Many chartered accountants want to grow faster in the finance world. For them, doing CFA after CA is one of the best choices. The CFA program adds strong investment knowledge to their accounting base. Yes, it makes complete sense to do CFA after completing CA. This move gives you more career options in investment banking, equity research, portfolio management, and global finance roles.
The CA course focuses mainly on accounting, taxation, auditing, and law. These are very important, but if you want to move into investment or global finance, you need CFA knowledge. The CFA program teaches portfolio management, ethics, fixed income, derivatives, alternative investments, and more. So, if you are a CA and add CFA to your profile, you become more potent in finance.
The CFA after the CA journey also improves your global job chances. While CA is popular in India, CFA is respected worldwide. So, if you want to work in the UK, USA, Canada, or UAE, CFA helps you. It makes you more suitable for asset management, investment advisory, and risk management roles.
Why Do CFA After CA?
The combination of CA and CFA opens many doors in finance. While CA gives deep knowledge of Indian laws and accounts, CFA adds international exposure. Today, finance jobs need more than accounting. They want professionals who understand markets, money, and investments. That is where CFA fits in.
A chartered accountant knows how to handle tax audits, balance sheets, and company laws. However, CFA adds the missing pieces when it comes to investment planning, security analysis, and fund management. That’s why students do CFA after CA. You not only improve your knowledge but also grow your career faster. Key reasons why you should do CFA after CA
Wider Career Scope
As a CA, your roles stay limited to audit, tax, or accounts. However, with CFA, you move into roles like financial analyst, portfolio manager, equity researcher, and investment banker. These are top-paying jobs in finance.
Global Opportunities
CA is more valid in India. But CFA is a global certification. So, if you want to work in cities like London, Dubai, New York, or Singapore, CFA helps you get interviews and jobs easily.
High Demand in the Finance Sector
Companies today want professionals who know accounting and investment. If you are a CA and CFA, you are preferred for senior roles in finance firms, private banks, and mutual funds.
Boost in Salary
With both qualifications, your salary grows fast. You can earn 30–50% more than a CA without a CFA. This is true for investment banking, asset management, and corporate finance roles.
CFA After CA Salary: What to Expect in India and Abroad
The salary increase is one of the biggest reasons students do CFA after CA. The CFA after CA salary is much higher than a regular CA earns. With both qualifications, let us look at how much you can earn in India and abroad.
CFA adds global finance skills to your CA base. Employers value this double knowledge. You can earn more in financial modelling, investment research, fund management, and corporate advisory. While CA alone gives a good start, CFA helps you climb faster and get into high-paying roles.
| Experience Level | Average Salary (CA Only) | Salary (CA + CFA) |
| Fresher (0–2 yrs) | ₹6–8 LPA | ₹9–12 LPA |
| Mid-Level (3–6 yrs) | ₹10–15 LPA | ₹15–25 LPA |
| Senior (7+ yrs) | ₹18–25 LPA | ₹30–40 LPA |
| Abroad (CFA + CA) | ₹35–50 LPA equivalent | ₹60–80 LPA+ |
In India, CA + CFA earn high packages in firms like EY, Deloitte, JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, and HDFC AMC. Abroad, the salary can go above ₹1 crore per year depending on role and experience.
CFA After CA Job Opportunities: What Roles You Can Get?
The CFA after CA job opportunities increased a lot. You can now go beyond audit and accounts. CFA helps you get jobs in investment banks, hedge funds, mutual funds, wealth management firms, and global banks.
Most CA professionals stay limited to audit, tax, or statutory compliance roles. But when you add CFA to your resume, you enter the world of financial markets. You understand equity valuation, fixed income, derivatives, alternative investments, and risk analysis. These are skills that top investment firms want.Top job profiles after CFA and CA are
- Investment Banking Analyst: You help in mergers, acquisitions, and IPOs. You do financial modelling and company analysis.
- Equity Research Analyst: You study stocks, write reports, and advise clients. You work with broker firms, AMCs, or research houses.
- Portfolio Manager: You handle client money, build portfolios, and try to give the best returns while managing risk.
- Risk Manager: You analyze risks in investments or operations. You help banks or funds avoid losses.
- Corporate Finance Advisor: You help companies raise money, invest wisely, and improve their capital structure.
These roles need skills from both CA and CFA. That’s why you get preference in interviews and higher salaries.
CFA After CA Career Scope and Industry Demand
The Indian finance industry is growing fast. With more mutual funds, startups, fintechs, and global banks entering the market, skilled finance professionals are in demand. If you do CFA after CA in India, you will become a top choice for many of these firms.
Today, Indian employers want professionals who know both regulations and markets. CA gives you a strong accounting and law base. CFA adds finance, investment, and portfolio knowledge. Together, they make you fit for advanced finance roles.
Many Indian CAs are now entering CFA to shift into core finance. From working with Indian banks to joining global MNCs, the job scope has widened. Sectors like NBFCs, AMCs, private equity firms, and corporate finance divisions hire CFA + CA candidates. This trend will grow more in the next 5 years.
CFA After CA Course Duration and Level-wise Strategy
Many CAs who plan to pursue CFA want to know how long it takes. The duration of the CFA after the CA course depends on how much time you give for each level. The CFA course has three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. You must pass all three to become a CFA charter holder. Level 1 is easier for CA-qualified students as they already know financial concepts. However, each level still needs planning.
