more important to have the ability to execute a working perfectly. Both their working defers from situation to situation. if the CAs want to be superior then talk like this: CA’s signature is being accepted in the Income Tax dept. (an obligation by law, but no of an MBA, as every TOM Dick & harries (colleges) are issueing MBA certificates. but for becoming CA there is one and only one.
if the MBAs want to be superior then talk like this:
CAs work monotonously only on sided accounts only, the MBAs have more scope than any other stream, …..but remember all have the different scope different process different nature of work. so no need to think of who is better and who is superior… just keep on working efficiently, patiently and honestly… this should be the policy of every body.
regards
govindarajan
September 25th, 2006 at 9:56 am
A long hulla bulla over the CA vs MBA issue, read through it all very patiently. Well, None impressed more than Dhruv. None could have analysed better than this, especially, to the comparison issue and the alternative edge, which is the nucleus of the entire issue. As regards a dual qualification is concerned, i.e. a CA going for MBA, it is happening vice versa. And gone are the days when personality, presentation and placement preferences were MBA rights and only MBA s vcould take home more salaries.
One more truth, yes, our Institute needs tog room us still more for giving us that corporate edge which has been the fantasy. But however, good the physician might be, when there is a complicacy, cannot do without a surgeon. Ever seen a company running only with MBA’s and having CA s only only for Auditors!!!!!!!NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
We are also the privilged ones and rather we are giving them suffocating competition!!! So, cheers for that and if we just keeping marching ahead like this, the MBA fobia will fade away in no time, I tell you!!! NO more just Finance for us now, we are capturing Operations, Logistics, Brand Management, Strategy Planning and much more!!!!
Anyone who wants to discuss salaries being earned or diversification, may write back. Well, what Dhruv has written is in any case very right, rather I would say, he has given conservative figures, the grass is still much greener on our side. Just keep grooming where it needs! after all that is what an MBA does to you! Why cant you do it to yourself!!!
Raginee Goyal,
B.Com, A.C.A., D.I.S.A.(ICAI),
Manager Finance & Commercial,
Godrej Consumer Products Ltd.,
Guwahati
Assam
September 25th, 2006 at 2:46 pm
Dear Friends
Enough of this Bakwas….
First of all, u cannot compare a doctor(CA) & a compounder (MBA)…These MBAs want to become doctor by taking a capsule of 1-2 yrs course from some aalu-chalu institute & these f.. jokers market themselves as smart & gud ata knowledge..
U put any MBA to pass a CA exam & see that he will run for his life b’cuse they dont’ know what is a knowledge about the countrys legislature/Finance/Accoounting/Costing etc..
A CA is a complete commercial guy_entreprneur cum_Manager cum_Operational guy.
So dont’ ever comppare these useless idiots with pundits of knowledge..
Thanks
Manish
September 25th, 2006 at 10:41 pm
Hi, there are just a few works or jobs which can be managed single handedly otherwise most of the jobs and businesses these days need a team work. And those who can manage people, those who can get work done through people meeting the realistic deadlines can only pursue any lucrative workline. Many CAs as everybody knows thrive on dalali,brokerage,commission short of things. Only a few brilliant, hardworking and knowledgable CAs reach big heights through perseverance. ICAI managed through its branches is a worst managed structure. ICAI should first immediately abolish the useless,short timed,`lecture method’ of imparting CPE. Instead ask POUs to hire high profile lecturers, CEOs, Politicians to dvelve upon the art of managing work,people and places with case studies. Branches should be managed by Senior CAs with help of MBA professors,IAS retired people etc. Organise more and more programs giving opportunity to members to articulate. GMCS and computer education everybody knows are illmanaged. How can a 15 days orientation can change bring cultural change ?
September 26th, 2006 at 5:03 pm
CA gets passed from a single institute whereas, MBAs are production from various institutes and quality of them cannot be compared. There are definitely few good institutes for MBA but not all. Comparing MBA degree with CA degree cannot be completed unless the MBA institute is also taken into consideration.
September 30th, 2006 at 11:48 am
What is countable is personal enthusiasm and passion to achieve. It changes personwise.
