CA. Durgesh Kumar Kabra, Central Council Member, ICAI, and Chairman, Committee on Career Counselling, ICAI, at the session on ‘Becoming a Chartered Accountant: Your Path to a Successful Career’, on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: Akhila Easwaran

As the chartered accountant (CA) profession encourages analytical thinking and deep understanding, there is always continuous professional development, said CA. Durgesh Kumar Kabra, Central Council Member, The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), and Chairman, Committee on Career Counselling, ICAI, at a session on ‘Becoming a Chartered Accountant: Your Path to a Successful Career’, on Sunday.

He encouraged the students to pursue chartered accountancy, saying, “The ‘CA’ title commands respect across industries, and it has diverse career opportunities including roles in taxation, audit, corporate finance, and investment banking. There are opportunities in both private and public sectors, start-ups, and global firms.”

‘Positive attitude’

Speaking at the session, Priya A., auditor, Southern India Chartered Accountants Students Association, and chairperson of the Chengalpattu district branch of ICAI’s Southern India Regional Council, said: “Chartered accountancy is often seen as a scary course to study but a positive attitude makes a big difference.” She also discussed the three levels of the course curriculum, which are education and training-based, explaining both the foundation route and direct entry routes to the final examination.

Priya A., auditor, Southern India Chartered Accountants Students Association, and chairperson of the Chengalpattu district branch of ICAI’s Southern India Regional Council, speaking the session.
| Photo Credit:
Akhila Easwaran

She highlighted the free courses that ICAI conducted and campus placement programmes offered by chartered accounting firms. “Everything is available with just a click of a button, and the key is to have the right mindset for studying,” she said.

Citing examples of students from various backgrounds, be it medicine, engineering, or sports, successfully completing chartered accountancy, Ms. Priya added: “Anyone can opt for chartered accountancy, no matter their background or stream. Furthermore, students from underprivileged backgrounds and visually impaired individuals have completed chartered accountancy and have been placed in top firms.”

“All you have to do is sharpen your skills through everyday practice,” she said.