Introduction
If you’re looking for high-paying jobs in commerce, you’re in the right place! While many assume that only science students land big salaries, the commerce stream actually offers some of the best career options in finance, business, and investment.
From Chartered Accountancy to Investment Banking, there are plenty of lucrative job opportunities that offer financial security and career growth. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 highest-paying jobs in commerce—including salary expectations, qualifications, and career paths—so you can make the best choice for your future.
The most significant factor determining the satisfaction and success of a particular profession is salary. Some of the best courses after 12th Commerce with high-salaried jobs are Bachelor of Economics, Bachelor of Financial Markets, and Bachelor of Banking and Insurance.
This article will discuss the top 10 highest paying jobs in India in the commerce field and the best courses after 12th Commerce with high salary.
List of Career Options for Commerce Graduates
Let us now discuss the top 10 highest-paying jobs in India in commerce.
Following are the best jobs for commerce students:
|
Jobs |
Salary (per annum) |
|
Chartered Accountant |
Rs. 6 Lac – Rs. 7 Lac |
|
Actuary |
Rs. 10 Lac –Rs. 14 Lac |
|
Investment Banking |
Rs. 9 Lac – Rs. 10 Lac |
|
Management Accounting |
Rs. 8 Lac – Rs. 9 Lac |
|
Cost Accountant |
Rs. 4 Lac – Rs. 5 Lac |
|
Banking |
Rs. 4 Lac – Rs. 5 Lac |
|
Company Secretary |
Rs. 4 Lac – Rs. 5 Lac |
|
Stock Broker |
Rs. 2 Lac – Rs. 5 Lac |
|
Financial Planner |
Rs. 5 Lac – Rs. 6 Lac |
|
Insurance |
Rs. 2 Lac – Rs. 4 Lac |
1. Chartered Accountant
Chartered Accountant is one of the best jobs for commerce students. It is also a popular career option for commerce students and has been in huge demand lately. It is one of the high paying jobs in the commerce field.
Chartered Accountancy requires working on auditing, accounting, taxation, and financial assessment for a particular person or a business organization. Chartered Accountant is a post offered to an accounting professional having received certification from the ICAI. This is on the grounds that he is qualified to tackle the matters associated with the accounting and taxation of a business.
It involves operations like auditing financial statements, filing a tax return, handling the investment records, examining business practices, and assembling and reviewing financial reports and documentation.
A candidate trained in Chartered Accountancy is also qualified to provide advisory facilities to the clients, including individuals and companies. A person from a financial background is usually expected to get into the Chartered Accountancy professional course. A Chartered Accountant aspirant can easily qualify for this job through various examinations, internships, and additional qualifications evaluated by their respective statutory bodies. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) recommends a candidate as a chartered accountant. The primary task of a chartered accountant is to manage company accounts, finance requirements, and finances to sustain the records and liberate an association from an uncertain and volatile business environment.
Working hours for a chartered accountant depend on the duty and the organization for which he is working. However, usually, the timing remains between 9 am to 5 pm. With deadlines close, working extra hours on the weekends is ubiquitous, especially in larger firms. As a trainee, the candidates are usually given time off.
What does a Chartered Accountant do?
- Chartered accountants are e professionals working in numerous fields of the economy, handling the finances of a business entity. They provide their clients with valuable financial advice and help with finance management. Their clients can be a business entity, individual, or even a government agency.
- As a chartered accountant, one is expected to advise his clients on tax and treasury issues and come to terms with the suppliers.
- Chartered Accountants work as managers and strategically guide business organizations in the right direction, fixing finance-related problems and enforcing positive changes in the firms.
- Chartered Accountants record the overall financial performance of a company or firm, which significantly influences the decision-making process in the company.
- Chartered Accountants rely on financial advisors, and offer aid to different groups and companies, both as a counselor and consultant and while working with the firm as a partner.
Skills Needed:
- Strong analytical skills
- Knowledge of taxation laws and auditing
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving ability
💰 Salary: ₹6 – ₹7 lakh per year (₹20+ lakh for experienced CAs)
📈 Growth: CA partners in reputed firms can earn ₹50+ lakh per year
2. Actuary
Actuaries are the people who manage the finances of multiple resources. They study the effects of financial risks and financial uncertainties in the altering financial world. An Actuary tends to be the most important and the innermost component of the financial department of an association. Therefore, it immensely affects the destiny of an organization. An actuary can be one of the most thriving and flourishing career options in the commerce stream. This is also among the high-paying jobs in the commerce field.