ICAI and verious renowned MBA institutions are providing best education and try to add in qualities. They contribute a lot to build the economy and advanced life. History proves that a person with best quality only wins. The qualification is countable but not enough to put a person at the pick. Most of the businessmen are non professional and employing a lot of CAs and MBAs.
So in my view, we should not enter into proving the superiority in between CA and MBA. We should try to generate a passion and to achieve the determined goal with enjoyment of life.
March 29th, 2007 at 10:06 am
well in india you ppl can say that CAs are inferior than MBAs but its not the case in Pakistan or anywhere else,CAs are masters of all trade and jack of none,but MBAs are jack of all trade and master of none,,,,,,,,,,,,thats all i want to say my dear indians,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
March 30th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
Friends!! i am somebody who is both a Ca and an mba…i hate it when people talk about mbs keeping all of them on one common platform…to tel you every mba institute holds a rating like A+ etc..and there is something called as a top ten also !! let us get down to terms ca’s can only be compared with those mba’s that pass out from such top b-schools!!!BITTER REALITY!!! REST ALL MBAs are JUST TIME PASS!!
second- most of the people taking management programmes in india are engg. grads with some job exprience..that means MBA is your second chance….how can you compare ur second chance with a CA’s first chance???? logical comparision is between ca and ur engg. degree!! AB BOLO!!
third: U mba guys say that you have great analytical abilities…guys …Our average Salary is low because we also entertain PSUs on campus..so getting a low average is obvious!!! u mbs dont wanna go for PSU cause all you want is money and thus ur average figures gets inflated!!
Fourth:you mba guys get to work with pWC/ KPMG/ EY/after you grad from ur b school spending an astronomical 6 Lacas…many of your ca friends got an association with these brands when they were just kids( in their articleship)!!! so whose better???
Fifth: when i passed out of the ca institute i got a domestic offer of 27 lacs…is it less????
last: If u think Life ends at iim A- let me tel u !! one of ur Ca friends is doing his MBA at the Harvard Business school!!! and thats ME!!!!!
OK NOW U TEL WHOSE BETTER????
June 20th, 2007 at 8:48 pm
hi
this forum is gettin inputs from people from different fields..
ther obviously cannot be a conclusion to the debate but it hasnt really helped me decide.
I want to get into business that my dad is into because it has great scope in the future..now i am at crossroads…i am through with graduation .a bcom pass degree from delhi university..should i take up CA or MBA..what would ultimately help me in the business more? i couldnt get through to a good institiution this year should i write cat again or study for ca?i cant realy decide because ca will take me another 4 years and mba (even though it costs more ) would take me just two years to complete…what would prove to be a be better for a-want-to-be- entrepreneur like me?
June 28th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
hi
i don,t agree with your idea,because we all take into consideration one aspect of chartered accountant,but i enlighten the other aspect of ca carrear as a practitioner.ca in practice can able to generate that much money that no mba can think of that and also the reputation in society of ca in business world & also in society is much higher in comparison to mba.because maximum of mba are jholachap but for ca hard working and tremendous mind is the main requirement.
August 17th, 2007 at 9:37 pm
Hi,
I do not understand the fight is all about. CA and MBA are 2 different monsters. One specializes in accounting and the other in various other displine like marketing, HR, Finance, Tech mgt etc. When you compare you got to compare apples to apples. Finance is not just limited to corporate finance. It also includes commodities, treasury, M&A, Risk management, Derivatives, Fx, bond market or Fixed income market etc. An MBA has exposure to some or all these areas during his course work where as a CA program is not designed this way. On the other hand, MBA has very limited exposure to Taxation (Corporate, indirect and direct), International tax, Accounting (Indian GAAP, IFRS etc). The paths of both profession may cross but its difficult to say which one is better that the other
August 23rd, 2007 at 4:07 pm
assss
August 23rd, 2007 at 4:10 pm
There is no comparision between CA’s and MBA’s at all…I have seen loads of CA’who cant evn communicate in english which is a prerequisite to enter into the corporate world at this point nobody bothers a\how much knowledge u have whereas a normal MBA has all the qualities 2 enter into corporate…which is the motive of most of the pl…so ppl now itz ur turn 2 think……
August 24th, 2007 at 11:35 am
Hi Sri,
I know many MBA’s who don’t even know basic fundamentals of finance. I am not talking about “A” grade MBA’s who are from top elite schools in India but am talking about people who has done MBA’s from schools run in the street. I agree that there is no comparison between both of them. MBAs can’t challenge CAs in accounting and taxation skills (no way) and CAs can’t challenge MBA’s in analysis skills.
Only speaking rosy english in not a pre requisite to enter into corporate world. If we are not strong at the fundamentals all corporate will shut the doors for us despite that fact that the guy we must be speaking best English in the world.
I don’t have a single doubt that corporates will be helpless without CAs and MBA’s too. Both can not be done away with and we should not undermine any community. So far as comparison is concerned, I don’t feel we are below MBAs (leave aside MBA’s from elite schools like IIM).
After all corporate world is acknowledging this fact.
Compare this and you may not have a single doubt.
Good CAs / Total Ca Base (125000 approx)
Good MBAs/ Total MBAs (countless as every street in India has MBA School)
August 25th, 2007 at 12:06 pm
hey Sri,
Why don u ask your few Mba frens to come and see me. Hopefully you shall find answers to your own question and your misconceptions bout CAs might dwindle in thin air too…!! what say?
Madhur
August 30th, 2007 at 1:23 am
Hi
It doesnt matter what you are a CA or a MBA. Those degrees are just a launching pad. What matters most is your commitment, your hardwork and your vision for your future. This should be sustained throughout your life and that will take you
to great heights. Getting these degrees dont assure you success throughout your life rather what you decide to make out of those degrees. I know of Indian lawyers who have carved out a name for themselves in their field notwithstanding the fact that Law exams in India are looked down and frowned upon.
Whatever field you are in, give out your best that’s my advice to youngsters..
September 18th, 2007 at 10:43 am
Hello
Very interesting information! Thanks!
G’night
September 19th, 2007 at 12:31 pm
i think mba n ca are two entirely different fields of study..a ca specialises only in accounts & taxation but an mba can specialise in finance or marketing or advertising…etc.WHAT a ca can do..an mba cannot,no matter whether he is an mba in finance.So obviously we cannot compare the two…but if the comparison is made then obviously CA’S ARE FAR MARE BETTER THAN MBA..an mba might have better communication & presentetion skills but a CA is far more intelligent & hard working.A CA’s expertise can never be questioned…u wil never find a CA unemployed..an average student can clear the mba exams…….but to clear the CA exam u need to be realy intelligent & hard working.Just for your information my friends the passing percentage of ca is jussst 4% to 6%…not every1 can be A CA… but with so many management institutes in our country, just any1 can b AN MBA….so dont u dare say that an mba is better than CA,
“CA’S ARE MUCH BETTER THAN MBA…..GOT IT!!!!!”
September 29th, 2007 at 8:47 am
DEAR SIR I WANNA KNOW HOW MUCH MINIMUM SALARY A CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT CAN GET IN A MONTH
September 29th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
Dear Dipinti,
There is not limit to the minimum or maximum salary that a CA or any other professional can get. It entirely depends upon ones personality, traits, qualifications, strenghts n weaknesses.
I see many CAs drawing as less as 10 k per month as starting salary and some as high as 40-50 k per month as starting salary and aftr that only sky is the limit.
Hope it answers ur queries
September 29th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
and yea Sana,
I GOT IT [:D]
October 1st, 2007 at 11:02 pm
O hh , after hearing and readind about lotz of debate between CA’s and MBA’s , I want to have the attention af all the readrs pointed towards one fact. They should look at the objective and sectorwise placements to both the qualifications.
I am a CA and i have realized that syallabus of a CA is specifically designed to cater to the needs of Manufacturing sector where margins are between 10 to20 pc net profit. How ever MBA’s are absorbed by Banking and finance sector where raw material cost is nil. By having the debate between two people are debating that which is better, Knowledge or personality ( good personality includes attitude of learning). so better appproach is that people should compare MBA’s with CFA of USA.
