Emerging commerce career options in India (2026): From CA to Data Analyst

The Indian economy is on a fast-growth track. The startup ecosystem is buzzing with energy. Big international players are establishing their presence across the country. With all this momentum generated, the demand for skilled commerce professionals is at an all-time high.

Commerce graduates, your moment is here. Whether you like to crunch complex numbers, analyse financial data or ensure business compliance, there is a lucrative and exciting job available for you. In 2025, traditional roles such as chartered accountant coexist with modern careers like data analyst. The trend is about blending financial knowledge with new-age tech skills. If you want to consider your choices in the career pool before you plunge in, check out these in-demand commerce career options that offer some of the most attractive job opportunities today.

 

Hottest commerce career options in India:

ACCOUNTING

1. Accountant

Accountants are the go-to financial experts for every business. These professionals handle audits and taxes, manage accounts and create financial reports. They go beyond just maintaining and tracking finances and even help companies follow regulations and make informed decisions. Accountancy is one of the top traditional commerce career options for those who want to work in public accounting, auditing or taxation.

Courses:

• Chartered Accountancy
• US CPA (for US-based businesses)
• ACCA

 

Annual salary expectations (depends on the type of certification, company and location):

• Entry-level: Rs 6 lakhs to Rs 12 lakhs
• Mid-level: Rs 12 lakhs to Rs 25 lakhs
• Senior level: Rs 50+ lakhs

Career opportunities:

• Audit & Consulting: PwC, EY, Deloitte, KPMG
• Banking and financial services: HDFC Bank, HSBC, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank
• Manufacturing: Tata Steel, Reliance, Nestle, HUL, ITC, Marico

2. Management Accountant

Meet the behind-the-scenes strategists who help companies stay financially stable and profitable. They focus on important tasks, such as budgeting, cost control, financial planning and making quality decisions. Management accountants plan ahead. They ensure companies have a fiscally sound future by optimising efficiency and productivity. They keep their eye on the money. How many expenses do we have? Can we cut costs? These are the important questions they find the answers to. Most importantly, management accountants turn financial data into smart business strategies.

Courses:

• CMA India
• US CMA
• CIMA

Annual salary expectations (depends on the type of certification, company and location):

• Entry-level: Rs 6 lakhs to Rs 10 lakhs
• Mid-level: Rs 12 lakhs to Rs 25 lakhs
• Senior level: Rs 30+ lakhs

Career opportunities:

• Consulting firms: Deloitte, KPMG, EY, PwC, Grant Thornton
• Manufacturing: Tata Steel, L&T, Aditya Birla Group, Godrej Industries, JSW Steel, Reliance Industries
• Internal finance departments: Amazon India, Coca-Cola India, P&G, Siemens, PepsiCo, Nestlé India

Also Read: US CMA or CIMA? How you can choose between them

4. Internal Auditor

As the financial watchdogs of a company, internal auditors ensure that all processes are running efficiently and in compliance with policies. It’s their job to make sure companies stick to the rules and follow internal systems properly. They also recommend solutions to problems, and how to avoid costly mistakes. Internal auditors help businesses to stay transparent, compliant and efficient. It’s no surprise that this profession is one of the top commerce career options.

Courses:

• CIA (Certified Internal Auditor)
• CA
• ACCA
• US CMA
• CIMA

Annual salary expectations (depends on the type of certification, company and location):

• Entry-level: Rs 4 lakhs to Rs 8 lakhs
• Mid-level: Rs 8 lakhs to Rs 30 lakhs
• Senior level: Rs 18 lakhs to 35+ lakhs

Career opportunities:

• Corporate risk departments: Tata Group, Reliance Industries, Aditya Birla Group, Mahindra & Mahindra, Infosys, HDFC Bank

 

5. Cost Accountant

Cost accountants are sharp, detail-oriented professionals who dive deep into a company’s costs to find ways to save money. Their main goal? To help businesses run efficiently by cutting unnecessary expenses and improving pricing strategies. In an economy where every rupee counts, cost accountants are a boon to many companies.

