Top Professional Courses After 12th in Finance

Top Professional Courses After 12th in Finance

Are you a commerce or finance student wondering what to do after 12th? You’re not alone! With India’s fast-growing financial sector, new opportunities are opening every year. From accounting and taxation to global certifications like CMA USA and ACCA, students can now choose professional finance courses that offer high-paying and globally recognised careers.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top finance courses after 12th, their scope, duration, fees, job roles, salary, and how each course can help you build a strong future in finance.

Table 1: Top Professional Finance Courses After 12th Commerce


Course Name

Duration

Recognition

Average Salary (₹/year)

Career Level

CMA USA (Certified Management Accountant)

6-9 months

Global (IMA, USA)

6–8 LPA

International

ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)

2–3 years

Global (UK)

5–10 LPA

International

CA (Chartered Accountancy)

4–5 years

India (ICAI)

7–15 LPA

National

CPA (Certified Public Accountant - USA)

12-18 months

Global (AICPA)

7–12 LPA

International

CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)

2–3 years

Global (CFA Institute)

8–15 LPA

International


Read More:

Benefits of Becoming an Enrolled Agent (EA)

All You Need To Know About Enrolled Agent Study Materials and Exam Prep

Enrolled Agent After 12th Commerce


1. CMA USA – Management Accounting Excellence

The CMA USA course is one of the best options for 12th commerce students aiming for a career in finance, costing, and management accounting.

Key Highlights:

  • Conducted by IMA (Institute of Management Accountants, USA)

  • Divided into 2 parts: Financial Planning & Decision Making

  • Can be completed in 6-9 months

  • Recognised in 100+ countries including India, USA, UAE

  • , and Canada

📊 Table 2: CMA USA Course Details

Criteria

Details

Eligibility

12th Pass + Graduation (Ongoing or Completed)

Duration

6-9 months

Exam Mode

Online (Prometric centres)

Average Fees

₹1.5–2. lakhs

Career Roles

Financial Analyst, Cost Accountant, Budget Manager

Salary Range

₹7–9 LPA in India;

💼 Career Scope:
With CMA USA, you can work in MNCs like Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG, Amazon, and JP Morgan as a financial analyst or management accountant.

Latest Updates

Success Stories: CA Professionals Journey to becoming a CPA

The Best CPA Comprehensive Guide

US CPA Eligibility in India - Step-by-Step Guide

CPA Canada Requirements - How to pursue CPA Canada after BCom

2. ACCA (UK) – Global Chartered Accountant

The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification is ideal for students who dream of working abroad. It is equivalent to CA (India) but has global recognition.

Key Highlights:

  • Offers global exposure in finance, taxation, and auditing

  • Recognised in 180+ countries

  • Flexible exam pattern (quarterly sessions)

Table 3: ACCA Course Overview

Criteria

Details

Eligibility

12th (Commerce Stream Preferred)

Duration

2–3 years

Subjects

13 Papers (Knowledge, Skill, and Professional Levels)

Fees

₹3–4 lakhs

Career Roles

Auditor, Financial Planner, Business Consultant

Average Salary

₹9–11 LPA (India); 

🌟 Why Choose ACCA?

  • Accepted by Big 4 firms globally

  • Opportunities in UAE, UK, Singapore, and Canada

  • Flexible learning while studying your degree

Read More

US CPA Exam Pass Rate: What You Need to Know to Crack the CPA Pass Rate

Eligibility Criteria for Becoming a US CPA  

US CPA course After MBA in Finance | A Complete Guide

3. CA (Chartered Accountancy – India)

CA remains one of the most respected finance professions in India. It offers deep knowledge in accounting, auditing, and taxation.

🏛️ Table 4: CA Course Details

Criteria

Details

Conducted By

ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India)

Duration

5–6 years

Stages

Foundation, Intermediate, Final

Fees

₹3–5 lakhs

Career Roles

Auditor, Tax Consultant, CFO, Financial Controller

Salary Range

₹8–25 LPA (depending on experience)

📈 Why Choose CA?

  • High reputation in Indian corporate and government sectors

  • Excellent opportunities in Audit firms, PSUs, and MNCs

  • Demand across industries: manufacturing, IT, and banking

Read More

4. CPA (Certified Public Accountant – USA)

The CPA USA course is another elite global qualification that focuses on auditing, taxation, and financial reporting.

Key Highlights:

  • Conducted by AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants)

  • Ideal for students aiming for international accounting careers

💹 Table 5: CPA USA Course Summary

Criteria

Details

Eligibility

Bachelor’s Degree (Commerce Background)

Duration

12–18 months

Exam Mode

Online

Fees

₹3–4 lakhs

Career Roles

Financial Auditor, Tax Specialist, Controller

Salary

₹8–12 LPA (India);

🌍 Scope:
CPAs are highly valued in US-based MNCs operating in India such as Deloitte, KPMG, EY, PwC, and Amazon.

5. CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)

The CFA is a global course for students interested in investment banking, portfolio management, and financial research.

Key Highlights:

  • Conducted by the CFA Institute (USA)

  • Covers finance, ethics, and investment analysis

  • Preferred by top investment banks and mutual fund companies


    💹 Table 6: CFA Course Summary

Criteria

Details

Eligibility

Bachelor’s Degree OR Final-Year Students

Duration

2.5–3 years (Level I, II & III)

Exam Mode

Online (Computer-Based)

Fees

₹4–5 lakhs 

Career Roles

Investment Banker, Equity Research Analyst, Portfolio Manager

Salary

₹9-12 lpa (India);

Read More 

CMA USA - Top 12 AI-Powered Changes in CMA USA Finance Careers

Which is Better: CMA India or Other Global CMA Courses?

Top 7 Cities in India Offering the Highest CMA USA Salary Per Month

Other Good Options After 12th

Besides professional certifications, you can also consider these foundation degrees:

  • B.Com (Finance & Accounting)

  • BBA (Finance/Banking)

  • BMS or BAF (Finance-focused degrees)
    These can be pursued alongside CMA, ACCA, or CPA for double career benefits.

🎯 Why Choose a Professional Finance Course?

  • Opens global career opportunities

  • Builds financial expertise and analytical skills

  • Helps you work in top companies or start your own consultancy

  • Offers high ROI (Return on Investment) compared to traditional degrees

📍 Best Institute for Finance Courses: NorthStar Academy

If you’re planning to pursue CMA USA, ACCA , EA, or CPA USA, then NorthStar Academy (NSA) is one of India’s most trusted institutes with:

  • 100% placement assistance

  • Expert mentorship from CA & CMA faculty .

  • Flexible online classes

  • Guidance for exam registration & global recognition .

🎓 Join NorthStar Academy and start your journey to become a globally certified finance professional.

Read More

Diploma in IFRS: ACCA Global Comprehensive Guide

ACCA vs MBA: Choosing the Right Path in Accounting and Finance

Best ACCA Books and Study Materials: A Students’ Guide          

Conclusion

Choosing a professional course after 12th in finance is one of the smartest career decisions you can make today. Courses like CMA USA, ACCA, CPA, and CFA open the door to international opportunities, high salaries, and respected roles in global corporations.

If you’re serious about building a successful finance career, start early, stay consistent, and get proper guidance from experts.

🚀 Start Your Global Finance Career Today!

👉 WhatsApp “Hi” to +91 8147470505 for Free Counselling & Course Guidance from NorthStar Academy experts.

Frequently Asked Questions