October 22nd, 2007 at 2:06 pm
hi……….i jus read sme of the posts n must say they did made me think who’s bttr prsn an mba or a c.a….a/c to my obsrevation u can’t stereotype all ca’s as being nerds………..n the question who takes more moolah back home is nt a matter of a degree bt in d end it is the prson who matters………nt all mba’s turn out to b as polishd as the cmn perception is…………..so guys giv it a brk
November 1st, 2007 at 5:44 pm
Someone opined that he (CAs) need one additional one year course to develop personality, which will make the entire course duration to 5-7 yrs, and by that that time the entire knowledge will become obsolate.
We feel that the entire course duration should be 1 or max 2 yrs and there is urgent need remove articleship (may be replaced with say 2 yrs workex). These flexibilities will certainly put the CAs in advantageous position.
Rigidity of the ICAI (whisch anyway is not recognised outside India, people in europe & US dont even know that this institute exist.) will create problems for institute and also for members. Keep bosting will not help post 2009 when the service sector will open.
There is urgent need to remove articleship as its nothing bu a kind of slavery. Where th CA institute recognises the potential of its students @ $25 per mont.
November 12th, 2007 at 11:59 pm
terry,
what r u saying…im working in australia with only my indian c.a degree…before tht ws working in dubai….Indian C.A is very well recognised in the entire world…even in the U.S but ofcourse once u land there they will want u to finish cpa as well…from my dubai office….mainyof my c.a friends went to the U.K, Ireland and Canada only with their Indian C.A….If u dont know facts dont say worng things pls….
And ya both C.A’s and MBA’s are good….in their own ways…
November 15th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
I wud completely second what Riaa is saying…
Tarry, my dear…
U mustn’t be aware that Bank of Nova Scotia, a canadian firm is coming to ICAI for recruitment this Dec….
Also, i have myself attended australian migration seminar wherein Australian Govt officails were keen on giving pr to the Indian CAs.
Also the profeession is fairly recognised in other Asian countries with pool of Indian CAs making into top management…..
As far as MBA is concerened, no-one can deny that an MBA prof (IIM or like inst. grad) gets paid more than a CA. However, it may kindly be noted that Indian CAs for the first time have got an average package of 6 lacs this campus making our profession one of the highest paid profession in the country….
November 19th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
It is meaning less to make these silly conversations. Each professional is unique. The success of an individual totally depends on an individual, the way he carries himself in the professional world.
One interesting point to note:
Total No. Of CA’a = Total No. Of MBA passouts p.a
December 31st, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Hi all,
As far as the two renowed professions are concerned, i think that the professional growth of an individual depends upon his willingness to learn and apply the knowledge in the best interest of an entity. The degrees and clothes only make someone feel that there is a person inside it but only when the person speaks, then only his real wisdom can be judged.
January 4th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Without going into the meaningless debate which one is better. We have both in our house but no argument.
I have always believed CA is comparable to Engineering. Specialised study of Specific Subjects. MBA is an add on for both.
Argument CA’s are not recognised worldwide etc is illogical there are “ample” CA’s working across the globe, I have worked in 5 countries and leading a team of mixed race of people !!! I got Australian immigration very easily because I am a CA same does not apply to MBA’s but Engineers.
Money wise my sister got similar start she is an MBA (Just that I started my first job 5 years before she did)
I had limited means and completed my CA course under INR 25000.00. She was more blessed and we spent 4 Lacs.
It is on individual circumstances. Sure if you have time and money do MBA after CA as you would do after BE.
Rib
January 22nd, 2008 at 5:36 am
Hi…. i was searching for reliance india phone and i came across your post and it is definitely the most sensible thing i have seen in a long time, and in my opinion you got something good going here, i have to get my friends to subscribe to your post about CA Vs Mba.
January 23rd, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Hi Guys,
Well after working with a lot of MBA’s i guess a have finally made myself agree that we CA’s cannot overcome the communication expertise and the presentation factuals that these people have in themselves. True to it guys, just think the last time we made a full fledged presentation ( I a sure majority of them wuld not have even made an effort to look at their presentations made at GMCS, leave aside making a fresh one), however these guys live and die in presentations…..just give it a thought… if the whole of India can be run on the promising speeches of unqualified politicians, y can’t the India Inc. be run by unqualified MBA’s….well they are unqualified but they can at the least show them the dreams which can never be fulfilled without us……
January 25th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Hi,
ALL.. how r U ?? i just read al the comments posted here..Ur comments are really helpful.. but…U MUST NOT COMPARE CA with MBA. CA is GREAT !!!!!! I have completed my MBA in Finance from a renowned University.But, low salary for MBA and lengthy advancement /promotion just slap me. I am now an article student in a renowned CA firm, and really enjoying the PRESSURES,…. but u know U CANT EXPECT A FRUIT WITHOUT GIVING FERTILIZER TO THE TREE. It is really wonderful to learn PRACTICAL things while doing ‘jack of all traits, master of none’ in mba……….PRAY FOR ME!!!
