PhD in Accounting is one of the highest academic degrees in the field of commerce. The PhD Degree is designed for individuals who want to pursue advanced research, teaching and leadership roles in the field of academia, industry or policymaking. The PhD program specifically focuses on developing skills in areas including financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, taxation, corporate governance and much more.
The course duration of the programme is 3 – 5 years, depending on the university and research progress. It combines intensive coursework in research methodology, quantitative techniques, and building theories with original research to create something new leading to a doctoral thesis.
With the help of PhD Program in Accounting, researcher tries to analyze complex financial and organizational problems, contributing to scholarly publications and providing with a scholarly solution which shapes the accounting practices and theories around the globe. With the help of this article, an individual can learn more about a PhD in Accounting to become an independent researcher.
Table Of Content
🔷 PhD in Accounting: Overview
🔷 What is a PhD in Accounting?
🔷 PhD in Accounting: Eligibility Criteria
🔷 PhD in Accounting: Admission Process
🔷 Specializations in PhD in Accounting
🔷 PhD in Accounting: Career Scope and Salary in India
🔷 Career Scope in Accounting
🔷 Conclusion
🔷 Frequently Asked Questions
PhD in Accounting: Overview
| Course Name | Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting |
|---|---|
| Course Level | Doctorate |
| Course Duration | 3 – 5 years, depending on the university and research progress |
| Admission Eligibility | Master’s degree in accounting and finance with an aggregate of 55% or above from a recognized university along with an entrance exam |
| Course Fee | INR 15,000 – INR 1,50,000 |
| Top Institutes | IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Udaipur, IIM Indore, etc. |
| Salary | INR 7 – 14 LPA |
| Job Positions | Investment Banker, Financial and Corporate Analyst, Manager, Researcher, Associate Professor and much more |
| Entrance Exams | CAT, GMAT, GATE, UGC NET and other university-based entrances |
| Recruiting Organizations | Insurance Sector, Indian Economic Services, Import and Export Services, Indian Statistical Services and much more |
What is a PhD in Accounting?
PhD in Accounting is a doctoral degree which focuses on in-depth knowledge about accountancy, finance, financial reporting, auditing, taxation and managerial accounting. It is a course that combines research methods, economics and quantitative techniques with independent research leading to a thesis. Pursuing an Online PhD in Accounting is rarely available in India as the UGC does not recognize it. However, if an individual can do a part-time PhD in Accounting.
PhD course duration for accounting is 3 – 5 years, depending on the university and research progress. The program is an idea match for individuals like researchers, academic students and people who are in consulting careers. With the completion of a PhD in Accounting, an individual can find careers in educational institutions, financial institutions, share market and commerce sectors.
PhD in Accounting: Eligibility Criteria
To pursue a PhD Degree in Accounting, an individual needs to look at some of the eligibility criteria to see if it is a good fit for them. Mentioned below are some of the eligibility criteria for a PhD in Accounting.
1.Candidate should have a Master’s Degree in Accounting, Commerce, Economics, Finance, Management or related fields with an aggregate of 55% or more.
2. Candidates who have obtained a professional qualification are also eligible including CS, CA, ICWA, and CFA.
3. The contesting candidates must clear an entrance exam including CAT, GRE, GMAT, GATE, UGC NET, or university-based entrances.
4. Candidates are also requested to submit their research proposal relating to accountancy/ finance which helps the committee to examine research ideas.
5. Work Experience relating to the field is not mandatory but can help in boosting your admission form.
PhD in Accounting: Admission Process
PhD Program can be complex and overwhelming for an individual with no connections to PhD researchers. A PhD in Accounting is a difficult specialization as it requires even more research to be able to create new knowledge and innovations.
Mentioned below is the admission process for a PhD in Accounting.
Step 1: Research Thoroughly: Researching for the available university that provides students with a PhD in Accounting. Students must look at important criteria including eligibility, faculty, curriculum, research specializations to match their interests.
Step 2: Admission Form: With the selection of university, an individual should fill in the admission form before the deadline. The candidate should make sure to fill in the correct details with the help of their original documents.
Step 3: Entrance Exam: It is important for an individual to appear in for entrance exams like UGC NET, GATE, GMAT, CAT or other university-based exams in order to qualify for the next round. Appearing in the entrance exam contributes to 60% of your exams.
Step 4: Personal Interview: For a personal interview, only some candidates are selected based on the merit and entrance exam. In the personal interview, a candidate is asked to present their research proposal. They are asked questions based on their academic background, research areas and interests.
Step 5: Admission Result Declaration: Once all the tests and interviews are completed, an individual is then supposed to wait for their result. The results are usually announced on the university’s website. Along with that, an acceptance or rejection email is sent to the candidate.
Step 6: Document Verification and Enrollment: With the acceptance letter in the email, another email is sent regarding the document verification. The selected candidate must visit the university for a physical document verification. Once the documents are verified, you must submit the fee which will finalize your enrollment.
Specializations in PhD in Accounting
Even within the course of PhD in Accounting, an individual is given an option to choose from various available specializations. Some of the specific and famously used specializations that are used by most of the PhD researchers are specified below.
1.Financial Accounting: Financial Accounting is a specialization that focuses on corporate reporting, disclosure practices, and the impact of financial statements on investors and stakeholders. This is a perfect specialization for PhD researchers to help in the development of strong analytical skills and conducting research which influences accounting standards and reporting regulations.
2. Taxation: Taxation as a specialization for PhD explores tax laws, corporate tax planning and the economic effects of taxation policies. With the help of this, researchers have an upper hand in policymaking, guiding corporate strategies and contributing to equitable tax systems.
3. Managerial Accounting: As the name suggests, Managerial Accounting deals with budgeting, cost analysis, performance measurement, and decision making within organizations. This specialization helps PhD researchers to study the internal accounting information supports, strategic management and efficiency, thereby making the research useful.
PhD in Accounting: Career Scope and Salary in India
PhD in Accounting in India has an advanced career scope in various sectors including universities, insurance sector, import and export services, Indian economic services and much more. Mentioned below are some of the career opportunities that an individual can excel in.
| Career Scope | Description | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Consultant | A Corporate Consultant is assigned to provide expert advice to solve business problems and implement improvements, requiring strategic planning, and clear communication to clients. | INR 10 – 20 LPA |
| Auditor | An Auditor helps to examine financial and operational records which help in ensuring accuracy, integrity and compliance with laws. | INR 8 – 15 LPA |
| Policy Advisor | A Policy Advisor researches, analyzes, and evaluates policies, which help in providing expert advice to decision makers in the government or private organization. | INR 12 – 22 LPA |
| Chief Policy Officer (CFO) | A CFO provides expert strategic guidance on policy, conducting in-depth research, and data analysis which helps to inform organizational decisions and develop policy strategies. | INR 25 – 30 LPA |
Conclusion
PhD in Accounting is a research-intensive degree which requires an individual to focus on developing skills relating to financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, taxation, and corporate governance. This course is a perfect fit for an individual who is interested in research work and intensive coursework.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the subjects included in PhD in Criminal Law?
Some of the core subjects for the coursework in PhD in Criminal Law include Capital Punishment, Crime & Drugs, Crime Prevention, Sentencing, and much more.
Is there an online PhD in Accounting in India available?
No, UGC does not recognize an online PhD in Accounting in India. However, if an individual wants to pursue a part-time degree for PhD in Accounting, they would be recognized by UGC.
Do I need to clear entrance exams or is there a merit-based criteria for PhD in Accounting?
Many of the universities focus on entrance-based admissions. But many of the private universities work on a merit-based criteria for PhD in Accounting. Hence, depending on the university, an individual can get admission by both entrance exam and merit based.
What is the time duration for part-time PhD in Accounting in India?
The time duration for a part-time PhD in Accounting in India is of 3 – 5 years, depending on the university and research progress.
Is it possible to make a career abroad with a PhD in Accounting from India?
Yes, it is possible to make a career abroad with a PhD in Accounting from India as it requires good skills and an extensive knowledge. One can work in Japan, America or Australia.
Who should pursue a PhD in Accounting?
An individual who is interested in conducting research related to accounting within academic institutions and research organizations would be suitable for a PhD in Accounting.
