PhD in Finance & Accounts is a doctoral course of 3 to 6 years, aiming to provide candidates with advanced knowledge of financial and accounting principles. The course covers topics like complex financial theories, empirical research methodologies, corporate governance, financial markets, and risk management strategies.
To be eligible for a Ph.D in Finance & Accounts, candidates must have a master's degree in a related field and a minimum grade of 55%. Some of the popular entrance exams for a Ph.D in Finance include CSIR-NET, CAT, GATE, and UGC-NET.
PhD in Accounting and Finance subjects are Corporate Finance & Governance, Investment Strategies, Empirical Research in Finance & Accounts, Behavioral Finance & Market Analysis, Advanced Financial Theory, International Accounting Practices and many more. Some of the job roles available for students are Investment strategist, Financial Researcher, University professor, Corporate financial analyst, Accounting consultant and many more.
Salaries for fresh PhD graduates are competitive and vary by sector and expertise. PhD holders in Finance & Accounts can expect an average package in the range of INR 6 - 10 LPA.
Table of Contents
- PhD in Finance & Accounts Course Highlights
- What is PhD Finance & Accounts?
- Why Study PhD Finance & Accounts?
- Who Can Pursue PhD Finance & Accounts?
- PhD in Finance & Accounts Eligibility
- PhD in Finance & Accounts Entrance Exams
- Top Colleges in India for PhD in Finance & Accounts
- PhD in Finance & Accounts Admission Process 2025
- PhD in Finance & Accounts VS PhD in Finance
- PhD in Finance & Accounts Jobs
- PhD in Finance & Accounts FAQs
PhD in Finance & Accounts Course Highlights
The aspirants should know about the course study before they take admission. There are some important highlights for the course. The basic details of the Doctorate in Accounting and Finance are as follows:
What is PhD Finance & Accounts?
A PhD in Finance & Accounts is a 3 to 6-year doctorate program that focuses on advanced research, innovative quantitative methods, and an in-depth understanding of financial and accounting frameworks. The PhD in Accounting and Finance subjects such as corporate finance, accounting principles, investment strategies, risk management, and financial reporting.
After completing the Doctorate in Accounting and Finance, one can become a PhD researcher to study the impact of taxation laws on investment choices or the effects of changes in international accounting standards on business financial statements. These studies use empirical research methodologies and sophisticated statistical models to assist investors, companies, and governments in making data-driven accounting and financial decisions that influence corporate strategies and the economy.
Also Read: PhD in Accountancy
Why Study PhD Finance & Accounts?
A Doctorate in Accounting and Finance is an in-depth study of the finance and accounting world, how businesses approach finances, and investing. This sets students up for career paths where they can impact financial processes and educate the next generation. The following are reasons why students ought to pursue this course:
- Students are taught how to carry out original research. This translates into finding new concepts and solutions in finance and accounting.
- A PhD enables students to contribute to the current body of knowledge in the discipline. Their study can influence the way finance is interpreted and applied.
- Most PhD graduates work as university lecturers and researchers. They instruct students and supervise fresh research undertakings.
- The degree provides access to senior jobs in financial institutions, banks, and companies.
- Students learn the ability to analyse financial information, economic trends, and market patterns. This is essential in making sound financial choices.
- The program equips students with the ability to address tough financial problems confronting firms and economies.
Who Can Pursue PhD Finance & Accounts?
A Doctorate in Accounting and Finance is a higher-level degree for students interested in becoming specialists in financial theory and practice. It is ideally suited for students with a finance or related discipline background. Here's who can avail a PhD in Finance & Accounts:
- They should usually possess a Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Commerce, Business Administration, or an allied field.
- An excellent academic record during their undergraduate and Master's degree is necessary.
- The students who have quantitative and analytical skills. This involves good math, statistics, and econometric skills.
- Although it is not an absolute necessity, professional experience in finance or accounting can be helpful. It can provide students with knowledge of the industry.
- Most universities demand high competitive marks on standardised tests such as the GMAT or GRE.
PhD in Finance & Accounts Eligibility
If students are willing to pursue a Doctorate in Accounting and Finance, they must fulfill certain requirements. These usually consist of possessing an excellent academic record and subject knowledge. These are the general eligibility criteria:
- Master's Degree: Students should hold a Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or a field related to these.