Courses:

• CIMA
• US CMA
• CMA India
• SAP/Six Sigma

Annual salary expectations (depends on the type of certification, company and location):

• Entry-level: Rs 4 lakhs to Rs 7 lakhs
• Mid-level: Rs 8 lakhs to Rs 15 lakhs
• Senior level: Rs 18 lakhs to 30+ lakhs

Career opportunities:

• Manufacturing: Reliance Industries, HUL, L&T, ITC
• Logistics companies: Delhivery, Blue Dart
• Internal finance roles: Adani Group, Infosys

6. Risk Manager

“What’s the worst that could happen?” This is a thought that goes through every qualified risk manager’s mind when they are assessing potential threats to a company. Their job is to identify and mitigate factors that could cause losses, fraud and compliance slip-ups. The professionals keep an eye on market trends, updated regulations and internal systems. They provide a competent risk management strategy that keeps the company financially safe. They are also one of the best commerce career options in finance.

Courses:

• US CMA
• ACCA (for regulatory compliance and internal control in MNCs)
• FRM
• MBA in finance

Annual salary expectations (depends on the type of certification, company and location):

• Entry-level: Rs 6 lakhs to Rs 10 lakhs
• Mid-level: Rs 12 lakhs to Rs 20 lakhs
• Senior level: Rs 25 lakhs to 45+ lakhs

Career opportunities:

• Banks: HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, SBI
• FinTech firms: Razorpay, Paytm, PhonePe, CRED
• Corporate risk and compliance divisions: Aditya Birla Group, Tata Sons, Infosys, L&T

7. Tax Accountant

Another top-rated commerce career option, tax accountants help companies follow the law to the letter. They ensure taxes are filed accurately and on time. They also help with GST, income tax, TDS and international laws when working with global clients. They offer smart advice that saves companies money as well as penalty fees.

Courses:

• CA (specialisation in taxation)
• US CPA (for US-based companies and clients)
• ACCA (for global tax laws)
• GST/international tax/US taxation certifications

Annual salary expectations (depends on the type of certification, company and location):

• Entry-level: Rs 4 lakhs to Rs 8 lakhs
• Mid-level: Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 18 lakhs
• Senior level: Rs 20 lakhs to 40+ lakhs

Career opportunities:

• Tax consultancies: Deloitte, PwC, Taxmann
• Law and audit firms: KPMG India, EY India, Grant Thornton, BDO India
• In-house corporate tax departments: Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, ITC Limited

FINANCE AND INVESTMENT

1. Financial Analyst

Who’s the go-to person when you want to understand the numbers behind a company’s performance? The financial analyst is on the job. This professional is responsible for crunching the numbers, analysing market trends and creating reports that help businesses make better decisions. Whether it’s forecasting, budgeting or cost-cutting, the financial analyst is the top brain behind improving the bottom line.

Courses:

• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
• SMIBO (Securities Markets & Investment Banking Operations)
• MBA in finance
• Financial modelling
• NISM certifications for capital markets

Annual salary expectations (depends on the type of certification, company and location):

• Entry-level: Rs 4 lakhs to Rs 7 lakhs
• Mid-level: Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 18 lakhs
• Senior level: Rs 20 lakhs to 40+ lakhs

Career opportunities:

• Investment Banking: Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Citi India, Axis Capital
• Information Technology (IT): Infosys, TCS), Wipro, Tech Mahindra
• Consulting: Deloitte, McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), EY (Ernst & Young), PwC India

 

 

2. Investment banker

If you’ve been keeping track of the campus career buzz, you’ll be well aware that investment banking is one of the most popular commerce career options today. This professional is the king of finance because they work on big-money deals, IPOs and major corporate moves. They help raise capital, manage M&A deals and even restructure company finances. If you enjoy negotiating big-ticket deals and developing business strategies, welcome to your playground.

