Check out IFRS to boost employability

I enrolled for the CA programme while I was doing my BCom. I am reappearing for the IPCC exam for the second time. Since I have already completed my graduation, I have some spare time. Could you please suggest a short but relevant course that can benefit me — both as a CA as well as in the broader field of accounting.

Q.I enrolled for the CA programme while I was doing my BCom. I am reappearing for the IPCC exam for the second time. Since I have already completed my graduation, I have some spare time. Could you please suggest a short but relevant course that can benefit me — both as a CA as well as in the broader field of accounting. It should not be very expensive because I’m not yet earning presently. — Mayank Kaushik

A.Here’s one option that comes to mind. I suggest you check out the Certification in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) which prepares you for one of most sought after skills in the field of Accounting.

Let me explain why. IFRS are accounting standards and principles set by the International Accounting Standard Board (IASB) that are now becoming the global standards for preparing financial statements.

Most countries are converging their standards towards IFRS or adopting IFRS wholesale, to facilitate uniform reporting. In a step closer to convergence with the IFRS, India, has adopted Ind-AS.

But that said, the application of these standards is a complex and time consuming procedure which underlines the significance of IFRS professionals.

Moreover, continuous amendments by the regulators to these standards require an army of IFRS professionals who are equipped with thorough understanding of these standards.

Practical knowledge of these universal standards will open doors across the globe as 100+ countries have green signaled these accounting standards.

You can work in various IFRS profiles across industry sectors including ITES, software, pharmaceutical, auto spare parts, professional advisory companies, auditing firms, banking, Insurance, KPOs, etc.

Skilled and experienced IFRS experts can establish their own consulting practise to help companies migrate to IFRS. The IFRS Certification programme will equip you to:

Apply relevant financial reporting standards to key elements of financial reports.
Identify and apply disclosure requirements for companies in their financial reports and notes to accounts.
Prepare group financial statements (excluding group cash-flow statements) including subsidiaries, associates and joint arrangements.

Among others, the IMS Proschool along with National Stock Exchange (NSE India) (the country’s largest Certification body in Finance) offers training program on IFRS via classroom as well as distance learning mode.

While a typical 12-week classroom program costs approximately Rs 28,000, a Live & Interactive Online Program of the same duration with 100 hrs of recorded videos would cost less: Rs 20,000.

After completing the IFRS certification programme, you can get an additional certification in Ind-AS and 15 hours of training for Dip IFRS (ACCA) at no additional cost.

Plus you can attempt Cert IFRS exam (ACCA) without any further coaching. Details: www.proschoolonline.com/ifrs-certificate-course

Job opportunities for the differently abled

Q.Could you please list some of the best posts that are suitable for differently-abled candidates through the CGL exam? — Sumit Gaur

A.The Staff Selection Commission - Combined Graduate Level Exam (SSC CGL) is one of the most important exams in India for the purpose of recruiting staff for various posts in various Ministries and key Departments of the Government of India. There are a large number of SSC CGL vacancies for recruitment to Group C (non-technical) & Group B (non-gazetted - both technical & non-technical) posts in GoI Departments.

Differently abled candidates can choose from among the following posts:

Auditor Offices under C&AG
Auditor Offices under CGDA
Auditor Offices under CGA
Compiler in Registrar General of India
Tax Assistant CBDT
Tax Assistant CBEC
Upper Division Clerk (UDC) Central Govt. Offices/Ministries

Besides these, candidates with following disabilities can apply for posts of Assistant in various ministries.

One Leg (OL), Both Legs & Arms (BLA), One Arm (OA), Partially Deaf (PD), Partially Blind (PB), Blind (B) can apply for Assistant posts in various ministries of the GoI.

SSC CGL Posts Suitable for Physically Challenged candidates: