Careers in Commerce: Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs for Commerce Students?

Best and Hottest Career Options for Commerce Students after 12th in 2023

Commerce is a popular choice of stream for high school students in India, a broad area of study that deals with all the processes that come under the transfer of goods and services. At the high-school level, the discipline comprises subjects such as Accountancy, Economics, Business Studies, Statistics, Mathematics, and so on. The options, in terms of careers, that are available to students of commerce, are numerous and highly varied.

(1) Chartered Accountant (CA):

Chartered Accountants provide financial advice, audit financial records, and ensure compliance with taxation laws and financial regulations. CAs typically earn anywhere between ₹6-10 lakh per annum at the entry-level, and ₹15-35 lakh per annum if experienced. The recommended trajectory for an aspirant is the Commerce stream in high school, followed by the Chartered Accountancy course offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).

(2) Cost and Management Accountant (CMA):

CMAs analyze costs, prepare budgets, conduct financial planning, and provide valuable insights for effective management decision-making. Their salaries range from ₹4-6 lakh per annum at the entry level, and typically rise to ₹10-20 lakh per annum with experience. Students looking to land such a role should study Commerce in high school, followed by the Cost and Management Accountancy (CMA) course offered by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI). 

(3) Finance Manager:

Finance Managers oversee financial operations, including budgeting, financial analysis, risk management, and financial reporting, ensuring optimal financial performance. The entry-level salary for CMAs is typically ₹6-10 lakh per annum, going up to ₹15-30 lakh per annum.  Students seeking this position should do a bachelor's degree in commerce (B.Com) or a related field, then a master's degree in commerce, finance, or business administration (M.Com/MBA), to enhance career prospects.

(4) Investment Banker:

Investment Bankers facilitate corporate financing, mergers and acquisitions, and provide financial advisory services to clients, working in tandem with various stakeholders. The average entry-level salary is ₹8-15 lakh per annum, going up to ₹30-50 lakh per annum with experience. Students should pursue a Bachelor's degree in commerce (B.Com) or a related field, and a master's degree in finance or business administration (MBA) from a reputed institution, to boost their chances of landing this job. 

(5) Financial Analyst:

Financial Analysts evaluate financial data, conduct research, and provide insights to guide investment decisions, financial planning, and risk management. The typical salary range at the entry-level is ₹5-8 lakh per annum, rising to ₹10-25 lakh per annum. Aspiring analysts should consider a Bachelor's degree in commerce (B.Com) or a related field, followed by a master's degree in finance or business administration (MBA). They may also choose to obtain certifications such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), to boost their career prospects.

(6) Company Secretary (CS):

Company Secretaries ensure legal and regulatory compliance for companies, handle corporate governance, and provide strategic advice to the board of directors. CSs may earn ₹4-7 lakh per annum when they start out, and move up to ₹10-20 lakh per annum. Aspirants should pursue Commerce in high school, followed by the Company Secretary (CS) course offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI).

(7) Actuary:

Actuaries use mathematical models to assess and manage risks related to insurance, investments, and pensions, helping organizations make informed financial decisions. The typical salary range is ₹7-12 lakh per annum for freshers, going up to ₹20-40 lakh per annum for experienced employees. Job seekers for this role should hold a Bachelor's degree in commerce (B.Com) with subjects like Mathematics and Statistics. They should also pursue actuarial science courses offered by the Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI), to become certified actuaries.

(8) Human Resource Manager:

Human Resource Managers handle employee recruitment, training and development, performance management, and ensure compliance with labor laws and organizational policies. The typical salary for this position is ₹4-7 lakh per annum at the entry-level, going up to ₹10-20 lakh per annum. Students interested in this career should do a Bachelor's degree in commerce (B.Com) with a specialization in Human Resources Management (HRM). Pursuing a master's degree in HRM or a related field can also be beneficial. 

(9) Marketing Manager:

Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing strategies, conduct market research, manage product launches, and oversee promotional activities. The entry-level salary for this role is: ₹5-9 lakh per annum, going up to ₹12-25 lakh per annum with experience. Students looking to enter marketing should pursue a Bachelor's degree in commerce (B.Com) with a specialization in Marketing, and also consider a master's degree in Marketing or Business Administration (MBA). 

(10) Entrepreneurship:

Entrepreneurs establish and manage their own businesses, taking risks, and utilizing their commerce skills to create innovative products or services. While there are no specific educational requirements to become an entrepreneur, a strong foundation in commerce subjects can be beneficial. Additionally, acquiring skills through workshops, online courses, or entrepreneurship programs can support entrepreneurial endeavors. The salary range for an entrepreneur varies greatly depending on the success and profitability of the venture.

The career opportunities available to students of commerce are thus extremely expansive and lucrative, and can be chosen with a student’s specific goals, aptitudes and interests in mind. For any career a student chooses to embark on, staying diligent in their academic pursuits and keeping themselves up to date with industry specific trends is always good practice.