Coimbatore: AI, machine learning, robotic process automation, blockchain, cloud computing, and advanced analytics are reshaping the CPA profession. G. Ramaswamy, former president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), said on Saturday that CAs should see technological developments as an opportunity to move into higher-value advisory and strategic roles. Data literacy and the ability to interpret large datasets will become as important as technical accounting knowledge, Ramaswamy said while speaking as the guest of honor at an ICAI convocation held at a private university here.Ramaswamy said there are currently around 160,000 chartered accountants in public service. “The profession is expanding beyond traditional auditing and tax to include mergers and acquisitions, international tax, IPO advisory, cross-border transactions, and global reporting standards, including International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS),” he said.Mr. Ramaswamy said ICAI’s growth underpins its growing footprint in India’s accounting and financial ecosystem. Founded on July 1, 1949, ICAI has grown from 1,700 members and 259 students to nearly 410,000 members and more than 100,000 students taking CA courses across the country, making it the world’s second largest accounting body.He said chartered accountants can play a key role in supporting MSMEs by helping them implement formal accounting systems, access credit, comply with GST and scale up sustainably.Coimbatore ICAI Chapter President Survajith S. Krishnan said that the demand for CA courses is increasing and emphasized the importance of dissertation ships in building practical skills. He pointed to improved campus placement opportunities for newly qualified CAs.At this convocation, approximately 110 newly qualified CPAs received their degrees and certificates. The event was held as part of ICAI’s nationwide convocation held for successful candidates this year. Around 10,930 students across the country passed the latest CA exam.