If you study seriously, you can complete the entire CFA program in 2 to 2.5 years. Each level needs around 6 months of preparation. The CFA Institute allows you to appear for the exams twice a year. If you pass all the exams in one go, you can finish them quickly. Suggested strategy for each CFA level after CA
- Level 1
This level covers the basics of financial reporting, economics, ethics, and quantitative methods. CAs already know accounting, so they can finish this level with 4–5 months of study. Focus more on Ethics and financial management.
- Level 2
This is considered the hardest level. It has deep finance concepts and a heavy syllabus. You need at least 6–7 months of dedicated study. Use the CFA Institute’s question banks and practice item sets daily.
- Level 3
This is the final level. It focuses on portfolio management and wealth planning. It includes essay-type questions. You must practice written answers. 5–6 months of serious study is enough.
You can easily balance work and CFA prep if you manage your time and stick to a schedule. With your CA background, you already have an edge.
CFA After CA Eligibility and Exam Timeline
Students often ask if there is any special rule or restriction regarding CFA after CA eligibility. The answer is simple. Yes, as a chartered accountant, you can register for CFA. You already meet the basic requirements.
The CFA Institute requires candidates to have either
- A bachelor’s degree (or be in the final year) or
- Four years of professional work experience, or
- A combination of education and experience that totals four years.
As a CA, you already have a degree (like B.Com) or professional experience. So, you are 100% eligible. You can apply for CFA Level 1 directly.
CFA Exam Timeline and Registration Windows
The CFA exams are held four times yearly for Level 1 (Feb, May, Aug, Nov) and twice for Levels 2 and 3 (May, August, or November). You can choose the window based on your schedule. You must also register early to get a lower fee.
Each level’s exam has a fixed format. It is computer-based and held in two sessions of 2 hours and 15 minutes each. You get multiple-choice questions in Levels 1 and 2 and essay + case-based questions in Level 3.
Check the latest exam calendar on the CFA Institute’s official site. Plan your study time 5–6 months before your chosen window.
Tips to Manage CFA With a Full-Time CA Job
Doing a CFA might look tough if you are a working CA professional. But it is possible. Many students complete CFA while working full-time. The key is thoughtful planning and consistent effort. You need to set a schedule that fits your job and study hours. Make a habit of daily study, even if only for 2 hours. On weekends, study more.
Here are helpful tips for working CAs pursuing CFA:
1. Start Early: Don’t wait until the last 2 months. Begin your prep at least 5–6 months before the exam. Even if you study slowly, you’ll cover everything with time.
2. Use Weekends Well: Plan 5–6 hours on Saturdays and Sundays. These long sessions help revise big topics and practice mocks.
3. Follow a Study Schedule: Break your CFA syllabus into weekly targets. Use Excel or planner apps to track it. Tick off each topic as you finish it.
4. Practice, Don’t Just Read: Solving questions is more helpful than just reading. Use the CFA curriculum QBank, third-party mock tests, and past papers to test yourself.
5. Focus on Difficult Areas: Ethics and Portfolio Management are tricky. Spend more time on these. Watch video lectures if needed.
Balancing CFA with a job takes discipline, but it also builds time management skills that help your career.
Common Myths About CFA After CA
There are many myths about CFA after CA that confuse students. Some say CFA is too harsh or does not add much value for a CA. These statements are not factual. Let’s break the most common myths and see the real picture.
Myth 1: “CFA is not useful if you’re already a CA.”
Wrong. CA and CFA cover different areas. CA focuses on Indian accounting, tax, and law. CFA gives you investment knowledge and global finance skills. Both together create a complete finance profile.
Myth 2: “CFA is only for those who want to go abroad.”
False. CFA helps in India, too. Many Indian asset management firms, banks, and MNCs prefer CFA holders. Roles in equity research, corporate finance, and private banking all value CFA knowledge.
Myth 3: “CA students cannot handle CFA syllabus.”
Not true. CA students are already used to tough exams. Their background in accounting and costing helps them in CFA topics like Financial Reporting and Analysis.
Myth 4: “CFA does not help in salary growth.”
Again, false. CAs with CFA earn 30–50% more in many roles, especially in jobs like investment analyst, fund manager, and risk consultant.
Myth 5: “CFA is too expensive.”
The fees are high, but the return on investment is also high. Many companies sponsor CFA for employees. Plus, you can recover the cost within your first high-paying job.
Understanding the truth behind these myths helps you make a wise and confident decision about doing CFA after CA.
FAQs on CFA After CA
Q1. Is CFA after CA a good option?
Yes. It adds global investment skills to your CA base. You can move into finance roles like investment banking, equity research, and portfolio management.
Q2. What is the CFA after a salary?
CFA after CA salary in India ranges from ₹9–12 LPA for freshers to ₹30–40 LPA for experienced professionals. In global roles, salaries are even higher.
Q3. What is the eligibility for CFA after CA?
You are fully eligible. You need a degree or work experience. Most CAs meet both conditions.
Q4. How long does it take to complete CFA after CA?
It takes around 2 to 2.5 years if you clear each level in one attempt.
Q5. Can I do CFA with a full-time job?
Yes. Many CAs do CFA while working. Start early, follow a study schedule, and focus on mocks and practice.