Individuals in actuary jobs perform an actuarial analysis. They predict and analyze future events and draw conclusions. They assess underwriting procedures and insurance operations. Technical aid concerning actuarial matters is offered to other technical personnel and policy examiners. Actuary appraises numerous financial assets and essential security systems. They also constantly measure the day-to-day complexities of the finance department of the organization. It primarily deals with numbers, analytics, ideas, assumptions, and other factors used to assuage the business risks.
The skills required for the actuaries are excellence in Analysis, evaluation, asset, and liability management. A decent understanding of the market and its mechanisms and functioning are some of the key elements required to be studied in the job to assess assets and control the possibilities of the risks. A student should have a background in economics, business studies, and finances to step foot in this profession.
What Does an Actuary do?
- Actuaries use math and statistics to help their clients reduce financial risk factors.
- An actuary’s work differs, depending on various projects changing from analysts to administrative duties and counseling the clients.
- Actuaries work with insurance companies, specializing in various fields involving life insurance, health insurance, automobile insurance, and homeowners insurance.
- Actuary uses his expertise in Analysis, evaluation, and risk management, along with basic human behavior, to design strategies that bring positive results to otherwise negative consequences.
Skills Needed:
- Strong mathematical and statistical skills
- Knowledge of probability, economics, and risk analysis
- Data interpretation and financial modeling
💰 Salary: ₹10 – ₹14 lakh per year
📈 Growth: Senior actuaries earn ₹50+ lakh per year
3. Investment Banking
An investment banker holds the most remunerative and the most important post in a business association. Thus, it is deemed amongst the best career options for commerce students in India. Since commerce students usually deal with numbers and finances, they are the ones who offer their views or advise the organisation on matters regarding investment, finance, and savings. The primary job description for an investment banker is to offer financial recommendations in order to help business organizations to use their resources optimally and to be able to reach their goals. A person with sound knowledge of financial assets and investments can choose this profession. There are various roles in this occupation, like analysts and associates.
The field needs its candidates to stay updated on financial matters, for they need to constantly look into the market for upward or downward movement in the market. Investment bankers advise companies to make sound decisions concerning the investment. An investment banker earns a salary that is about Rs 26 Lac rupees a year. This is also one of the top 10 highest paying jobs in India in the commerce field.
What Does an Investment Banker do?
- An investment banker’s job is to help companies and other business entities raise money to improve their conduct.
- Investment Bankers are brought in to handle a company’s initial public offering (IPO).
- Investment bankers work on bond offerings, negotiate mergers, or manage bond private placements.
Skills Needed:
- Financial analysis and investment strategies
- Strong negotiation and networking skills
- Market research and decision-making
💰 Salary: ₹9 – ₹10 lakh per year (₹30+ lakh for top professionals)
📈 Growth: Senior investment bankers earn ₹1 crore+ per year
4. Management Accounting
Management accounting is famously known as managerial accounting. It is considered to be one of the best career options for commerce students. The fundamental work in the field is to provide proper financial knowledge and required resources to the company managers. They help in the decision-making process of an association. In this process, the finance department of the company shares numerous economic statements, invoices, and other essential pieces of information with the managers. The main incentive behind this profession is to allow the management staff to make factual and accurate decisions with the help of statistical data.
The role of a management accountant plays an important role in finding out various business risks. Only the most trusted and internal members of a firm use this form of accounting. It is the best opportunity for a commerce student, for this job applies theoretical knowledge practically in a real business that the students spend learning for years. The minimum requirement for management accounting is a bachelor’s degree, but experience helps immensely.
What does a Management Accountant do?
- Management accountants are hired by public associations, private businesses, and government entities.
- Management accountants’ duties include assessing and crunching numbers and data, aiding in the selection and management of investments, risk management, financial planning, and strategising.
