Introduction
Choosing a career path can be daunting, especially when multiple options exist. Two of the most popular and in-demand career paths in the business world are finance and accounting. In this blog, we will understand finance vs accounting in detail, which can help you decide which certificate courses in India are best for you.
While careers in accounting and finance are related to managing finances, they are distinct in terms of their focus and responsibilities.
If you’re an aspiring individual aiming to succeed in the finance industry, this article is the perfect guide for you!
The following post highlights the key differences between the two fields, allowing you to identify which area aligns with your3 interests and make a well-informed decision.
Finance vs Accounting: Fundamentals
The definitions of finance and accounting represent the primary difference between the two fields. Although their industries are similar, they are distinct disciplines.
Let’s see how –
Finance
- The main objective of finance is to manage investments and monetary resources for various entities such as companies, individuals, or government organisations.
- A finance expert’s primary responsibility is ensuring clients obtain the necessary funding to meet their financial objectives.
- Professionals in finance are committed to generating value through capital management in a manner that yields risk-adjusted returns higher than anticipated.
Accounting
- The core focus of finance is the management of investments and monetary resources for various entities such as companies, individuals, or government organisations.
- To ensure that their clients achieve their financial objectives.
- They aim to generate value through effective capital management, producing risk-adjusted returns exceeding expectations.
Finance vs Accounting: Education
The education requirements for finance and accounting are distinct.
While a finance degree may be sufficient to pursue a career in accounting due to the similarities between the two fields, specializing in a particular area is necessary for more lucrative roles.
Also read: 10 Trending Banking & Finance Career Options
Certification in Finance
To pursue a career in finance, proficiency in managing funds, conducting financial analysis, and utilizing data to predict future earnings and outcomes is essential.
Many individuals aspiring to work in the banking and finance industries choose to obtain certification in finance.
The Expertrons Post Graduate Certification program is tailored to provide you with the necessary industry skills to kickstart your banking career quickly upon entering the job market in the BFSI sector, even if you are a fresher.
Given the intense competition in the Indian banking and financial services sector, this program enables you to refine your domain-specific skills and become better prepared to secure corporate and investment banking finance jobs.
Program Highlights:
- Attain expertise in Banking and Finance-specific domains
- Assured placements in top financial companies like Kotak Mahindra Bank, Union AMC, and more.
- Obtain a reputable PG Certificate accredited by Expertrons
- Secure an assured job in BFSI with an average salary of 3 LPA
- Receive company-specific training, a BFSI Role Ready Module, and mock interviews to enhance your interview preparation, allowing you to speed up the process by 4x.
Certification in Accounting
To pursue a career in accounting, a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree is typically the minimum requirement for certification in finance and accounts.
However, employers generally prefer candidates with an M.Com in accounting, as they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to take on senior roles.
Becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) is another popular route towards an accounting career. As a CA, you will handle various financial and accounting tasks for businesses and individual clients.
Completing the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) course and passing the final exam is another option. Certified Public Accountants are among the most sought-after and globally recognized professionals in the finance industry.
As there are many online accounting courses in India, a management or business degree is typically required for a career in finance. In contrast, a commerce degree or accounting certification is generally required for a career in accounting.
Also read: 5 Best Bank Positions To Apply For
Finance vs Accounting: Careers
The career prospects for finance and accounting differ significantly in the types of roles available.
Careers in Finance
Here are some of the prominent careers in the banking and finance industry:
- Relationship Manager
- Bank Officer
- Relationship Officer
- Risk Analyst
- Investment Banker
Careers in Accounting
Here are some of the prominent careers in the accounting industry:
- Chartered Accountant
- Forensic Accountant
- Certified Public Accountant
- Cost Accountant
- Accounting Manager
Key Takeaway
In conclusion, while finance and accounting differ in focus and requirements, they often work together in real-world operations. Both fields offer attractive career options to individuals, with ample opportunities for professional growth.
Expertrons offers a PG certification in banking and finance, allowing aspirants to specialize in this field and earn an industry-recognized certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Accounting is the process of recording, classifying, and summarising financial transactions to provide helpful information for decision-making.
The primary objective of accounting is to provide accurate and reliable financial information to various stakeholders to help them make informed decisions about the organisation’s financial position and performance.
While finance is primarily concerned with the allocation of financial resources, the management of financial risks, and the creation of value for stakeholders.
Financial management refers to the process of managing an organization’s financial resources to achieve its financial goals and objectives.
It involves planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the financial activities of an organization, including the acquisition and utilization of funds.
Yes, finance is generally considered a good career with many opportunities for growth and advancement.
The scope of financial accounting is vast and encompasses all financial transactions and events that occur within an organization.
The primary objective of financial accounting is to provide accurate and reliable financial information about the organization to various stakeholders, such as shareholders, creditors, investors, and management, to help them make informed decisions.
