Indian Civil Accounts Service

Are you interested in getting recruited for a prestigious post that lets you explore a range of opportunities and responsibilities in the civil services sector? This Indian Civil Accounts Service, abbreviated as ICAS, is the perfect one! With the right UPSC coaching, aspirants can confidently pursue this unique career in financial management and government accountability.

Let us explore the essential requirements for joining the Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS), thus enabling aspirants to make informed decisions.

Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS)

Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) has its dominant part in the Civil Services Group ‘A’.  This post falls under the Department of Expenditure (in the Union Ministry of Finance). This honourable profession functions through the Indian Civil Accounts Organisation and is headed by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA).

ICAS was first formed in 1976. It has been created to deliver auditing and accounting services to the Indian Government. Just similar to the other posts, aspirants can achieve the ICAS job profile after clearing the UPSC CSE Exam.

Eligibility conditions for ICAS job profile

For the ICAS, candidates should clear the Civil Services Examination of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Age limit

The age limit for candidates belonging to the general category typically lies between 21 – 32 years, and there are relaxations for reserved categories.

Educational Qualification 

Candidates for ICAS require a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in any discipline.

Training of Probationary Officers

The training phase of ICAS comprises three stages.

  1. Initial training in Faridabad will be at the National Institute of Financial Management (NIFM). Then at the National Academy of Direct Taxes, in the location of Nagpur. The total duration of this training is 10 months.
  2. Further training is at the Institute of Government Accounts and Finance (INGAF)
  3. On the Job Training (OJT) in among the 87 Pay & Accounts offices

Job Profile of Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS)

  • Accounting and financial management
  • Pay and Pension Administration
  • Financial advice and consultation
  • Internal audit and control
  • Treasury management
  • Liaison with external agencies

Hierarchy of officers

  • Assistant Controller of Accounts
  • Deputy Controller of Accounts
  • Controller of Accounts
  • Additional Controller General of Accounts
  • Controller General of Accounts ( This equals Additional Secretary to the Government of India)

Roles and duties of ICAS officers

The foremost duty of ICAS officers is to strengthen governance and achieve excellence in public management. Other major responsibilities cover:

  • Responsible for managing the accounting and financial aspects of the government, which covers expenditure control, budgeting, and accounting for government transactions
  • Committed to the consolidation of accounts and preparing reports for tax and non-tax receipts of the government
  • Develop and implement policies for accuracy in work. Dedicated to submitting all the receipts to the government, right from the initial deposit to the final credit.
  • Monitor government expenditures and make them in alignment with approved policies and budgets. This helps in avoiding overspending/misuse of funds
  • Administering and reconciling cash balances of the Government of India with the Reserve Bank of India.
  • Collaborate with management accounting systems in Civil Ministries and also responsible for developing and implementing human resource improvement programmes for the service and allied organisations.
  • Establish new standards of internal audit that improve transparency and accountability
  • Foster professional integrity via a dedicated workforce responsible for service ethos

Contribution to good governance – The essential part of Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) Officers

  • Financial management

–  Budgetary control

–   Expenditure monitoring

  • Accountability and transparency
  • Auditing functions
  • Financial reporting
  • Effective cash management
  • Treasury operations
  • Policy Formulation
  • Policy inputs
  • Risk Management
  • Technology integration
  • Direct benefit transfer
  • Implementation support
  • Capacity building
  • Training and Development
  • Fiscal Discipline
  • Enforcement of Fiscal Discipline
  • Ethical Practises
  • Adherence to ethical standards

Grades, and Pay Scales – Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) 

Typically, ICAS officers receive salary as per the recommendation of the 7th pay commission.

GradeBasic Pay Level
Assistant Controller of AccountsRs.56100
Deputy Controller of Accounts
or
Assistant Controller General of Accounts		Rs.67700 – Rs.78800
Deputy Controller General of Accounts
or
Controller of Accounts		Rs.118500- Rs.144200
Joint Controller General of Accounts
or
Chief Controller of Accounts		Rs.182200
Principal Chief Controller of AccountsRs.205400
Additional Controller General of AccountsRs.225000
Controller General of AccountsRs.250000

 

Career Prospects:

ICAS officers have exclusive access to various career prospects in numerous government departments and organizations. This includes both state and central levels. They can serve crucial roles in ministries, departments, and public-sector enterprises. They can also be deputed in advisory roles of financial management in international organizations such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, or United Nations.

  • The highest position in the Department of Expenditure office is the Controller General of Accounts (CGA)
  • ICAS officers support CGA and cover diverse grades and levels and they deliver duties as per the instructions of the Ministry of Finance.
  • Equipped with chances to handle accounting and auditing in a range of ministries.
  • Attractive career opportunities are Principal Chief Controller of Accounts, Controller of Accounts and Chief Controller of Accounts.

Take your step to the prestigious journey

For candidates passionate about finance and possessing a sense of ethical responsibility, the Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) offers a rewarding and stable career. If you adopt a strategic approach, commitment and the right training for UPSC CSE, you can ace the Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS). All the best for your fulfilling journey as a guardian of the public finances of the nation!

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