Top 15 Highest Paying Jobs for Commerce Students with Skills & Salary

The rapid growth of India’s economy and its increasing global connections have opened up numerous career opportunities for commerce students. Skills in financial management, accounting, business expertise, etc. are highly regarded in various industries, making graduates with a background in commerce highly desirable to employers. However, obtaining a single B.com degree might not be sufficient to get a job. In this guide, we’ll explore the skills, and course requirements to succeed, and some of the best high salary jobs in commerce stream.

Career in Commerce

Commerce is the process of trading goods and services between two parties. Transactions involve the buying and selling of items, but commerce encompasses all transactions related to a particular item in an economy. It is important to recognize that commerce emphasizes distribution rather than production.

When considering a career in this field, it can be beneficial to know the various industries within commerce. Familiarizing yourself with these industries can assist you in determining which path you can pursue and explore suitable job opportunities for commerce students.

Highest Paying Jobs for Commerce Students with Maths

Here is a list of the best high-paying jobs for commerce students with maths.

1. Cost Accountant

As a cost accountant, your role will involve various tasks including profitability analysis, budget creation, data gathering, and coordinating physical inventory audits. Essentially, you will support companies in managing their finances effectively by promoting cost-effectiveness and ensuring that expenses are well-planned and justified.

 i. Key Responsibilities

Here are the key responsibilities of a cost accountant:

• Collect cost information and maintain an expense database
• Determine fixed costs like salaries, rent, and insurance
• Plan and record variable costs for raw material purchases and operational costs
• Create budget reports for the company and each department
• Analyze profit margins and report them
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual cost forecasts

ii. Skill Requirements

Some of the skills required to apply for this position are:

• Excellent abilities in both spoken and written communication. 
• Adept at collaborating with a team. 
• Exceptional proficiency in technical and computer-related tasks. 
• Thorough comprehension of business principles.
• Precise attention to detail and accuracy.

iii. Qualifications 

Here are the basic qualifications required for becoming a cost accountant:

• A degree of bachelor in commerce/accounting, either B.Com., B.A. Economics, or a related subject
• A master’s degree in accounting or an MBA in finance

Average Salary: ₹7.2 LPA
Highest Salary: ₹30 LPA

2. Investment Banker

For many years, investment banking has been a highly desirable career path. This field is known for its high-risk nature and demanding time requirements. As an investment banker, you will assist a wide range of clients including governments, corporations, and institutions in raising capital and completing mergers and acquisitions. To prepare for this career option, students can enroll in the business analyst training course to gain a strong understanding of the fundamentals.

i. Key Responsibilities

Here are the key responsibilities of an investment banker:

• Develop financial models to value debt and equity for mergers, acquisitions, and capital-raising transactions
• Perform valuation methods, such as comparable company analysis, precedent transactions, and discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis
• Build relationships with new and existing clients to expand the business
• Conduct research, analysis, and documentation for live transactions
• Crafting presentations for client portfolios
• Staying informed about current events, critical issues, and relevant news in the financial industry

ii. Skill Requirements

To be a prosperous investment banker, you must possess the following skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, especially Excel and VBA
• Strong financial modeling skills
• Proficiency in project management.
• Strong managerial skills to oversee various tasks efficiently.
• Excellent communication for effective interaction with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders is essential.
• In-depth knowledge about the global economy as well as financial markets is essential for success in this field.

 iii. Qualifications 

Here are the required courses to become an investment banker:

• A bachelor’s degree like B.Com., B.A. Economics, or BBA
• A master’s degree such as MBA or M.Sc. in Finance is also beneficial 
• Chartered Financial Analyst Course 
• Chartered Accountant Course

Average Salary: ₹10.7 LPA
Highest Salary: ₹56 LPA

Want to check out other investment-related career opportunities? Explore the latest investing jobs to find a suitable vacancy.

