As Atul Bhiwapurkar from Milpitas, California, and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the United States, I often reflect on how similar my role is to that of a Chartered Accountant (CA) in India. Both qualifications are among the most sought-after professional credentials in finance, accounting, and taxation. Even though we operate in different countries, I find that we share many similarities in our roles, responsibilities, and the skill sets required of us. While the differences lie primarily in tax laws, business practices, and regulatory requirements, both CPAs and CAs are viewed as financial experts who play critical roles in shaping businesses and enhancing their overall financial health.

My Education and Qualification Process

To become a CPA, I underwent a rigorous educational and examination process, which I know mirrors what CAs in India experience. Like them, I had to complete a series of educational courses in accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and taxation. To earn my CPA designation, I completed my bachelor's degree in accounting, passed the CPA examination, and fulfilled the experience requirement set by my state’s board of accountancy. Similarly, I understand that aspiring CAs in India must pass a multi-level examination conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and complete articleship for practical training.

International Recognition and Acceptance

I take pride in knowing that both CPAs and CAs are internationally recognized. My CPA designation is regarded as one of the top accounting qualifications worldwide, while CAs from India are highly respected, especially in countries with British or Commonwealth accounting traditions. Given the globalized nature of business, I’ve noticed that multinational companies are actively seeking both CPAs and CAs to manage their financial operations, audits, and compliance with international financial reporting standards. I’ve seen how professionals from both the US and India can work in different countries and often perform similar roles, particularly in auditing, tax, and financial advisory services.

Our Roles and Responsibilities

In my experience, CPAs and CAs carry out similar functions in their respective countries. My core responsibilities include auditing financial statements, providing tax consulting, and offering advice on various financial matters while ensuring regulatory compliance. I’m also involved in financial planning, forensic accounting, and advisory services aimed at enhancing organizations’ financial capabilities. Whether I work for a large accounting firm, a multinational corporation, or as an independent consultant, the nature of my job is quite similar to that of a CA, despite the differences in our legal and regulatory frameworks.

Professional Bodies and Ethics

I value the strong ethical foundation that both professions uphold. As a CPA, I adhere to the standards set forth by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Similarly, I recognize that CAs in India are bound by the rules established by the ICAI. Both professions emphasize the importance of professional conduct, integrity, and accountability. I understand that failing to uphold these ethical standards can result in severe disciplinary actions, including the suspension or cancellation of my CPA license.

Diverse Career Opportunities

Being a CPA opens up a multitude of career opportunities for me in both public and private sectors. I can serve as a financial analyst, auditor, tax advisor, or controller. Regardless of whether I’m employed by public accounting firms, private organizations, or government agencies, I strive to be a valuable team member. Furthermore, I appreciate the vast career options available to CPAs and CAs, allowing us to specialize in areas such as taxation, corporate finance, and international accounting.

United Financial Expertise Across Borders

While there are regional regulations and practice differences between CPAs in the US and CAs in India, I find comfort in the many commonalities we share in terms of our educational paths, professional responsibilities, and global recognition. Together, we form the backbone of the accounting profession, contributing significantly to financial integrity across businesses and economies worldwide.

To learn more about my professional background and experience, feel free to connect with me on Atul Bhiwapurkar LinkedIn.