Courses:

• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
• SMIBO (Securities Markets & Investment Banking Operations)
• MBA in finance
• Financial modelling
• FMVA by CFI

 

Annual salary expectations (depends on the type of certification, company and location):

• Entry-level: Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 15 lakhs
• Mid-level: Rs 25 lakhs to Rs 40 lakhs
• Senior level: Rs 60 lakhs to 1+ crore

Career opportunities:

• Full-service banks: ICICI Securities, Axis Capital, HDFC Securities, Kotak Investment Banking, Citi India
• Global finance firms: Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch
• Boutique investment firms: Avendus Capital, Unitus Capital, Singhi Advisors, Equirus Capital

3. Financial planner

Why is the financial planner considered one of the fastest-growing commerce career options? In today’s fast-evolving economic landscape, a financial planner is more than just an ordinary advisor. They are a trusted guide and personal life coach for individuals who want to multiply their wealth, save taxes and build a secure corpus. A financial planner helps clients secure the funds to fulfil specific life goals such as college education and retirement plans.

Courses:

• CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
• NISM Mutual Fund Distributor and Investment Advisor certifications
• MBA in finance
• IRDAI certification

Annual salary expectations (depends on the type of certification, company and location):

• Entry-level: Rs 5 lakhs to Rs 8 lakhs
• Mid-level: Rs 8 lakhs to Rs 15 lakhs
• Senior level: Rs 20 lakhs to 35+ lakhs

Career opportunities:

• BFSI: HDFC Life, ICICI Prudential, SBI Mutual Fund, Kotak Life, Bajaj Allianz Life
• Financial Advisory Firms: Anand Rathi Wealth, IIFL Wealth, Edelweiss Wealth, Motilal Oswal Private Wealth
• Fintech Platforms: Groww, ET Money, Upstox, Cube Wealth

Also Read:  Find out the top benefits of holding a CFP certification.

4. Wealth manager

What does a wealth manager do? This professional acts like a personal CFO for high-net-worth individuals. They manage their client’s entire financial ecosystem, which includes investments, tax planning, estate planning, real estate and alternative assets. It is a relationship-driven role, perfect for those who have strong people skills, as well as a solid understanding of finance and investments. If you fit the bill, consider applying for one of the most sought-after commerce career options in India.

Courses:

• CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
• MBA in finance
• NISM Certifications
• IRDAI License

Annual salary expectations (depends on the type of certification, company and location):

• Entry-level: Rs 5 lakhs to Rs 10 lakhs
• Mid-level: Rs 12 lakhs to Rs 25 lakhs
• Senior level: Rs 30 lakhs to 1+ crore

Career opportunities:

• Wealth Management Firms: 360 ONE, Anand Rathi Wealth, Motilal Oswal Private Wealth, ASK Wealth Advisors
• Private Banking Divisions: HDFC Private Banking, ICICI Private Banking, Axis Burgundy Private, Kotak Private Banking

MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS

1. Project manager

Another promising commerce career option is project manager. The professional plays a major role in leading project planning, execution and delivery while managing timelines and resources. They are instrumental in launching a product, building software or executing a marketing campaign.

Courses:

• PMP (Project Management Professional)
• MBA (Operations or General Management)
• Agile / Scrum Certification
• PRINCE2 or CAPM

Annual salary expectations (depends on the type of certification, company and location):

• Entry-level: Rs 6 lakhs to Rs 10 lakhs
• Mid-level: Rs 12 lakhs to Rs 20 lakhs
• Senior level: Rs 25 lakhs to 40+ crore

Career opportunities:

• IT: Accenture, IBM, Infosys, Cognizant, Capgemini, Google, Microsoft, Oracle
• Construction: L&T, Lendlease, Bechtel
• Manufacturing: Siemens, Bosch, Toyota, P&G

2. Product manager

You have to ensure the company’s product is built correctly, solves a real problem, and targets the right audience. A product manager acts like a mini-CEO of the product, working with engineers, designers, and marketing teams to create the best possible version.

