On the occasion of the World Accountant’s Day, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) launched a Global Management Development Programme: Leadership Beyond Boundaries in line with the continuous thrust of the ICAI towards knowledge upgradation and professional enrichment even during this pandemic time. The program received huge response and 75 participants from all over the world including Australia, Singapore and Middle East countries, besides all parts of India were selected for this program.

ICAI is the second largest body of Chartered Accountants in the world. It is a regulatory body, which was formed by an act of parliament in 1949, well before even the Indian constitution came into force. It is also the premier body in auditing, accounting, corporate laws, taxation, formulation of policy and training as well as contributes towards a number of government initiatives. One such example is transforming the Indian Railways from single entry to double entry accounting system.

To promote research, innovation and learning in the subject areas of new economic order, the ICAI has established its Centre of Excellence (CoE) at salubrious environs of Hyderabad. ICAI took the lead by placing CoE at the global map by launching the first ever Management Development Programme from CoE that focuses on providing a platform to the learners to learn, relearn and upgrade 21st Century Managerial and Leadership skills. The focus is also on developing Descriptive, Inquisitive, Predictive, Prescriptive and Pre-emptive skills in the Finance Professionals to upskill them today and remain relevant for future. The program is steered by renowned CAs, IIM/ISB/International Faculty, Media Personalities and highly experienced Master Trainers.

During the launch ceremony, the President ICAI, CA. Atul Kumar Gupta said, “This course will inculcate the competencies and skill sets that are considered so essential to succeed in the current environment. This pandemic has affected the businesses and economic activities throughout the world in a low touch manner that was not seen or heard in the last hundred years.” “Challenging situation posed by the pandemic has taught the industry leaders to think out of box, innovate and prepare for any kind of disruptions,” he further added. This program is the brain child of the ICAI Central Council Member CA Dayaniwas Sharma and would go a long way in inculcating desired skill sets.

The Vice President, ICAI, CA Nihar Niranjan Jambusaria too echoed similar sentiments and said the fourth industrial revolution has substantially impacted the global business and economic environment.

The Chief Guest on this occasion, CA Keshav R. Murugesh, popularly known as the ‘Turnaround Turk’ in the world of business, and Group CEO of WNS Global Services, a NYSE-listed Business Process Management company , highlighted how the global financial environment had progressed and what changes had come in the role of the Chartered Accountants and Finance Professionals. Added to this was the disruption that affected the companies differently, hence there was a different thinking and skill sets required as well as requirement of high leadership qualities. Former NASA Chief Knowledge Officer, Mr Edward Rogers, linked the professional world and changes with the leadership requirements and need for team work and collaboration. The Inauguration was also attended by a number of renowned personalities and central council members.