3. Personal Financial Advisor

Personal financial advisors have one of the high-salary jobs in the commerce stream. They are professionals who assist individuals in achieving their financial objectives, both in the short and long term. They guide a variety of areas, such as real estate investments, taxes, insurance, and retirement planning. To thrive in this field, a personal financial advisor must possess deep knowledge of investment markets and the ability to select top-performing stocks, bonds, or funds for their clients.

i. Key Responsibilities

Here are a few key responsibilities of a personal financial advisor:

• Meet with clients to discuss their financial goals and assess their current financial situation, risk tolerance, and investment preferences
• Explain the types of financial services they provide, such as investment management, retirement planning, estate planning, tax strategies, and insurance recommendations
• Based on client information, create customized financial plans that outline budgeting, investment strategies, debt management, and savings targets
• Regularly review and adjust clients’ investment portfolios
• Analyze market trends, assess performance, and recommend changes as needed
• Keep up with financial news, regulations, and industry trends is crucial
• Adhere to ethical standards, disclose conflicts of interest, and act in the best interest of their clients

ii. Skill Requirements

To excel as a personal financial advisor, you must possess exceptional financial management abilities, which include:

• Ability to identify potential risks and opportunities by closely monitoring relevant information.
• Strong analytical skills are also essential in effectively studying and evaluating financial data.
• Advisors must know how to communicate with clients in a way that makes them feel understood and valued. 
• Having well-trained staff who can maintain positive relationships with customers is key to providing excellent service as an advisor.

 iii. Qualifications 

Here are the required courses to become a personal advisor:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in commerce, finance, economics, mathematics, or a related field
• Certifications like CFA (Certified Financial Advisor) or CFP (Certified Financial Planner)

Average Salary: ₹6 LPA
Highest Salary: ₹12 LPA

4. Chartered Accountant (CA)

Chartered accountants have some of the highest-paying jobs in the commerce field. If you possess strong analytical abilities, exceptional reasoning skills, and a high level of accuracy in working with numbers, chartered accountancy jobs may be ideal for you. As a chartered accountant, your job role can span across various areas such as financial analysis and reporting, budget management, evaluation and auditing services as well as tax consulting

i. Key Responsibilities

Here are the key responsibilities of a chartered accountant (CA):

• Prepare and analyze financial statements to ensure accurate reporting.
• Conduct comprehensive audits to verify financial accuracy and adherence to regulatory standards.
• Provide financial advice to clients and organizations.
• Assess companies’ financial risk and accordingly, assist in financial planning and forecasting.

ii. Skill Requirements

To become a CA, you must possess the following skills: 

• Understand applicable regulatory standards governing personal and corporate finances
• Knowledge of uniform accounting methods and concepts
• Proficiency in statistics and accounting
• Strong critical thinking ability 
• Meticulousness and precision in your work
• Previous experience with auditing or internships
• Competency in balancing accounts and delivering presentations

iii. Qualifications 

Average Salary: ₹10.8 LPA
Highest Salary: ₹30 LPA

5. Actuary

If you are good in math, statistics, and business administration, you have the potential to excel in this industry. Your responsibilities will involve developing financial models and conducting risk assessments for potential losses such as property damage or disability that could affect the company’s operations. Being an actuary is considered one of the most lucrative occupations within commerce as it offers versatility in terms of working independently or with an established company.

i. Key Responsibilities

Here are the key responsibilities of an actuary:

• Perform risk analysis by interpreting data to assess the probability of future financial events
• Design and price insurance policies, ensuring they provide promised benefits
• Create financial models to predict outcomes and help businesses make informed decisions
• Plan for future needs by ensuring organizations have adequate funds for potential claims
• Develop methods to reduce negative financial impacts from undesirable events

ii. Skill Requirements

To excel as an actuary, one must possess the following skills:

• A strong work ethic and dedication 
• A thorough understanding of actuary fundamentals is key, which can be achieved through a passion for learning 
• Proficiency in arithmetic and statistics
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills are necessary for data analysis and risk assessment

iii. Qualifications 

Here are the required courses to become an actuary:

• A bachelor of science degree in mathematics, statistics, or applied sciences
• A master’s degree in mathematics, statistics, finance, or a related field is preferable

Average Salary: ₹10 LPA
Highest Salary: ₹32.5 LPA

Jobs with Highest Salary for Commerce Students without Maths

Here is a list of the highest-paying jobs for commerce students without maths:

6. Human Resource Manager

It is one of the high-paying job options for commerce stream students. Human resource managers play a crucial role in the recruitment and hiring process of new employees, as well as managing employee benefit plans and other incentives. Given the increasing interest among individuals to work in business and management roles, there is a vast array of potential opportunities within this industry.

i. Key Responsibilities

Here are the key responsibilities of an HR manager:

• Enhance the organization’s HR by planning, implementing, and evaluating human resource programs and policies
• Bridge the gap between employee relations and management by addressing grievances and demands
• Manage the recruitment and selection process

ii. Skill Requirements

To achieve success as a human resource manager, you should possess the following skills and expertise:

• Effective communication skills
• Exceptional interpersonal and leadership abilities
• Proficiency in organization and meticulousness
• Robust skills in analysis and finding solutions to problems
• Proficiency in problem-solving
• Competency in organizing and executing various tasks
• Effective negotiation and conflict resolution skills 

iii. Qualifications 

To pursue an HR manager job, you should possess the following:

• A bachelor’s degree in any discipline
• A master’s degree in business administration, law, or human resources is beneficial.
• Relevant work experience 
• A post-graduate diploma in human resource management
• Advanced Human Resource Management Course

Average Salary: ₹9.37 LPA
Highest Salary: ₹18.3 LPA

7. Cost Management Accountant (CMA)

CMA is a globally recognized professional qualification for commerce and accounting professionals. It is considered one of the most difficult programs in India but it offers lucrative job opportunities for commerce students.

i. Key Responsibilities

Here are the key responsibilities of a cost management accountant (CMA):

• Contribute to the organization’s success by optimizing costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing profitability
• Analyze financial data, cost structures, and performance metrics to provide insights for decision-making
• Develop cost budgets, forecasts, and cost control measures to ensure efficient resource utilization
• Prepare cost reports, variance analysis, and management reports for effective decision support

ii. Skill Requirements

Through the CMA course, you will gain proficiency in a variety of important skills, including:

• A strong foundation in basic accounting principles is essential.
• Deep understanding of financial concepts, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling
• Practical knowledge of cost accounting methods, techniques, and tools
• Proficiency in management accounting
• Complete understanding of planning and budgeting
• Excellent grasp of risk management techniques
• Understanding of external financial reporting

iii. Qualifications for a Cost Management Accountant (CMA)

To become a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), one must pass the CMA exams. The examination process includes three levels: Foundation, Intermediate, and Final. These exams are essential in obtaining the necessary qualifications for a career as a CMA.

Average Salary: ₹8 LPA
Highest Salary: ₹12.3 LPA

8. Auditor

An auditor’s role is to review financial statements and ensure compliance with legal regulations for organizations and businesses. Becoming an auditor requires a degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a related field, as well as specialized certification. As a commerce student graduate, you can consider seeking auditing jobs in Mumbai.

i. Key Responsibilities

Here are some of the key responsibilities of an auditor:

• Review financial audit statements and monitor financial processes
• Identify risks and recommend improvements
• Ensure adherence to accounting standards, taxation, and regulatory requirements

ii. Skill Requirements

To become an auditor, you must possess the following skills:

• Strong analytical skills to assess complex processes and identify potential risks.
• Advanced skills in MS Office, accounting software, and databases
• Familiarity with auditing standards, laws, rules,  procedures, and regulations

iii. Qualifications 

To succeed as an auditor, one must possess two or more of the following degrees:

• A bachelor’s degree in commerce or any discipline
• A certified chartered accountant from ICAI (The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India)
• Post-graduate program specializing in management studies, finance, accounting, or a related field

Average Salary: ₹7 LPA

Highest Salary: ₹12 LPA

Explore the latest auditing jobs to gain work experience and enhance your career prospects as an auditor.

9. Budget Analyst

A budget analyst also has a high-salary job in the commerce stream. These professionals play an important role in monitoring an organization’s expenses and budgets. They are commonly employed by both private and public entities to help them efficiently manage their resources. This position, which is widely recognized in the business world, involves overseeing budgeting and expenditures for a private company to devise innovative strategies to boost sales and profits.

i. Key Responsibilities

Here are the responsibilities for this profession:

• Collaborate with project managers and department heads to create and revise budgets. 
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to financial goals
• Analyze budget data, track spending, and identify trends 
• Propose spending cuts or reallocations to optimize resource utilization
• Prepare regular budget reports, monitor performance against plans, and forecast spending needs
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and organizational policies
• Present and defend budget recommendations to management

ii. Skill Requirements

To excel as a budget analyst, you must possess the following skills:

• Proficiency in calculus, financial management, and financial analysis
• Tech-savvy for reporting and forecasting
• Ability to analyze financial data and interpret it effectively
• Strong communication abilities to present budget proposals

iii. Qualifications 

To become a budget analyst, you must have the following qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in fields such as business administration, mathematics, economics, commerce, or a related field
• A master’s degree in accounting & banking, mathematics, finance, public administration, or any relevant field