Courses:

• MBA (in marketing)
• B.Tech + Product certifications
• Executive Programme in Product Management

Annual salary expectations (depends on the type of certification, company and location):

• Entry-level: Rs 6 lakhs to Rs 10 lakhs
• Mid-level: Rs 12 lakhs to Rs 20 lakhs
• Senior level: Rs 25 lakhs to 40+ crore

Career opportunities:

• IT and SaaS: Zoho, Freshworks, TCS, Infosys, Postman
• Ecommerce: Flipkart, Amazon India, Myntra, Meesho

3. HR manager

When it comes to all things related to people in a company, an HR manager is trained to ensure all processes run smoothly. They are responsible for hiring the right talent, creating salary packages, managing performance reviews and keeping employees happy.

They are the glue that keeps the organisation together. No wonder their profession is one of the go-to commerce career options.

Courses

• MBA in HR
• PGDM in Human Resource Management
• SHRM-CP
• HRCI: PHR / SPHR

Annual salary expectations (depends on the type of certification, company and location):

• Entry-level: Rs 4 lakhs to Rs 8 lakhs
• Mid-level: Rs 8 lakhs to Rs 18 lakhs
• Senior level: Rs 18 lakhs to 45+ lakhs

Career opportunities:

• IT/Tech/SaaS: Infosys, TCS, Wipro, HCLTech
• E-commerce: Amazon India, Flipkart, Zomato, Nykaa
• Manufacturing: Tata Motors, ITC Limited, Marico, Unilever (HUL)
• Banking: HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank

 

DATA SCIENCE AND ANALYSIS

1. Business analyst

Do you want to be a business analyst? It’s one of the most in-demand commerce career options The professional acts as a bridge between business requirements and technical solutions. They identify business problems, gather requirements and analyse data. Companies hire business analysts to improve processes, reduce costs and launch better products.

Courses:

• MBA (Business Analytics / Operations / Finance)
• Certification in Business Analysis
• Google Business Analytics Certificate
• SQL, Excel, Tableau, Power BI – Data tools
• Lean Six Sigma (optional)

Annual salary expectations (depends on the type of certification, company and location):

• Entry-level: Rs 5 lakhs to Rs 8 lakhs
• Mid-level: Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 18 lakhs
• Senior level: Rs 20 lakhs to 35+ lakhs

Career opportunities:

• Banking: HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank
• Fintech: Razorpay, Paytm, PhonePe
• Manufacturing: Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Bosch India, Maruti Suzuki

 

2. Data scientist

Data scientists take unstructured data and turn it into business gold. They analyse the information and predict what is going to happen and why. They help companies make important decisions with AI-driven insights. It’s a profession that’s gaining a lot of popularity as a commerce career option.

Courses:

• BB.Tech/B.Sc in Computer Science
• M.Sc/M.Tech in Data Science
• MBA in Business Analytics

Annual salary expectations (depends on the type of certification, company and location):

• Entry-level: Rs 8 lakhs to Rs 12 lakhs
• Mid-level: Rs 12 lakhs to Rs 25 lakhs
• Senior level: Rs 25 lakhs to 60+ lakhs

Career opportunities:

• Tech: Zoho, Freshworks, Infosys, Fractal Analytics
• Manufacturing: GE Power, Tata Motors, Reliance Industries
• E-commerce: Flipkart, Amazon India, Myntra, Swiggy

3. Machine learning engineer

A machine learning engineer’s job is challenging yet exciting. They are the professionals who help machines ‘learn’ and ‘think’ from observing data. They take chunks of data and algorithms to create models that can make predictions and automate tasks. They are the people behind recommendations on Netflix and the voice-activated assistant Alexa. If you’re interested in this exciting commerce career option, then go for it!