Skills Needed:
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Business analytics and financial modeling
- Decision-making skills
💰 Salary: ₹8 – ₹9 lakh per year
📈 Growth: High demand in corporate finance and business strategy
5. Cost Accountant
Cost accounting accentuates the fundamental and conceptual foundation of accounting. It is connected to economic Analysis, business organizations, finance, the principle of economics, and various other elements of the business world. If managing cost operations of a business firm and optimizing resources stimulate someone’s interest, then a Cost Accountant will be one of the best career options in Commerce in India and one of the best jobs for commerce students.
The task of a Cost Accountant is to draw up the firm’s budget and assets and assess the company’s overall performance. To become a cost accountant, candidates must opt for a bachelor’s degree after the 12th, followed by the other available courses for higher degrees listed for higher positions. Accounting is one of the toughest yet rewarding career options for commerce students and requires tremendous hard work and practice.
A fresher in this field can earn a decent income of Rs. 5 LPA, which is enough to motivate aspirants to seek a job in this field. This profession helps an individual apply his financial knowledge to real-life business situations. It also helps organizations maximize their financial gains with talented candidates with immense potential. This is among the highest-paying jobs for commerce students in India.
What does a Cost Accountant Do?
- Cost Accountants collect cost information and maintain an expenses database for the company. They also construct the data accumulation system.
- Determination of fixed costs such as salaries, rent, and Insurance is a cost accountant’s job.
- Cost Accountants plan, assess, and record variable costs such as purchases of raw material and operations costs.
- The professionals in this field prepare the company’s budgeting reports and all the different departments in the company.
- Cost Accountants work on monthly, quarterly, and annual cost forecasts and assist in month-end and year-end closing and recommending cost-effective solutions to the companies.
Skills Needed:
- Cost control and budget planning
- Taxation knowledge
- Attention to detail
💰 Salary: ₹5 – ₹6 lakh per year
📈 Growth: Senior cost accountants earn ₹15+ lakh per year
6. Banking
Banking is one of the most common and popular careers in India. It is a profession that a commerce student in the country would always prefer. This is also among the best jobs for commerce students.
The banking sector has grown in demand immensely in the last many years. Part of the reason for this is because banks are the backbone of the Indian economy. There has been a dramatic growth in job opportunities in the banking sector. It has opened ways for many candidates who are working on getting into the field. As a result, a massive demand for the banking sector has emerged. The jobs in banking are available in both government and private sectors. Both these sectors need good qualifications along with an excellent educational background. An aspirant has to go through multiple banking examinations in order to qualify for the job.
Banking offers an appropriate government job with a decent salary and social acceptance. This is what makes the banking sector a highly lucrative career option. With the advent of new banks, career opportunities are constantly flourishing for commerce students in India. Students with a commerce background will automatically find themselves drawn towards banking as a career opportunity. Nowadays, the banking sector is open to all students from any educational background with a graduation degree from any recognized university. Thus, it makes the Banking sector an excellent career option for the youth.
What does a Banker Do?
- Bankers charge interest and fees for their services and seek dividends on the investments they make.
- Bankers offer advice on matters related to cash management loans to business firms, government agencies, and private companies.
- Individuals require fundamental banking facilities, including checking or savings accounts, and often, buying a home.
- Bankers handle other settlements, like writing cashier checks or money orders.
💰 Salary: ₹5 – ₹6 lakh per year
📈 Growth: High demand in corporate and private banking
7. Company Secretary
A Company Secretary (CS) holds a principal position in an organization. The job of a company secretary is to keep tabs on information linked with tax returns and supervise the returns. A CS must also ensure the company’s works are within the legal and ethical capitulation. A company secretary works as a negotiator between various types of stakeholders in the company, including shareholders, governments, and the board of directors. The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) is a statutory body modulating the profession of a company secretary. The institution offers training and education to the aspirants and is a recognized institution responsible for the education of the CS aspirants.
What does a Company Secretary Do?
- The job of the company secretary is to maintain the statutory company records. This involves maintenance of the details of past and present directors and secretaries, along with maintaining the details of the shareholders and keeping the board and annual general meeting.
- The profession also includes the organization of board and shareholder meetings. Basically, it involves ensuring that proper notice to the concerned authorities is given. Furthermore, it also requires management to assemble and administrate meeting contents and materials and take accurate meeting minutes.
