Chartered Accountant's (CA) Day 2025: Does a Woman CA Earn More Than Male Counterparts? Career Prospects And More

As the financial world gears up to celebrate Chartered Accountants' Day 2025, it's time to explore the career prospects, salary dynamics, and more. Our expert, CA and Advocate Kinjal Bhuta, Secretary, Bombay Chartered Accountants' Society, helped us understand all about it. Read on to learn more.

How To Become A CA?

Kinjal shared, "To become a Chartered Accountant (CA), you must register with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and follow a multi-stage process. After completing Class 12, you begin with the CA Foundation course, then move on to the CA Intermediate level. After clearing one or both groups of Intermediate, you start a 2-year articleship (practical training) under a practising CA.  After articleship, you can appear for the CA Final exam. Upon passing both groups of the final and completing the articleship, you become eligible to apply for ICAI membership and officially become a CA. Alternatively, graduates can enter directly at the Intermediate level through the Direct Entry route."

Salary And Career Prospects Of A Woman CA

Kinjal stated that the salary of a woman CA is at par with male counterparts.

Fresher CAs

• ₹6–10 LPA (Average - Small size and mid-tier firms)
• ₹10 –20 LPA (Average - Big 4s, top MNCs)

Industry Averages:

• Private Sector: ₹8–12 LPA
• PSU/Government Sector: ₹7–10 LPA
• Self-practice: Earnings vary and can exceed ₹15–30 LPA depending on clientele, specialisation, and scale of practice. While the initial years may be challenging, significant growth is expected after five years in the field.

International Opportunities (e.g., UAE, UK, Canada)

• ₹25–50 LPA (equivalent), especially with additional certifications (ACCA, CPA)

Career Prospects

Chartered Accountancy offers diverse and flexible career paths, making it ideal for women seeking both growth and work-life balance:

• Corporate Jobs: Roles in finance, auditing, taxation, risk management, compliance, etc.
• Big 4 Firms (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC): Structured career growth, global exposure
• Entrepreneurship: Start your own CA firm, consultancy, or financial startup
• Freelancing: Flexible hours, contract work, ideal for women balancing family responsibilities
• Academia or EdTech: Teaching CA students, YouTube, coaching institutes
• Government Jobs: CAG, PSU roles, finance-related civil services
• International Mobility: With relevant certifications, CAs can work globally. ICAI has tie-ups and MOUs with multiple countries, and with a limited number of papers/exams, one can pursue the profession overseas, too.

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Are There Any Differences Between Male And Female CAs?

Kinjal said that in terms of professional opportunities, salary, and career growth, there are no formal or systemic differences between male and female Chartered Accountants (CAs) in India. “The profession is largely merit-based and gender-neutral, regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), which does not discriminate based on gender. In the last few years, the trend shows that the number of females enrolling is almost equal to male counterparts,” she added.

Kinjal stated, “However, for some females, networking may be a challenge, which is also gradually getting bridged by various groups created for women to network and get along.” She also shared that ICAI has specific women-centric programmes and conducts events. Organisations like BCAS (Bombay Chartered Accountants' Society) also offer women-centric events and groups, enabling women professionals to continue to be in touch with fellow professionals. Whenever a female CA takes a sabbatical or maternity leave, and there is a gap in experience, that is when the pay packages start changing between men and women.

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During our interaction, Kinjal said that though most MNCs offer flexible working hours post maternity, the expectations can be challenging, which is why many drop out and choose to stay at home or start their ventures or practice. “A lot can be done in this end, and the corporates and CA firms should normalise maternity leaves and other sabbaticals,” she added.

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