A chartered accountant is one of the most qualified professional accountants in the world. They have completed a three-year professional qualification course and are required to adhere to strict standards of ethics, education and experience.
What is a chartered accountant?
A chartered accountant (CA) is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
Chartered accountants are highly qualified professionals who provide audit, accounting and tax services to businesses and individuals. They have completed a rigorous training scheme, which includes an apprenticeship lasting up to four years and then a series of exams.
Chartered accountants are recognised as experts in their field. They also have wider professional responsibilities, including maintaining ethical standards, upholding the reputation of the profession and contributing to the development of new accounting standards.
They must satisfy stringent criteria including:
A minimum of two years work experience, usually gained while studying for their qualifications
Successful completion of examinations in accounting and taxation within 7 years of qualifying as a CA or CPA
Continuing professional development every year through conferences, seminars and publications
Chartered Accountant (CA) is a qualification given by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in India (ICAI). CAs are among the most respected professionals in India, with their expertise in accounting and finance helping companies and individuals with their financial needs. They can offer services across various fields such as taxation, auditing and corporate finance.
What do they do?
The CA’s job is to help companies and individuals with their financial affairs. They can provide advice on how much you should save for retirement or how much you should spend for your child’s education. They can also provide guidance on your business start-up plans or how you can expand your company’s profitability.
They’ll help you determine the best way for you to grow your wealth and manage your finances effectively without losing out on any tax benefits that may be available for you as an individual or a company owner. CAs are also trained in forensic accounting techniques that help them investigate fraud cases and analyze financial statements as part of their work with clients.
Chartered accountants work in a wide range of areas including banking, insurance and finance; management consultancy; local government; manufacturing; construction; oil & gas; IT; telecoms & utilities; healthcare; not-for-profit organisations; law firms and many more industries.
The chartered accountancy course is divided into three stages – CA Foundation Programme, CA Intermediate Programme and CA Final Programme – which last for one year each. The entire course takes up to five years.
Chartered accountants provide their services to businesses and individuals. The services they offer include:
- Tax advice
- Business plan preparation
- Business valuation
- Audit work