January 26th, 2008 at 5:34 am
Hello…Man i love reading your blog, interesting posts ! it was a great Friday .
February 1st, 2008 at 12:38 am
communication skill , leadership, personality, presenatation and analysis count the most
You get pay higher because you have these asset
WHY IIM get higher salary because
there are like basmati rice which are pick from pool of ordinary mix rice by CAT EXAM
IIM only do cooking BAstmati rice into Biryani
that why price of briyani is more because of price of basmati rice
where as ordinary rice is cook into local meal by local institute and has local price
February 2nd, 2008 at 3:08 pm
I feel both ca and Mba are equally good.But leading industralists of our country are not CA or Mba.They learnt from their expereince and hard work.This is an atttitude which young professionals should learn and develop to become suceesful in their career.
February 4th, 2008 at 10:01 am
Hi all,
CA == MBA from IIM.
I am a Mechanical engineer, I know the value of both CA and MBA guys.
But i have got to tell that CA’s are alway’s great. the major differences between CA’s and MBA’s are
1)hardwork
2)talk
MBA’s talk a lot. but when it comes to work they don’t perform as they promise. ultimately these guys have to come to a CA .
Were as CA’s let their work do the talking.
And i feel it is easier to get into IIM than clearing CA in first attempt.
March 4th, 2008 at 10:57 am
what every1 missing is that CAT is very difficult to crack.It’s not about who is better but about which institute/s getting ‘Cream’ for their institute.Generally IITs n very reputated college students crack CAT.No doubt Rankholder CAs r also good but does not mean every C.A. is better than M.B.A.;the logic is if u completed graduation n can get into top 15 B-school C.A. is not essential,but C.A.s can always do M.B.A.(gud institute only).I think peer group in gud M.B.A. college is very gud.I know some of my friends in good institutes completed C.A. in 1st attempt finding very difficult to survive even in non-IIMs.C.A. get cleared by over 8000 people in ayear there r mere 3000 seats in top 15 gud school.Let’s accept M.B.A. is better
March 4th, 2008 at 11:11 am
i’ve attended CAT class used to teach to us by IIM-A passed out.Then i saw their analysis skills r great they think like god.No wonder when 12 lacs salary p.a. any C.A. gets it makes news;getting 1 crore in a year does not make new any more.I’m not convenient that CA is difficult to crack in ist as many many cleared it in ist attempt and finding it impossible to get into top institute.Now a days result is very high in days to come like engineers u’will ‘ve to say oh i’m ist attempt CA to get any praise.The more logic is those who get 90% in 10th class do engineering those who get 60% do C.A.;an average can never crack CAT but agood engineer crack CAT n get fat packet.I accet ca final is tough but it is just tough n that does not make them superior to M.B.A.Comaring them to IIMs is like doubting on uncut diamond.
March 26th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Hi,
I am CA 2005 pass out having 1 year of experience in JDE an ERP as finance consultant in MNC. I want to move to our core area like system audit or investment banking etc.
Can I get an opportunity to work in our core area with having current exp. Please let me know is there any further exam requuired to pass for better prospectus in core area.
Thanks in advance.
Bachu pavan. CA
April 7th, 2008 at 1:00 am
guys i know CA is hard and it will be hard for any CA student to swallow the fact that MBA is better , but cmon brothers and sisters they are.
CA placements , ICAI cant get 100% placements for its final passed students … this year we reached the highest point and its was just 62% placement . When compared with MBA everyother MBA colg had 100% placements also the average placement of ICAI was 5.93 lac which is lower than the minimum package of many MBA colleges … take down the fact guys MBA is better there are some 25-30 mba colleges which can get u a better job than CA
April 9th, 2008 at 1:57 am
dear friends
please dont waste time in arguing over CA v/s MBA?
