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Indian Express
12 hours ago
- Business
- Indian Express
CFA vs CPA: Choosing the right path in finance; prospects, roles
('The Right Choice' is a series by The Indian Express that addresses common questions, misconceptions, and doubts surrounding undergraduate admissions. You can read the stories here.) — Subhash Kumar Verma The Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) are two of the most respected and well-known qualifications in the world for anyone who wants to work in finance. Even though both can lead to good jobs in the financial business, they are meant for different career paths and should be chosen based on your career ambitions. Many people think that the CFA charter is the best standard for people who work in finance. Its full curriculum focuses on wealth planning, portfolio management, asset appraisal, and investment analysis. People who have a CFA charter often work as portfolio managers, research analysts, investment bankers, or risk analysts. There are three levels in the curriculum, and each one is hard and takes about 300 hours of study. It normally takes between two and four years to get the CFA credential. This includes the required 4,000 hours of relevant work experience. The tests are hard, but getting the charter shows that you know a lot about investing. On the other hand, the CPA license is the highest level of certification in the accounting field. It is mostly about audits, taxes, corporate law, and financial reporting. CPAs are very important in jobs like being an auditor, a tax counsellor, a controller, or a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). There are four parts to the CPA exam, and most people can do it in 18 months to two years, which is shorter than the CFA exam. Candidates must also complete state-specific education requirements, which are usually 150 semester hours, and have 1 to 2 years of supervised work experience under a certified CPA. CPAs are very important in many fields, such as public accounting, corporate finance, government, and non-profit. They make sure that rules are followed and that money is handled properly. People who work in investment-related sectors, including asset management, hedge funds, private equity, and financial advising businesses, admire CFA charter holders. Pay for both jobs is competitive and depends on the industry, location, and level of expertise. Senior CFA experts who work in investments usually make more money, while CPAs who work as executives, like CFOs, also make a lot of money. Your career goals should ultimately help you decide whether to get a CFA or a CPA. The CFA qualification is a good fit for you if you love analysing investments, making financial plans, and working in the capital markets. The CPA license is the best way to go if you want to work in accounting, auditing, taxes, or making sure that rules are followed. Both certifications are valuable tools that can help you get ahead in your career and get a lot of professional recognition. They will also show that you are an expert in the ever-changing world of finance. The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation is ideal for individuals who are passionate about investment management, financial analysis, and capital markets. It is best suited for those who enjoy working with data, evaluating financial performance, and making strategic investment decisions. If you're analytical, detail-oriented, and interested in understanding how economies, industries, and companies operate financially, the CFA path is a strong fit. You should consider the CFA if you aspire to roles such as: – Portfolio Manager – Research Analyst – Equity or Credit Analyst – Investment Banker – Financial Strategist – Risk Manager – Wealth Manager or Private Banker Candidates who thrive in finance-focused environments like investment banks, asset management firms, hedge funds, mutual funds, and private equity will find the CFA highly valuable. The program's global recognition also makes it particularly advantageous for those aiming for international finance roles. The CPA (Certified Public Accountant) designation is tailored for individuals who have a strong interest in accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial reporting. If you are detail-driven, have a strong ethical foundation, and enjoy working with compliance frameworks, legal standards, and organisational financial structures, the CPA is an excellent choice. You should consider the CPA if you aim to become a: – Public Accountant or Auditor – Tax Advisor or Consultant – Financial Controller – Forensic Accountant – Budget Analyst – Internal Auditor – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) The CPA license is especially valuable in public accounting firms, corporate finance departments, consulting firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. It is also a critical credential for professionals aspiring to senior leadership positions in finance and accounting. CFA charter holders are in high demand in the global investment and financial services industries. The designation opens doors to advanced roles that involve managing investment portfolios, conducting complex financial analysis, and advising institutional or high-net-worth clients. Some of the top industries hiring CFAs include: – Investment Banking – Asset and Wealth Management – Hedge Funds – Private Equity and Venture Capital – Financial Advisory and Consulting – Corporate Finance and Strategy Teams – Director of Investments – Chief Investment Officer (CIO) – Head of Research – Risk Director – Senior Analyst or Fund Manager The CFA designation is also globally portable, allowing professionals to work across countries and financial