Prominent Chartered Accountants in India Who Shaped the Financial Landscape

Chartered accountants have always had a significant influence on the finance and economy of India. Their contributions to the policies and governance have been creating substantial reforms. The CAs work in all kinds of fields, whether private or public. The CA course does not restrict itself to finance and accounting but expands to much more. 

Over the years, various visionaries have contributed substantially to building a strong financial establishment. In the following blog, we will learn about the prominent leaders in chartered accounting who shaped the financial sector. 

 

Get a Complete Picture of the Inspiring Tales of Distinguished Chartered Accountants and their Legacy in this Video

 

 

1. Kumar Mangalam Birla 

Kumar Mangalam Birla is an Indian industrialist and chairman of the Aditya Birla Group since 1995. Kumar completed his MBA from the University of London. He took over his father’s business at the age of 28. During his tenure as chairman, the turnover increased from $2 billion to over $60 billion in revenue, with a presence in 36 countries across six continents. He expanded the business and acquired cement, telecom, banking, and financial services. 

He was awarded Padma Bhushan in 2023 and has served as chairman of SEBI. 

Kumar Mangalam Birla is a perfect example of how chartered accountants can become visionary business leaders with strong financial knowledge. His take on leadership and business handling has given entrepreneurship a new outlook. 

 

2. Deepak Parekh 

Deepak Parekh is the chairman of the Housing Development Finance Corporation, aka HDFC. He is the driving force behind India’s housing finance, helping citizens realise their dream houses. Deepak Parekh completed his CA from ICAI on his first attempt and worked with top companies like Earnest & Young. 

During his tenure at HDFC, he has made home loans accessible to the middle class and introduced affordable housing schemes to help low-income families. He has served on the boards of Reliance, ICICI, and IDFC. His contributions during the 2008 financial crisis and the IL&FS debt crisis are still discussed. He received Padma Bhushan in 2006 for his notable contributions and is the first foreigner to receive the outstanding achievement award. 

His inspiring journey as an impactful CA is a revered example for many aspirants. 

 

3. Naina Lal Kidwai 

Naina Lal Kidwai, the former chairman of HSBC, is the first Indian woman to graduate from Harvard Business School and lead a foreign bank in India as the CEO & Country Head of HSBC India. She completed her CA from ICAI. Her expertise in investment banking, corporate finance, and global markets has given the financial sector a new look. She has played a significant role in navigating the bank through various challenges, fostering growth and expansion of the firm; she’s also been a strong advocate for sustainable development and women's empowerment. She runs an NGO named Grassroot Trading Network for Women. Her impressive career landed her a Padmashree in 2007. 

Naina Lal Kidwai is a true inspiration to many women who want to break the barriers of society and have a strong desire to fly high.

 

4. T N Manoharan 

N. Manoharan, the former president of ICAI, is one of India's most respected chartered accountants. He has played a key role in strengthening the accounting standards of India with several economic reforms. His successful restructuring and revival of Satyam Computers after the great scandal of INR 7,000 saved thousands of jobs. He served as the chairman of Canara Bank and worked on improving banking conditions; he also served on the RBI’s board. His expertise in policymaking and finance systems led him to the prestigious Padma Shri, making him an actual role model to many CA aspirants. 

 

5. Rameshwar Thakur 

Rameshwar Thakur, another former president of ICAI and governor of multiple Indian states. His tenure at ICAI enhanced the professional standards and played a key role in improving the accounting measures, including global norms. He worked on economic development, financial discipline, and tax reforms as governor. He set an example for future CA aspirants of how professionals can work beyond accounting and finance while introducing peaceful governance. 

 

Conclusion 

If you are considering taking on the chartered accountant role, do not hesitate. As you have read, this course does not limit itself to teaching the candidate about only accounting principles. Still, it stretches the professionals' limit to creating a legacy for themselves. Anyone who is a CA with the vision of creating reform in the world can achieve it. 

 

See Also: 

• Courses after CA that will Help you Achieve a Higher Salary 
• Ultimate Guide to CA course
• How to become an Investment Banker after CA?
• CA vs MBA in Finance

 

Stay ahead in the world of commerce! Explore our Informational Commerce Concepts for trending and insightful updates. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What is a CA course?

CA, the Chartered Accountancy course provided by the ICAI, is one of the highly prestigious professional courses that enables aspirants to earn a reputed career.

What is ICAI?

ICAI, The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, is the statutory body providing Chartered Accountancy courses. The board manages the syllabus, exams, and course.

What is the educational qualification required for the CA Intermediate course?

A student who has completed the CA Foundation course can attempt CA Intermediate level exams. Apart from that, any student with a graduation certificate can also try the intermediate level through the direct-entry scheme.

What is the average salary of a CA in India?

Chartered Accountants (CAs) earn salaries ranging from Rs. 12 to 15 lakhs annually. Those working overseas can make even higher, with some reaching up to 50 lakhs annually.

Who can pursue CA?

CA can be pursued by any candidate who has completed 12th grade, irrespective of their professional background or age.

When can a student start preparing for CA?

Students can start as early as their 10th grade for CA Foundation exams through weekend classes or online sessions. Upon completing the 12th grade, they can attempt the CA Foundation exams.