Average Salary: ₹5.8 LPA
Highest Salary: ₹10 LPA

10. Product Manager

A product manager has a vital role in all aspects of product development, starting from initial concept to design and ultimate production. In today’s competitive market, top companies like Google are on the lookout for skilled and innovative product managers.

i. Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of a product manager are:

• Develop a comprehensive product strategy aligned with the company’s goals and long-term objectives
• Conduct thorough market analysis to understand trends, user pain points, competitors’ offerings, and opportunities
• Identify and articulate the product’s unique selling points to differentiate it from competitors
• Clearly communicate the product vision through vision statements, roadmaps, and user research
• Coordinate with product owners, monitor progress, and manage resources, budgets, and timelines
• Assist in pricing decisions based on market trends, value propositions, and customer willingness to pay
• Monitor product sales and key performance indicators for continuous improvement

ii. Skill Requirements

To become a product manager, one must possess the following skills:

• A solid understanding of data interpretation and analysis
• Familiarity with the industry and its key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Strong business acumen and strategic management abilities
• Knowledge of user experience (UX) and user design (UI)
• Research proficiency
• Great analytical skills

iii. Qualifications 

Here are the required qualifications to become a product manager:

• A relevant bachelor’s degree in business administration, commerce, finance, or economics is common.
• An MBA degree in finance, marketing, business analytics, project management, or a related field 
• Typically, 2-5 years of experience in a product management role

Average Salary: ₹20.9 LPA
Highest Salary: ₹37.6 LPA

Explore the latest product manager jobs to begin your professional career today.

11. Company Secretary (CS)

A company secretary is one of the most reputable and high-salary jobs in the commerce stream. They are legal experts and compliance officers in a company who ensure corporate governance and communication between stakeholders. As a CS, you will be responsible for convening and managing annual general meetings (AGMs), providing legal or financial advice, and ensuring compliance with legislation.

i. Key Responsibilities

Here are the responsibilities of a company secretary:

• Provide guidance to the board of directors, ensuring legal compliance and effective corporate governance
• Manage meeting minutes, ensuring accurate documentation of board decisions
• Handle business records, compliance, and stockholder relations
• Convey legal information to CEOs, board members, and stakeholders while maintaining confidentiality

ii. Skill Requirements

To pursue a company secretary job, you must possess the following skills: 

• Proficiency in understanding the Companies Act, SEBI Regulations, and related frameworks
• Strong analytical thinking to solve complex problems related to corporate governance.
• Organizational and administrative skills with attention to detail
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent time management skills
• Ability to maintain discretion while handling confidential information
• Good grasp of legal research and analysis
• Knowledge of company secretarial software

iii. Qualifications

Here are the required qualifications to become a company secretary:

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, law, finance, or a related field
• CS Foundation Program (For 10+2 pass or equivalent students) [Now replaced with CS Executive Entrance Test or CSEET]
• Executive Program (For Graduates) 
• Executive Development Program or EDP (30 days training)
• Practical Training (For 21 months after completion of EDP)
• Professional Program (For those who have cleared the Executive Program of CS course)
• Corporate Leadership Development Program or CLDP (For 30-60 days after passing Professional Program Examination)

Average Salary: ₹7 LPA
Highest Salary: ₹20 LPA

12. Marketing Manager

A marketing manager is responsible for leading marketing activities in an organization for its products and services. Any commerce student can explore the marketing field if they wish to develop and implement strategic marketing plans. As a marketing manager, you will undertake tasks like deploying marketing campaigns, monitoring metrics and initiating optimization practices accordingly, building strategic relationships with key players, and preparing marketing budgets.

 i. Key Responsibilities

Here are the responsibilities of a marketing manager:

• Develop and execute marketing strategies aligned with business goals
• Analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and competitors
• Oversee advertising, digital marketing, and promotional campaigns
• Allocate resources effectively to achieve marketing objectives.
• Manage marketing teams and collaborate cross-functionally
• Monitor KPIs, ROI, and campaign effectiveness

ii. Skill Requirements

To become a marketing manager, you must possess the following skills: 

• Knowledge of web analytics tools such as Google Analytics, WebTrends, Omniture, etc.
• Ability to identify target audiences and create marketing campaigns accordingly.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Strong communication skills and aesthetic sense.
• Familiarity with the latest industry-related trends.

iii. Qualifications

Here are the required courses to become a Marketing Manager:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Advertising, Business, or related field
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Certification course in Digital Marketing

Average Salary: ₹12.3 LPA

Highest Salary: ₹20.4 LPA

Explore the latest marketing manager jobs and begin your professional journey today!

13. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered financial analysts handle responsibilities such as wealth management, credit analysis, equity and fixed-income analysis, and more. They aim to enhance the investment management of an organization by advising financially prudent ways to spend money to maximize profits. Organizations rely on CFA for stock market investments and mergers and acquisitions.

 i. Key Responsibilities

Here are the responsibilities of a chartered financial analyst (CFA):

• Analyze past and present financial data of organizations and estimate future revenues and expenditures
• Apply principles of finance to assess asset values
• Assist organizations with financial functions such as planning, budgeting, taxes, and cost control
• Document financial analysis projects

ii. Skill Requirements

To become a chartered financial analyst, you must have the following skills: 

• In-depth knowledge of financial analysis and modeling
• Understanding of databases and database management systems
• Strong reasoning, analytical, strategic, and decision-making skills
• Time management to prioritize tasks efficiently
• Good communication skills to present information to all stakeholders

iii. Qualifications

Here are the required courses to become a chartered financial analyst: 

• A bachelor’s degree in commerce or related field
• CFA Exam (3 Levels) 
• Membership in the CFA Institute is mandatory to receive the charter and work as a chartered financial analyst

Average Salary: ₹10 LPA
Highest Salary: ₹35 LPA

14. Research Analyst

Research analysts collect and analyze financial data and prepare investigative reports related to assets and securities for an organization. They identify past trends and suggest improvements based on this analysis. Further, they evaluate financial protocols and policies for efficient business operations.

Key Responsibilities

Here are the responsibilities of a research analyst:

• Gather and analyze data related to various topics, industries, or markets
• Conduct research on consumer behavior, trends, and competitors
• Evaluate financial data, stocks, and securities
• Create research reports based on findings
• Use tools like SPSS, SAS, or R for statistical analysis
• Provide insights to enhance workflows

ii. Skill Requirements

To pursue a research and analytics job, you should possess the following skills: 

• Strong research and analytical skills
• Good presentation and communication skills
• Effective logical reasoning skills and good attention to detail
• Great organizational and time management skills

 iii. Qualifications

Here are the required courses to become a research analyst: 

• A bachelor’s degree in economics, statistics, mathematics, or related fields
• A master’s degree is preferred for advanced positions
• Chartered Financial Analyst Certification
• Research Analyst Certification Examination (To become SEBI-registered research analyst

Average Salary: ₹7 LPA
Highest Salary: ₹12 LPA

15. Finance Manager

A finance manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring the financial plans of an organization. They prepare financial reports and suggest the next course of action to various stakeholders to achieve business goals and objectives. These professionals are in high demand due to their ability to maintain the financial health of an organization.

i. Key Responsibilities

Here are the responsibilities of a financial manager:

• Oversee budgeting, financial forecasting, and strategic planning
• Identify and mitigate financial risks
• Develop investment plans aligned with organizational goals
• Prepare accurate financial statements and reports
• Manage finance teams and collaborate with executives

ii. Skill Requirements

To become a finance manager, you should possess the following skills: 

• Ability to understand financial trends within the organization and the overall market patterns
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Effective negotiation and decision-making skills
• Understanding of statutory legislation and regulations
• Thorough knowledge of financial risk mitigation as well as financial modeling skills
• Proficiency in using finance software

iii. Qualifications

Here are the required qualifications to become a finance manager: 

• A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field
• Professional certifications such as CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), CPA (Certified Public Accountant), or CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
• A master’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, or a related field

Average Salary: ₹16.8 LPA 
Highest Salary: ₹31.2 LPA

Want to pursue a career as a finance manager? Check out the latest finance manager jobs.

Conclusion

There are diverse arrays of jobs for commerce students in various industries such as finance, accounting, consulting, and entrepreneurship. As a commerce student, you should utilize your skills effectively and stay informed about the current market developments to achieve success in your career.

Additionally, pursuing additional certifications or specializing in certain areas can also be beneficial for your career growth. You can take a placement guarantee course in data science to expand your career horizon. Let us know in the comment section which one of the jobs listed above is well-suited for you as a commerce student.

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