hubs such as New York, London, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Singapore. CPAs enjoy robust and stable career opportunities across a wide range of sectors. Their expertise in financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and tax planning makes them indispensable to organizations. CPAs often begin their careers in public accounting or auditing firms, and with experience, progress into higher management and executive roles. Industries and sectors hiring CPAs include: – Public Accounting Firms (Big Four and mid-sized firms) – Corporations (especially in accounting, FP&A, and compliance teams) – Government and Regulatory Bodies (e.g., IRS, State Audit Departments) – Non-Profit and Educational Institutions – Internal Audit and Risk Departments With experience, CPAs can grow into roles such as: – Finance Director – Corporate Controller – Vice President of Finance – Partner in a Public Accounting Firm – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) CPAs also have an edge in entrepreneurial ventures such as starting a tax consultancy, audit firm, or boutique advisory practice. Both the CFA and CPA offer distinguished career paths, but they cater to different professional passions: – Choose CFA if your goal is to build a career in investment analysis, portfolio management, or finance strategy on a global stage. – Choose the CPA if you're inclined toward accounting, auditing, taxation, or corporate finance with a focus on compliance and financial reporting. – Your choice should align with your interests, long-term goals, and the type of financial work you find most fulfilling. Both credentials are well-respected, offer excellent career advancement, and will significantly strengthen your professional profile. (Dr Subhash Kumar Verma is Dean School of Business Management at Noida International University –Greater Noida, India)
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Rise in complaints amidst growth in e-commerce
MUSCAT - As e-commerce gains traction in Oman, the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) has reported a rise in complaints from consumers in the Sultanate of Oman. Speaking to the Observer during a recent e-commerce conference, the Director of Market Regulation and Monitoring Department at the CPA, Khalid bin Salem al Siyabi, shared the following, 'Over the past few years, we've seen a significant increase in consumer complaints. In 2022, we received 29 complaints. In 2023, that jumped to 493 complaints, and RO 5,272 was recovered for consumers. In 2024, complaints quadrupled to 1,845. In just the first quarter of 2025, we received 2,208 complaints, and recovered RO 31,249 for consumers. This is a major increase compared to 2024 — and it's only the first quarter. The annual increase is significant, reflecting a strong shift toward e-commerce in Oman.' According to Al Siyabi, the surge is due to shifts in consumer behaviour as more consumers resort to online shopping. 'This reflects broader global trends. Consumer habits have shifted — people no longer drive to stores as often; instead, they rely on online platforms. While this has made shopping more convenient, it has also opened the door to new challenges, such as fraud, unverified sellers, and misleading advertising,' he said. The official added that unclear and inaccurate production descriptions are amongst the frequent issues reported. 'Many consumers receive products that don't match what was promised. That's a major issue — consumers often complain about differences in color, size, or features. In many cases, the product descriptions on e-commerce sites are vague or unclear, which causes confusion and leads to disputes or complaints,' he said. Moreover, the Director shared that the Authority has detected various cases of electronic fraud, in which case the Authority directs consumers to file reports to the Public Prosecution or the ROP directly. Urging consumers to take several precautions before making purchases, he stressed: 'Our main advice is to stay informed and cautious before making any online purchases. Consumers should ensure that the platform they're using is properly licensed. For websites, they should look for secure connections — that means URLs beginning with 'https' and a visible padlock symbol. These are signs that the website is legitimate and less likely to be involved in fraud.' he said. The Consumer Protection Authority is a key stakeholder in the country's E-Commerce programme, which was launched in 2023, and falls under the Digital Economy Programme umbrella. Last year, the Under-Secretary for Commerce & Industry at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Dr Saleh bin Said Masan, unveiled that the value of the Omani e-commerce market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.8 per cent from 2023 to 2027 to reach a market size of $3.27 billion. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
5 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman promotes safe e-shopping at National Forum
