When discussing finance careers in the UAE, the role of Chartered Accountants (CAs) often comes to mind. You may be surprised to learn that thousands of thriving semi-qualified CAs are in the UAE market.
If these individuals were in India, they would often face limitations, such as being able to assume specific roles if they were fully qualified as CAs.
However, they can excel in the UAE with the right experience and strong work background.
Being a semi-qualified CA, which involves clearing PCC/IPCC exams and completing three years of articleship, offers an excellent opportunity to secure well-paying positions.
We had a LinkedIn Live conversation with Bharat Chandan, an Indian Chartered Accountant based in Dubai since 2017.
Interestingly, Bharat relocated to the UAE as a semi-qualified CA, started working there, and eventually completed his CA final exams.
Here are some tips for semi-qualified CAs to find opportunities in the UAE.
1. Have Confidence
One common aspect that inhibits the growth of many semi-qualified chartered accountants is their lack of confidence.
When HR personnel ask questions such as, “Why should we offer you the same salary as a qualified chartered accountant?” they struggle to respond effectively during negotiations.
“I had confidence in my abilities, believing I deserved better opportunities. Within one month, I secured 14 interviews and cleared around six to seven. The offered pay was three times higher than I could have obtained in India,” says Bharat.
It is essential to demonstrate that as a semi-qualified CA, you are different from average graduates and deserve the same recognition as a qualified CA.
Show your prospective employer that you possess extensive knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, which is on par with that of a qualified CA.
2. Approach the UAE job market the right way
You can develop a well-defined strategy for your job search process, as aimlessly navigating without a clear direction will have limited progress.
- Take an active approach on LinkedIn. Ensure that your profile is compelling enough to catch the attention of recruiters.
- Make an effort to expand your professional network.
- Take advantage of job portals and recruitment agencies to improve your job search process. Some popular job search portals are – Dubizzle, Indeed, LinkedIn, UAE Advise, Bayt, Naukri Gulf, Michael Page, Gulf Talent, and eFinancial Careers.
- Determine the field you are interested in, such as accounting, internal auditing, or consultancy, and customize your job search accordingly.
- Research salary packages that are typically offered to semi-qualified professionals.
If you have completed your three years of articleship, you can expect a salary range of around AED 5,000 – AED 8,000, despite not having prior work experience.
With two to three years of experience in India, you can anticipate a salary between AED 6,000- AED 12,000.
However, it’s important to note that luck also plays a role, especially in the UAE.
“I have friends who are semi-qualified CAs and have already secured jobs with a starting salary of around AED 12,000. The salary offered depends on the company’s budget and your confidence level during the interview,” says Bharat.
It’s essential to remember that starting out is not just about the money but also about gaining valuable experience in the UAE.
Also, don’t underestimate your worth when negotiating salary because you’re not a fully qualified CA.
4. There will be limitations in your career
While you should be confident in your abilities regardless of your qualifications, being a qualified CA certainly opens you up to a broader market with unique opportunities.
In the UAE, Indian CAs and Pakistani CAs are highly recognized. Being a qualified CA is a significant criterion when hiring for roles in the Finance and Accounting team, especially in MNCs or large companies.
When you apply for a job, recruiters examine whether you have mentioned being a qualified CA in your CV.
Bharat mentions that when he worked as a semi-qualified CA for almost five years, his job growth rate was slightly slower than that of a qualified CA.
However, once he cleared the CA exam, many HR recruiters approached him to join their companies, which was different when Bharat was a semi-qualified CA.
In his current position, being a qualified CA was the primary requirement of the company.
“If I hadn’t cleared my CA exam during that time, I would be in a different place,” says Bharat.
That is why it is a no-brainer to get the CA qualification, as it can drastically change your life.
5. Study further
There are multiple alternatives if you cannot pass your CA exams and believe it is not worth continuing with CA.
Certified Management Accountant (CMA): If you are working in the accounting or finance field, pursuing the CMA USA qualification from The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) is preferable. The duration of the course is shorter than many other similar courses.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA): If you work in the internal auditing field, you can opt for the CIA professional certification program.
ACCA: The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants offers the globally recognized Chartered Certified Accountant qualification. The course is more accessible than others, as the questions are primarily MCQs. You can also get many exemptions as a CA.
Closing…
“It took me more than one attempt to pass my CA final exam and overall ten years to qualify as one, but I did it. I qualified as a CA in 2019.
Why did I complete Chartered Accountancy? I wanted to. I did not want to have a regret in the future that I did not.
It is tough to juggle your CA studies with work. I have been there and done that. But if you are determined, nothing can stop you from achieving your goal.,” concludes Bharat.