- Minimum GPA: A minimum GPA of 3-4 is required by most programs.
- Standardised Test Scores: Students generally need to provide UGC NET, GATE, GMAT or GRE scores.
- Research Proposal: A precise research proposal is demanded by some universities.
- Work Experience: Although not always required, any work experience that is relevant to finance or accounting can be very helpful when making an application.
- English Language Proficiency: International students are usually required to provide evidence of English language proficiency, e.g., TOEFL or IELTS scores.
PhD in Finance & Accounts Entrance Exams
Many students have to take entrance exams to get qualified for the PhD interview round. These are just the qualifying exams, and admission will solely depend on the interview round. Some of the popular entrance exams for a PhD in Accounting and Finance are:.
Top Colleges in India for PhD in Finance & Accounts
There are many colleges and universities in India that offer a PhD in Finance & Accounts. There are very limited seats, so the students have to get a high score in the entrance exam and interview round for final selection. Some of the top colleges for a PhD in Finance & Accounts are as follows:
PhD in Finance & Accounts Admission Process 2025
PhD in Financial Accounting is a doctorate program where admissions are given only through entrance tests, either by a university or a central body, along with a counselling round, group discussion, and personal interview. Here is the step-by-step process for admission:
Step 1: Candidate must complete the required details, such as email ID, phone number, and the rest of the basic columns for initial registration.
Step 2: Attach Documents: Upload all the required documents by attaching them to the application form, such as mark sheets, certificates, etc.
Step 3: To finalise the registration, pay the registration fee using any online mode of payment.
Step 4: The university will release its merit list based on the scores provided by the students during the application process. The selected students will be called for the PI round.
Step 5: After this, the university will release a final selection list. The selected students will have to pay the admission fees to secure their seats.
Documents Required:
- Completed the application form as per university guidelines.
- Academic transcripts and certificates for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- Research proposal
- Updated academic CV
- Standardized test scores (like CAT, UGC NET, GMAT, or GRE).
- Any work experience or research experience certificates
- Caste CertificateIdentity Proof
PhD in Finance & Accounts VS PhD in Finance
Mentioned below is the comparison between PhD in Finance & Accounts and PhD in Finance:
PhD in Finance & Accounts Jobs
The basic details of jobs after a PhD in Financial Accounting are as follows:
- Industry: A PhD in Accounting and Finance can lead to jobs in a variety of sectors, including academia, research, and government.
- Employment Demand: A PhD in Accounting and Finance is in high demand, offering job opportunities in academia, research, and universities, driven by the growing economy and the need for skilled professionals with advanced research and strategic skills.
- Average Salary: The average salary after a PhD in Finance & Accounts varies depending on experience, industry, and location. However, the average salary ranges between INR 6-10 LPA.
There are various job roles available for a PhD in Financial Accounting. As per Payscale, the average package of various job roles according to the years of experience is mentioned in the table below:
PhD in Finance & Accounts FAQs
What are the major research methods use in PhD in Financial Accounting?
PhD in Financial Accounting studies use techniques like archival research (studying available data in the past), experimental research (testing hypotheses with controlled experiments), and analytical research (building mathematical models). Such techniques facilitate studies of problems like financial reporting, auditing, and taxation.
What are the principal responsibilities of an accounting professor?
A teaching professor instructs graduate and undergraduate classes, creates lesson plans, grades student work, and does research. They advise students, publish scholarly articles, and contribute to the academic community by attending conferences and debating.
In what ways is technology helping to modernize the PhD in Financial Accounting curriculum?
Technology like cloud computing, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence is revolutionizing accounting education. It helps in improving training practices, improving course content, and preparing students to keep pace with modern accounting practices.
What is the most suitable digital learning software for PhD in Financial Accounting?
Effective tools are web-based programs like Blackboard for course management, simulation software for experiential learning, and big data tools for financial data analysis. All these tools ensure interactive learning and preparedness of students for real-life situations.
Which PhD is most in demand in India?
The most in-demand PhD fields in India are Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science, Biotechnology, and Environmental Science. These areas offer strong career prospects due to booming industry needs and research funding.