MUSCAT: The Consumer Protection Authority (CPA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, hosted the national E-Commerce Forum on Monday under the theme 'E-Commerce: Between Consumer Rights and Supplier Responsibilities.' The event brought together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as digital economy specialists, to spotlight the importance of consumer protection in the evolving digital marketplace. This initiative reinforces Oman's commitment to advancing digital rights and promoting safe online shopping in support of Oman Vision 2040, which places strong emphasis on innovation, knowledge-based growth and digital transformation. Opening the forum, Muzna bint Rashid al Maamariyah, Acting Director of Communication and Media at the CPA, underscored the significance of collaborative dialogue among consumers, suppliers, regulators and economic players. She emphasised that as digital shopping becomes more prevalent, there is a growing need to foster awareness, ensure fair trade practices and protect consumer interests. A key highlight of the forum was a video presentation followed by an overview of the CPA's awareness campaign titled 'Safe E-Shopping: A Vision Built on Achievement,' presented by Dr Muneera al Fikri. The event also featured the launch of an interactive exhibition showcasing digital tools and applications designed to support safe and transparent online commerce. In parallel, a nationwide public survey was introduced to evaluate consumer understanding of e-commerce risks and rights. The first panel session featured presentations on regulatory measures and digital market safety. Azza al Kindi from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion addressed 'E-Commerce Regulation in the Sultanate of Oman,' followed by Khalid al Siyabi from the CPA discussing 'Safe Shopping in the Digital Economy.' Hajer bint Qambar al Ajmiyah from the Central Bank of Oman concluded the session with insights on 'Regulatory Framework for Financial Consumer Protection.' The second session delved into behavioural economics and digital policy frameworks. Arwa bint Obeid al Zaabiyah from the Ministry of Economy presented 'Digital Fraud from a Behavioural Economics Perspective,' while Hilal al Alawi from the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority discussed postal service rights related to e-commerce. Rashid al Alawi from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion wrapped up with a presentation on the 'Policy and Executive Programme for the Postal Sector.' An open forum at the end allowed participants to engage directly with speakers, raising questions and sharing perspectives on digital consumer challenges and opportunities. This forum forms part of the CPA's broader 'Safe E-Shopping' campaign, which aims to raise public awareness and build a responsible online shopping culture in Oman. The initiative seeks to strengthen consumer confidence, promote regulatory innovation, and create a transparent digital environment that benefits both consumers and businesses. By convening regulators, service providers, and subject-matter experts, the event highlighted the urgent need for inclusive policies and robust consumer safeguards as Oman moves towards becoming a trusted regional hub for digital commerce — where innovation, trust and fairness define the marketplace.
Observer
5 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Rise in complaints amidst growth in e-commerce
MUSCAT, JUNE 16 As e-commerce gains traction in Oman, the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) has reported a rise in complaints from consumers in the Sultanate of Oman. Speaking to the Observer during a recent e-commerce conference, the Director of Market Regulation and Monitoring Department at the CPA, Khalid bin Salem al Siyabi, shared the following, 'Over the past few years, we've seen a significant increase in consumer complaints. In 2022, we received 29 complaints. In 2023, that jumped to 493 complaints, and RO 5,272 was recovered for consumers. In 2024, complaints quadrupled to 1,845. In just the first quarter of 2025, we received 2,208 complaints, and recovered RO 31,249 for consumers. This is a major increase compared to 2024 — and it's only the first quarter. The annual increase is significant, reflecting a strong shift toward e-commerce in Oman.' According to Al Siyabi, the surge is due to shifts in consumer behaviour as more consumers resort to online shopping. 'This reflects broader global trends. Consumer habits have shifted — people no longer drive to stores as often; instead, they rely on online platforms. While this has made shopping more convenient, it has also opened the door to new challenges, such as fraud, unverified sellers, and misleading advertising,' he said. The official added that unclear and inaccurate production descriptions are amongst the frequent issues reported. 'Many consumers receive products that don't match what was promised. That's a major issue — consumers often complain about differences in color, size, or features. In many cases, the product descriptions on e-commerce sites are vague or unclear, which causes confusion and leads to disputes or complaints,' he said. Moreover, the Director shared that the Authority has detected various cases of electronic fraud, in which case the Authority directs consumers to file reports to the Public Prosecution or the ROP directly. Urging consumers to take several precautions before making purchases, he stressed: 'Our main advice is to stay informed and cautious before making any online purchases. Consumers should ensure that the platform they're using is properly licensed. For websites, they should look for secure connections — that means URLs beginning with 'https' and a visible padlock symbol. These are signs that the website is legitimate and less likely to be involved in fraud.' he said. The Consumer Protection Authority is a key stakeholder in the country's E-Commerce programme, which was launched in 2023, and falls under the Digital Economy Programme umbrella. Last year, the Under-Secretary for Commerce & Industry at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Dr Saleh bin Said Masan, unveiled that the value of the Omani e-commerce market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.8 per cent from 2023 to 2027 to reach a market size of $3.27 billion.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
UPS vs. CPA: Which Dividend-Paying Transportation Stock to Bet on Now?
