Dear Anil,

Thanks for writing to www.careerguide.com!

You are working as an Accountant and want to settle abroad.

India has 12+3 education system, whereas USA has 12+4. Therefore, you need to earn either graduate degree from USA or get into Masters program if you have completed completed Masters from India.

To get professional job in USA or other country, degree from the respective country is highly desirable as each country has different education system and emphasize different employability skills.

If you have time then I would suggest you to do Masters from India and take up any of the following course in USA. Remember that you can pursue these courses from India also. Now reputed Universities offer online courses as well.

Certified Management Accountant (CMA): The CMA is offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). To become a CMA, a student is required to clear two examinations. CMA demonstrates your professional expertise in financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics.

Certified Public Accounting (CPA): The exam is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), which is the world's largest accounting body. A CPA qualification is similar to the Indian CA qualification. In addition to the CA qualification, a CPA will have knowledge of US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards), Generally Accepted Accounting Standards (GAAS), US federal taxation and business laws. The course consists of 4 exams, which can be completed within a period of less than a year. Pursuing CPA after completing CA, M.Com, CS, MBA in finance, ICWA can also help your career to a great extent.

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): The CFA Program is a professional credential offered internationally by the American-based CFA Institute. There are three exams ("levels") that test the academic portion of the CFA program. It considered to be tough. CFA also has a list of accredited education partners who provide relevant courses and CFA education preparation. Find out about University/Institutions in USA or in India that offers study preparation or courses that may help clarify CFA.

MBA (Finance): You can do MBA in Finance from any US university that offers placements. It will help you broaden job opportunities. MBA is less difficult compared to CPA/CFA/CMA.

I would recommend you to review your strengths, weaknesses, interest and available time and money with you to enhance employability in foreign country where you want to settle. There are many aspects you need to think of such as VISA charges, type of VISA you get, travel expense, and source of income before you decide any course.

Since I have limited information provided by you I am not able to answer in detail. For detailed answer, I need following information.
Where do you want to settle, USA or Europe?
When are you shifting to foreign country?
Which is your area of interest? Only accounting is key area or want to shift to other field.
Have you applied ever for job in foreign country? If yes, what is the VISA status? If not, when are you planning to apply?
Have you calculated cost of shifting to other country, rules and regulation of respective foreign countries, employability etc.?

Hope this information is useful. Feel free to write back if you have queries.

Best Wishes for your career in foreign country,
Apurva Kumar Pandya, PhD

Dear Aspirant,

Thinking of going for a job abroad is nice however eligibility wise as mentioned by Dr. Pandya you are not eligible at this moment. However you may try for jobs in Gulf, UAE where this requirement is not there.

Getting a higher qualification is always useful and you will need to get that while doing a job. A part time MBA suits you well before you take a decision to go abroad.

Best wishes