Eligibility & Pathway:
- Complete 10+2 (any stream, preferably commerce)
- Register for the Company Secretary (CS) course from The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)
- Foundation Level (CS Foundation) (if joining after 12th)
- Executive Level (CS Executive)
- Professional Level (CS Professional)
- Complete practical training (21 months)
- Pass the final CS exam to become a certified Company Secretary
Skills Needed:
- Corporate law knowledge (Companies Act, SEBI regulations, taxation laws)
- Attention to detail and document management
- Business communication and leadership
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Negotiation skills for contracts and legal matters
💰 Salary: ₹4 – ₹5 lakh per year (fresher) | ₹10 – ₹20 lakh for experienced CS professionals
📈 Growth: High demand in corporate governance, with opportunities to become a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or Legal Head
8. Stock Broker
Stockbrokers are the most thriving market for individual investors as well as small and large-scale businesses. The job of the stockbrokers is to sell financial securities or stocks in the market. The market continues to change regularly. Thus, a stockbroker needs to constantly look after the upward or the downward trends in the stock market. It is the best opportunity for a commerce graduate. To work as a stockbroker, one needs to keep a close eye on the working of the market. Furthermore, the candidates also need a proper understanding of how SENSEX, NIFTY work.
The best part of this profession is that it is accessible for every individual regardless of their educational background. It is even more suitable for commerce students since they have a proper insight into various financial nuisances of the field, and they have been in touch with the subject for years. They can quickly grasp the complexities of various mechanisms in this field. Financial advisor, fundamental analyst, dealer, equity advisor, and investment advisor are the roles.
What does a stockbroker do?
- The job of a stockbroker involves measured execution of trades that includes buying and selling on behalf of their clients. These trades usually depend on the stock broker’s instincts based on what is necessary for their client’s portfolio while also analyzing the investments.
- A stockbroker must properly understand his customer’s investment needs, aims, financial circumstances, and risk tolerance. When recommending client investments and doing market research, a stockbroker must select suitable investments for their portfolio and, depending on the finance requirements.
- It is the fiduciary duty of a stockbroker to put his clients’ needs above his own while recommending an investment. A stockbroker also needs to follow the rules curated by regulatory agencies, such as the FIRA or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. The agencies expect fairness and honesty, trade fair.
Eligibility & Pathway:
- Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Finance, Economics, or Business Administration
- Certification from National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) or SEBI
- Pass the NISM Series VIII: Equity Derivatives Certification Exam (for derivatives trading)
- Gain a SEBI registration number to operate legally
Skills Needed:
- Financial market knowledge and trading strategies
- Analytical and research skills to predict market trends
- Negotiation skills to attract and retain clients
- Quick decision-making and risk assessment
💰 Salary: ₹2 – ₹5 lakh per year (base salary) + commissions (experienced brokers earn ₹20+ lakh)
📈 Growth: High potential in investment firms, with the opportunity to start an independent brokerage firm
9. Financial Planner
A financial planner in a company happens to be the planning partner and an educator. He provides aid to the organization and helps them meet the short and long-term goals. They basically impact the organization’s financial health, influencing the overall impact of the system on the association. Thus, a Financial Planner can be considered one of the most crucial career options for commerce students in India.
A financial planner strives to understand the company’s assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. It is done through rigorous analysis and interpretation of the data’s availability. It focuses on numbers and assumptions and provides proper insight into the inner business world.
The job of a financial planner is to analyze numerous premises for a company’s investment. Afterward, they evaluate all the possible alternatives and opt for the most suitable one. This process requires good knowledge and understanding of the business elements responsible for the firm’s progress. Financial decisions directly affect the functionality of a business organization. Therefore, any decision must be evaluated with proper care and management before one materializes it.
What does the Finance Planner Do?
- The profession of a financial planner in an organization requires him to budget, saving for retirement, tax planning, insurance coverage.
- Financial planners work with both individuals and corporations to help them achieve their economic goals.
Eligibility & Pathway:
- Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Finance, Economics, or Business Management
- Obtain Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification from Financial Planning Standards Board India (FPSB)
- Additional certifications such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) can enhance career growth
Skills Needed:
🔹 Strong analytical skills for financial forecasting
🔹 In-depth knowledge of investment products (mutual funds, stocks, real estate)
🔹 Communication and interpersonal skills to build trust with clients
🔹 Taxation and risk assessment knowledge
💰 Salary: ₹5 – ₹6 lakh per year (entry-level) | ₹15 – ₹25 lakh for senior financial planners
📈 Growth: High demand in private wealth management, with potential to become a Portfolio Manager
10. Insurance
Insurance professionals have been in high demand these days. They work as a mediator between the insurance companies and the general public. They relay a company’s plans and schemes to the customers, providing them with the best options. Simultaneously, they convey the customer’s grievances to the company, offering the proper and appropriate solutions. It helps the business associations alter their policies according to customers’ choices and make them more customer-friendly.
This sector has shown immense growth in the last few years. The career potential for this field has also flourished over the years. The candidate can work in multiple roles as a part of this profession. The roles range from an insurance agent to a sales manager and also extend to an insurance underwriter. The skills needed for this job are excellent communication skills and a good understanding of business terms. This profession is one of the best career options for commerce students since commerce students are more precise with various policies and schemes related to the business world.
What does an Insurance Professional Do?
Insurance professionals have various roles, such as Insurance Agents, Insurance Claim Adjusters, and Insurance Advisors.
Following are the jobs of the professionals in this field—
- The role of an insurance agent requires the candidates to pursue clients and provide them beneficiary insurance plans. Further, the professionals are expected to sell them on various facilities and products of the enterprise. They are mainly the sales executives of the companies to the customers and possible clients.
- Under the role of an Insurance Claim Adjuster, the candidates are responsible for evaluating the insurer’s responsibility towards the losses of their clients.
- The job of an insurance advisor requires the candidates to work as a counselor for the intended client and then provide them with accurate and factual information towards investment in various insurance schemes.
Eligibility & Pathway:
- Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Finance, Business Administration, or Economics
- Pass IRDAI’s insurance agent licensing exam (mandatory for insurance advisors)
- Additional certifications such as Certified Insurance Professional (CIP) can boost career opportunities
Skills Needed:
- Sales and marketing skills for selling insurance products
- Analytical skills to assess client risks and offer solutions
- Customer service and communication skills
- Knowledge of financial regulations and policy management
💰 Salary: ₹2 – ₹4 lakh per year (base salary) + high commissions
📈 Growth: Senior insurance professionals and agency owners earn ₹20 – ₹50 lakh per year
Conclusion
These are the 10 highest-paying jobs in the commerce field. If someone finds oneself drawn towards this particular stream, it is the right time and opportunity to take on the job. The commercial sector has been advantageous in those terms.
Most high-paying jobs in the commerce field in India require exceptional skills and the ability to work under pressure and with responsibilities. So, it is most important to hone these skills in the process.
FAQs on High-Paying Jobs for Commerce Graduates
1. What are the career options in the commerce field?
Commerce is an extremely rich stream when it comes to career opportunities and options. The career options in the commerce stream include e-commerce, Accountancy, Finance, Marketing, and Business Management. Not only the government but also the private sectors invite knowledgeable and skillful professionals from the commerce field.
2. Does a career in Commerce stream have a future?
Yes, Commerce has a tremendous amount of job opportunities. However, the old age prejudices against this stream often discourage the students from taking up education in the commerce field. However, that does not keep the commerce stream from offering better career opportunities to the aspirants. Finance is the backbone of any running organization, and with the help of skilled candidates, the businesses and companies run smoothly.
3. What are the best courses for commerce students after the 12th?
Here are some of the best courses after 12th Commerce with high salary:
- B.Com: Bachelor of Commerce
- BBA: Bachelor of Business Administration.
- BBS: Bachelor of Business Studies
- BMS: Bachelor of Management Studies.
- Chartered Accountant, Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Company Secretary, Institute of Cost and Works Accountants (ICWA), The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): These are the most popular professional courses to choose after opting the commerce field.
4. How is a financial planner different from a financial advisor?
A financial planner in any association is a candidate who aids companies and individuals in creating a program that helps them meet long and short-term financial goals. In contrast, a financial advisor is an encyclopedic term for the professionals helping the companies manage their finances, including investments and other business-related requirements. However, provided the escalation of the financial industry today, many financial planners and advisors might do similar things.