CA’s are definately better, i must say much much better than MBA’s both in terms of status n job prospects.
Accounting is the best n most demanding profession in whole world.
So, just relax. these MBS’s will come to know the difference soon in coming yrs!
May 15th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
talk about MBA’s compare all 250000 odd MBA’s.. Now dont be so illogical to say 23 MBA colleges or stuch stuff..
Dont worry dude, i have worked in finance industry for more than two years and my colleagues respect me for my professionla qual..just to tell you my colleagues range from IIM’s , Isb . Spjains , IIFT, FMs to all top colleges..
Dont forget , if you want to compare , then in finance we stress on ROCE , return on capital employed…now tell me are you really a financial analyst…at least i am :D..
CA.
May 16th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
I sincerely believe that MBA is better than CA. Even I am a CA(AIR 44) in MAY 2007 exaam , but I am not happy with the work I am doing. In case of MBA, you have the liberty to choose your profile
May 16th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
but in case of CA, it is normally imposed on you. I think the best way to compare between the two is to comapre between the salaries and the promotion and you will get the answer
May 26th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Dear ALL , Discussion & Debate on MBA v/s CA…can be made unlimited. Major differebce is that CA ppl…go thru a long RIDE..so they feel….there importance is much more & they are more demanding. If the Institute becomes liberal they can supply more CA, even more than MBA. Any BCOM , graduate aims for CA atleast as a TRY initially & incase gets Cleared than STRATS the SHOW OFF. Acoounting is such a Area one can Master it by PRACTICE, even a NON-GRAD can be more POWERFUL than CA. BUT MBA is not a Every ones CUP of Tea. Most important all the SCAMS , FRAUDS every were & Any were is not Possible without the HELP of CA. CAs are given the authority to serve there services, its LIKE Govt official has a POWER, but he or she will never let it go without been Mis-Use it. ALL the scams & LEVERAGE scams go arise from the back Bone & Roots of CA firm. I know am very BLUNT on FACT, but this truth is known in every human HEART. AM a ENGG + MBA. And mine Father is a CA. So i have a VAST & INDEPTH knowledge of all the field. So let CA keep doing there accounting & MBA will monitor them from TOP. Rest let the fight go on…
May 26th, 2008 at 10:11 am
CA…try to make both the clients HAPPY but they always finally end making themself HAPPY by POCKETYING there Treasury ..that what is teh CA….do. If you do not belive get the ANY CAs, OWN BALANCE SHEET any MBA can CATCH them red Handed. Such CA membership ID must be submitted to Institute to it cancelled. You will see more than HALF will be cancelled. TRY it..CA guys your PRIDE can be taken for RIDE..but we as a BUSS world do not like to take…so be cool..& do not ever try to CLIMB….upside with MONKEY BUSS..
May 26th, 2008 at 10:14 am
This a site is RUN by CA, so when we reveal the FACT, tis CA guys do not allow to get it posted on this site…. This site itself shows……there weakness….pls. do not discuss here…this CA…are CHEATER ACCOUNTS………
May 26th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
I Myself is a CA + MBA, When i was Only CA i was around more NonSense character, who will always BOOST OF Accounting Std..Empty filled….minds…
June 5th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Ruchi Pandya,
I m also a CA student and if u have gutz to prove the above comment i.e u were a nonsense character when u were only a CA then why dont u surrender ur membership with ICAI.
And also from the above comment everyone comes to know that u are still a NONSENSE character.
June 10th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Even I am astonished to see such comments by a member of the institute. If you can’t respect your profession, you don’t have self respect !!
July 5th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
oh!! common even a 10th grader can tell that mba is just an add on for both engineers and ca’s…ca’s possess
a greater knowledge of subjects.i personally feel that mba is just all about grooming and presenting oneself and mba cannot be compared with ca becuase there are many mba’s(around 1500 bscls in india…most of them we all know about;)) and very few ca’s
July 18th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Would like to know if there are certain functions that only CA can perform and MBA cant?
Are Indian CAs recognised abroad as well