Introduction

India is likely to need a large pool of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) by 2025. The increased globalization of business and growing need for finance experts have made the US CPA credential an entry point to lucrative career opportunities in India and around the world.  

This blog discusses the scope, salary opportunities, and CPA job opportunities in India.  

Why Pursue US CPA in India?

1. Global Recognition and Demand:  

US CPA designation is globally recognized and thus is a prestigious qualification in the Indian economy, where multinational corporate houses and international financial dealings are on the rise. 

2. Proficiency in International Accounting Standards 

US CPAs are equipped with IFRS and US GAAP, which are essential in today's globalized economy. 

3. Career Growth 

US CPA certification provides higher-level financial and accounting professional career opportunities due to its comprehensive training and wider scope of expertise. 

4. Trust and Credibility 

American companies appreciate the strong ethical and professional standards to which American CPAs adhere, based on even greater confidence and credibility in financial reporting and compliance. 

Career Opportunities for US CPAs in India

US CPA certification offers diversified career opportunities in accounting, finance, and consulting, and therefore, it's a highly sought certification by professionals exploring US CPA job opportunities in India. To explore specific job profiles and career growth paths, check out our detailed breakdown of CPA Career Opportunities in India. 

Industries and Sectors that Employ US CPAs in India 

  • Multinational Companies (MNCs): Most of the MNCs in India employ US CPAs as they are familiar with foreign accounting and auditing procedures. 
  • Big 4 and Big Accounting Firms: Firms such as Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG in India predominantly recruit US CPAs for audit, tax, and advisory services. 
  • Banking and Financial Services: The industry values the analytic and attention-to-detail skill set of US CPAs, particularly in fields such as financial analysis, risk management, and compliance. 
  • IT and Technology Sector: Since most Indian IT companies are global players, US CPAs are needed for their finance and accounting acumen. 
  • Startups and New Economy Companies: Startups tend to go naturally to US CPAs for fundraising advice and finance guidelines because they are extremely competent in finance. 

Evolving Role of US CPAs 

  • Consultancy and Advisory: US CPAs based in India are becoming advisors, helping business entities navigate uncertain financial times and making good decisions. 
  • Regulatory and Compliance Expertise: With Indian companies' global reach expanding, international financial regulatory compliance becomes increasingly important, a service easily provided by US CPAs. 
  • Leadership in Finance: Most US CPAs transition into leadership roles, e.g., CFOs, where they are the responsible persons for the planning and decision-making process within the company's finance department. 
  • Impact on Financial Practice and Education: US CPAs' presence is also making an impact on Indian overall financial practice and education, establishing a new standard for accounting and financial reporting. 

US CPA Salary Prospects in India

US CPA salaries in India are dependent upon experience, place of work, and firm. A US CPA working from India may be paid anywhere between ₹6 LPA to ₹12 LPA. Senior professionals may gain even more, especially at top firms. For a more detailed breakdown by experience level, location, and job type, visit our comprehensive CPA Salary Guide India

Factors Affecting US CPA Salaries in India

  • Experience Level: Experience plays a significant role in determining salaries. For example, a fresh US CPA can be assigned an annual pay of INR 6 lakh, but after accumulating 5-10 years of experience, the salary can double effortlessly. 
  • Company Type and Size: Multinational and large companies will provide more salary than small local companies. For instance, US CPAs working in Big 4 firms or large MNCs will receive wages at the highest level. 
  • Location: Metropolises like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad will receive more, even above the average level, due to the availability of large companies and multinational companies. 

Future Outlook

The demand for US CPAs is going to increase as Indian firms grow more globalized. More business companies are going to become global, with a large number of plans in the US. Hence, the need for US GAAP and IFRS experts will increase. Indian business companies interested in drawing foreign investment or those planning to list on the US stock exchange will especially gain from having the services of CPAs.  

This expansion will only enhance the landscape of US CPA job opportunities in India in the years ahead. According to reports, U.S. accounting firms are increasingly turning to India to ease their talent shortages, further proving the rising demand for CPAs in the country.

Conclusion

The US CPA certification has become increasingly relevant for Indian finance professionals. Global business operations require expertise in international accounting standards. This creates genuine opportunities for qualified professionals. 

India's business landscape continues evolving. More companies are expanding globally. The need for international accounting knowledge will only grow. For finance professionals ready to take their career to new heights, MYCPE ONE Academy offers the world's most affordable CPA exam preparation program.  

With our comprehensive coaching, you can unlock global opportunities, secure positions at Big 4 firms and MNCs in India, and create a pathway to work in the US with this globally recognized certification. Start your journey to become a US CPA today with our CPA exam prep and unlock global opportunities!

FAQs

Is the US CPA recognized in India? 

Yes, the US CPA is recognized in India, especially by multinational corporations and firms that require expertise in international accounting standards. 

What is the average salary of a US CPA in India? 

The average salary ranges between ₹6 LPA and ₹12 LPA, with higher earnings for those with more experience and those employed in larger firms.  

What are the eligibility criteria for pursuing the US CPA in India? 

A bachelor's degree in accounting or commerce, along with 120-150 semester hours of education, is generally required 

Which sectors in India hire US CPAs? 

These include: 

  • Multinational corporations 
  • Big 4 accounting firms 
  • Banking and financial services 
  • IT and technology 
  • Startups 

How does the US CPA compare to the Indian CA? 

The former is a globally recognized accounting qualification, whereas the Indian Chartered Accountant is primarily recognized within India. Further, the US credential focuses on US GAAP and IFRS, and the Indian credential adhering to Indian accounting principles. 

Vaibhav Jain
Vaibhav Jain
Vice President - MYCPE ONE Academy

Vaibhav heads the business for MYCPE ONE Exam Prep Division. A Chartered Accountant from India, he brings over 15 years of experience and has personally taught 5000+ students and trained 8000+ professionals in finance.