Certification courses in Finance to boost your career

Now-a-days, when there is cut throat competition in every field, nobody can afford to rely on either college studies or study materials. Few students also discontinue the course after finding it very difficult to pass the examination. Failure is the stepping stone for success. Some may not realize that they are very near to the success but leaving the course. If you take some good basic steps , then , you cannot be a failure in this course. Almost every company gives high weightage to practical knowledge, no matter whether you are a CA/CWA or a MBA from reputed institute. So, in this article we have tried to compile a list of some important areas which can help you to boost your career.

I. SAP FICO – These days most of the large scale organizations use sophisticated software like SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, JDedwards etc. SAP being the most preferred ERP Package. While the original finance certification course may cost you more than Rs 3 Lakhs but you can gain working knowledge of this software from any good training institute within 40-60k. And then you can improve your skills through online tutorials and books like SAP FICO Blackbook, SAP ERP Financials and FICO Handbook by S.N. Padhi etc. Tally has limited reach now.

II. Microsoft EXCEL Advance knowledge -   We all know how important it is to have advance knowledge of Excel because of its high use in financial analysis and management, MIS, budgeting, KPIs etc. You have to have knowledge of advance functions like VBA macros, sorting & filtering, pivot table, charts, graphs, V/H Look up logical and mathematical functions etc.

III. IFRS CERTIFICATION - Almost every company/Big 4s demand high knowledge of Ind AS, IFRS, US GAAP. Merely studying a course book will not be sufficient, it’s very important to know how to apply them practically. In interviews of Big 4s and large scale organizations, they pose practical situations and ask how to deal with them. Basic knowledge of AS/Ind AS will not work when the situation demands systematic application and explanation in practical scenarios.

IV. Financial Modeling - Knowledge of financial modeling is extremely important when you have to deal in mergers & acquisitions, project finance, risk evaluation, decision making, private equity etc. There are various institutes which offer short term certification courses in finance modeling through systematic modules.

V. NSE/BSE Certification - If you want to join an organization which deals in Equity, trading, derivative market, capital markets, Portfolio management. Then doing finance certifications courses in these areas will be highly beneficial for building a strong foundation.

VI. Certification course in Investment banking and Financial Research - If you want to build your career in investment management, wealth planning, Risk Manager, Financial Analysis etc then a course investment banking and financial research will not only increase your employment prospects by making you technically sound but will also provide a base for CFA course.