Courses:

• BB.Tech/B.Sc in Computer Science
• M.Sc/M.Tech in AI or machine learning
• Advanced Certification in AI & ML

Annual salary expectations (depends on the type of certification, company and location):

• Entry-level: Rs 6 lakhs to Rs 12 lakhs
• Mid-level: Rs 12 lakhs to Rs 25 lakhs
• Senior level: Rs 25 lakhs to 60+ lakhs

Career opportunities:

• Product-Based Tech Companies: Google India, Zoho, Fractal Analytics
• E-commerce: Amazon India, Flipkart, Zomato
• Automotive: Mahindra Electric, Ola Electric, Hero MotoCorp

4. Data analyst

Data analysis is heavily trending in today’s corporate world, which makes data analysts in high demand. Their job is to dig into massive piles of data, clean it up, look for patterns, and help companies make smart decisions. They are known to transform raw data into actionable insights. This is a high-value skill that has made this one of the exciting commerce career options.

Courses:

• MBA in business analytics
• B.Sc/B.Tech in Computer Science
• M.Sc/M.Tech in Data Science

Annual salary expectations (depends on the type of certification, company and location):

• Entry-level: Rs 4 lakhs to Rs 8 lakhs
• Mid-level: Rs 8 lakhs to Rs 18 lakhs
• Senior level: Rs 18 lakhs to 35+ lakhs

Career opportunities:

• E-commerce: Flipkart, Myntra, Swiggy, Zomato
• Fintech: Razorpay, Paytm, HDFC Bank, ICICI Lombard
• Manufacturing: Tata Steel, Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, Asian Paints

Proschool can help you unlock top commerce career options.

Are you aiming for a global certification, like ACCA, CFA, US CMA or CFP? Or are you hoping to up-skill with courses like financial modelling and business analytics? Either way, Proschool has your back. Their qualified faculty are industry professionals in the fields they teach. The institute also offers smart classrooms and updated study material. The professors teach through engaging active learning methods, using case studies, problem-solving and projects. At Proschool, commerce graduates prep for the exams, as well as the real world.

• Flexible learning modes: students can choose between traditional classrooms, live online sessions or recorded lectures.
• Multifaceted learning resources: Regular mock exams, revision classes, doubt-clearing sessions, personalised mentorship, question banks and practice papers help to prep for the exams and boost confidence.
• Placement assistance: career support through resume building, mock interviews and access to Proschool’s exclusive job portal.
• Performance tracking: regular assessments help track progress, improve weak areas and personalise your preparation.

It’s time to start your professional journey. Click here.

Conclusion

Commerce graduates, 2025 is your year! This is the perfect time to build your future-proof career. Whether you want to pursue accounting, investment banking or business management, there is a great opportunity out there for you. Certifications like CA, CFA, CFP, ACCA and many others can help you build expertise and skill. They will ensure you are on the right path to success, and secure job positions that match your ambition.

FAQs

1. What are the most in-demand commerce career options in India right now?

The most in-demand commerce careers are a mix of finance, analytics, tech and business roles.

2. Can I get into data analytics with a commerce background?

Yes. Many successful data analysts in India come from B.Com or BBA backgrounds. You’ll just need to learn some additional tools like MS Excel, SQL, Power BI, Tableau and Python.

3. Is CPA better than CA in India?

It depends on your career goals and the type of company you want to work for. Your location also plays a prominent part here.

To break it down:

• CA is perfect for accounting professionals who want to work in India with local companies. They can also become external auditors and have signing authority.
• CPA professionals work with US-based companies in India or for organisations with US-based clients. If you want to work in countries like the US or Canada, then the CPA is the right certification for you.

4. What are the best international certifications for commerce students?

Here are the top certifications that can lead to incredible commerce career options:

• US CPA
• CFA
• ACCA
• US CMA
• FRM
• CIMA
• DipIFR

5. What are the most valuable tech skills for accounting and finance?

Tech skills can significantly boost your profile. These are the top tech skills for finance professionals:

• Advanced MS Excel
• Power BI or Tableau (for data visualisation)
• SQL (for handling large data sets)
• Python (for automation and data analysis)
• ERP systems such as SAP or Tally Prime
• QuickBooks for global accounting jobs