United Parcel Service UPS and Copa Holdings CPA are two prominent names in the Zacks Transportation sector. Both companies focus on paying dividends to their shareholders, despite prevailing economic uncertainties, reflecting their shareholder-friendly approach. Dividend-paying stocks offer a stable income stream and are less likely to experience significant price fluctuations. Dividend stocks are safe bets for creating wealth, as the payouts generally act as a hedge against economic uncertainty, like the current scenario. Copa Holdings, a Latin American carrier, has an impressive record in terms of paying dividends. Last year, Copa Holdings almost doubled its quarterly dividend payout to $1.61 per share (annualized: 6.44 per share) from 82 cents per share (annualized: $3.28 per share). Copa Holdings, S.A. dividend-yield-ttm | Copa Holdings, S.A. Quote UPS' board approved a small dividend hike in February this year, thereby raising its quarterly cash dividend to $1.64 per share ($6.56 annualized) from $1.63 ($6.52 annualized). United Parcel Service, Inc. dividend-yield-ttm | United Parcel Service, Inc. Quote No doubt UPS' most recent dividend hike reflects its shareholder-friendly approach, but questions about the sustainability of its dividends arise. United Parcel Service's elevated dividend payout ratio (the percentage of net income paid out as dividends) highlights the concerns associated with its ability to maintain dividend payouts over the long term. We remind investors that in the early 2020s, when UPS' business was flourishing, driven by exponential e-commerce growth during the peak pandemic period, the company made huge dividend payments. Free cash flow has been on a decline since then, touching a high of $9 billion in 2022. Currently, UPS' elevated dividend payout is hurting its operational flexibility, with free cash flow barely covering the dividend. At 2024-end, free cash flow was $6.3 billion, not much above its dividend payments of $5.4 billion. United Parcel Service expects to generate free cash flow of around $5.7 billion in 2025. Dividend payments are expected to be roughly $5.5 billion. On the other hand, CPA's much lower payout ratio indicates that it can maintain dividend payments over the long term. While we have considered the dividend-paying abilities of both the transportation stocks, let's delve deeper to compare other relevant metrics to determine whether CPA or UPS is a better investment now. CPA has navigated the recent tariff-induced stock market volatility well, registering an 18.1% year-to-date gain, while UPS stock has performed miserably in 2025 so far, declining in double digits. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research UPS' lackluster price performance is mainly due to its revenue weakness as geopolitical uncertainty and high inflation continue to hurt consumer sentiment and growth expectations. The weak demand scenario has resulted in a decline in the volume of packages shipped. On the other hand, CPA's recent strength is driven by the impressive air-travel demand scenario. Despite uncertainties and currency-related headwinds, traffic growth has remained intact at Copa Holdings. With passenger volumes likely to remain strong, we anticipate passenger revenues to increase 4% in 2025 on a year-over-year basis. Factors like regional economic expansion, better adaptation to market trends and focus on innovative strategies have helped Copa Holdings sustain operating margins of more than 20%, making it one of the most profitable airlines globally. Management expects the carrier to end 2025 with an adjusted operating margin in the 21-23% range. Our expectation of 22.8% is at the higher end of the company's guided range. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CPA's 2025 and 2026 sales implies a year-over-year increase of 4.5% and 8.1%, respectively. The consensus mark for CPA's 2025 EPS suggests a 14.3% year-over-year rise. The 2026 EPS consensus mark indicates a 7.5% year-over-year increase. Moreover, the EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 have been trending northward over the past 60 days. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for UPS' 2025 sales estimate implies a 4.1% year-over-year decrease, while the same for 2026 implies a 0.9% year-over-year increase. The consensus mark for UPS' 2025 EPS indicates an 8.3% year-over-year decrease. The same for 2026 implies a 13.8% year-over-year increase. The EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 have been trending southward over the past 60 days, unlike CPA. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research CPA is trading at a forward earnings multiple of 6.03 and has a Value Score of A. Meanwhile, UPS has a Value Score of B, with its forward earnings multiple at 13.28. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Agreed that both stocks focus on paying dividends but CPA's lower dividend payout ratio puts to rest concerns about dividend sustainability, unlike UPS. CPA's better price performance, valuation picture, and northward earnings estimate revisions highlight the fact that upbeat air travel demand is serving it well. Given its prospects, CPA seems a better pick than UPS now. While CPA sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), UPS is currently #3 Ranked (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) : Free Stock Analysis Report Copa Holdings, S.A. (CPA) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research 擷取數據時發生錯誤 登入存取你的投資組合 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤
