Commerce graduates have numerous job opportunities across various industries. If you are interested in finance and want to focus on managing money, stocks, equities, or accounts, a career in commerce might be a good fit for you.
This article highlights 10 high-paying commerce jobs, including their average national salary, primary duties, and responsibilities. You can use this information to determine which career aligns with your salary expectations and interests.
Top 10 Highest-paying Jobs in Commerce
The following is an in-depth commerce stream jobs list with salaries for students thinking of pursuing commerce but don’t know what to expect. We have also listed the top commerce job list and salaries in the following table.
1. Budget Analyst
National average salary: ₹97,304 per month
A budget analyst is a key player in the financial management of a business, responsible for ensuring that resources are allocated effectively.
They create comprehensive budget reports and monitor spending patterns, analyzing data to make recommendations for budget distribution and cost-saving measures.
Through cost-benefit analysis, they explore alternative funding options and evaluate financial requests to ensure the organization’s financial stability.
These skilled professionals provide crucial insight and advice to executives, playing a vital role in the success and growth of the business.
2. Financial Controller
National average salary: ₹10,42,484 per year
A Financial Controller is a high-level management professional who oversees an organization’s accounting and finance division.
They play a critical role in ensuring financial stability by assessing and managing financial risks and coordinating the audit process.
Their responsibilities include budgeting and forecasting, tax compliance, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations related to financial reporting and tax filing.
As a key decision-maker, a Financial Controller works closely with executives to make strategic decisions that drive the financial success of the organization.
3. Economist
National average salary: ₹9,48,641 per year
Economists are financial experts who study a range of economic trends and market activities. Their primary goal is to analyze socioeconomic and financial data to help organizations make informed business decisions.
This includes analyzing data such as stocks, bonds, inflation, exchange rates, and spending patterns. To do so, economists use mathematical models and statistical techniques to make sense of large amounts of data.
They also provide consultative services to businesses, offering guidance on the effectiveness of their products and services.
By keeping up to date with the latest financial trends, economists play a critical role in helping businesses succeed in a competitive marketplace.
4. Investment Manager
National average salary: ₹7,17,386 per year
Investment managers are financial professionals who oversee the investments of others using various technical strategies. They are responsible for maximizing their clients’ returns and growing their assets.
This involves regularly monitoring the performance of the assets under their purview and making informed decisions on when to buy and sell stocks.
Investment managers work closely with clients to understand their financial goals and create a tailored investment strategy to help them achieve their objectives.
5. Chief Financial Officer
National average salary: ₹73,599 per month
A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a senior executive responsible for overseeing the financial operations of an organization.
They play a vital role in developing and implementing the financial strategies and plans to ensure the organization’s financial stability.
The CFO tracks cash flows, creates financial reports and statements, and analyzes the financial strengths and weaknesses of the organization.
Additionally, they also play a key role in identifying areas of improvement and cost-cutting by analyzing business operations.
In order to support the growth of the company, the CFO may also work with investment bankers to raise capital and manage investment funds. In essence, the CFO is a critical decision-maker who helps steer the organization towards financial success.
6. Cost Accountant
A cost accountant is a lucrative career option for commerce students after completing 12th grade.
These professionals are responsible for both profitability analysis and budget preparation, which are interrelated functions.
Unlike a Chartered Accountant, official certification is not required to become a cost accountant and there is no professional exam or governing body. However, a strong background in mathematics and economics, and an aptitude for commerce, is necessary.
On average, cost accountants earn around INR 5 Lakhs per year, and are primarily employed by manufacturing companies to optimize production processes and minimize production costs. They analyze all supply chain data to ensure an efficient production process.
7. Chartered Accountant
Chartered Accountancy is a coveted career option in the commerce industry that offers lucrative compensation packages.
With an average starting salary of INR 7-8 Lakhs per annum, the earning potential only grows as experience increases. As a CA, you are responsible for maintaining accurate records of a company’s financial transactions and ensuring that they are properly calculated.
To become a Chartered Accountant, one must first be eligible as determined by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
The eligibility process involves passing three levels of exams, including the CA Foundation, IPCC, and CA Final. Additionally, a 2.5-3 year internship under a CA or at a CA firm is also required before attempting the CA Final.
Once all eligibility requirements have been met and the CA Final has been successfully passed, a highly rewarding career as a Chartered Accountant awaits.
8. Profesisonal Accountant
Professional Accountants are a good option for those with a background in commerce after completing 12th grade.
They support Chartered Accountants in tasks such as accounting, taxation, compliance, and reporting, requiring a good understanding of software such as SAP, Tally, and Excel.
The average salary for a Professional Accountant is around INR 3 Lakhs per year, which is lower than that of a Chartered Accountant due to the lesser level of expertise.
Despite this, there is a high demand for Professional Accountants in accounting firms, making it a relatively easy field to enter into.
9. Personal Financial Advisor
As a Personal Financial Advisor, you need to create personalized investment strategies for each client based on their unique financial needs. On average, Personal Financial Advisors earn INR 4 Lakhs per year.
10. Retail Manager
For those seeking a fast-paced career, a retail manager in finance may be the perfect fit. Retail managers are problem-solvers who oversee the day-to-day operations of a store, ensuring its success and profitability.
This includes managing sales, staff, inventory, and other resources.
To become a retail manager, a degree in retail management is necessary, but additional training in project management and business management can be beneficial.
This career path is ideal for commerce students after 12th grade. The average starting salary for a retail manager is between INR 5-6 Lakhs per year, with the potential for growth based on performance and cost-saving initiatives.