A CA Dropout connecting back to the Roots

This week on 6th Jan, I will be 53. On the same day, we are launching something very ambitious. On the eve of the day, I want to share something about my life, which is not known to most of the outside world.

From childhood (family) ambition of becoming a CA, to choosing IT engineering just before the Final Exam, to Writing a detailed article in 2014 about Practice Management for CAs and Tax practitioners to finally launching a next-generation Practice Management Software for the community.

I feel like the life has come full circle. Do stay with me.

Pardon me for a slightly long article.

The Back Story

I distinctly remember it was the evening of October in the year 1993 When I discussed this with my Parents. I wanted to change my career to Software and did not want to take my Final CA Exams.

I was expecting a heated argument or disappointment from my Father. But, before I tell you what happened, let me give you a little Back Story.

Born to become CA

I was born in a house of Accountants, My Dad (Narendra Parekh) was an accountant, and So were his two brothers. So was my grandfather (Kantilal Parekh).

So from the very beginning of my life, as far as I remember, from standard 5th, I was very much determined to become CA. Everyone in my family also wished I could become a CA.

I could do anything to become a CA.

Early (In House) Training

So I started working with my Father from 8th standard, helping him in writing books of accounts. Sitting late at night with my father till 2 am was fun. (Even without a coffee, which was out of budget then).

By the time I reached 9th standard, I also knew how to make a Trial Balance, Profit and Loss, and balance sheet, which was practical enough.

My First Job

After my results of 10th, I joined Commerce in the same School @South Indian Association School. Immediately, I landed a part-time job with Nakrani & Co., (Adv. Arun Nakrani), as an Accounts Clerk. Salary Rs. 150 per month. Timing 3 to 8 pm. My college was then 7:30 to 12:30. (1986 to 1988)

My (and Last) Second Job

After 12th, I joined Ashok Mehta & Co (Chartered Accountants) in Masjid Bunder, in Mumbai. There I learned many things about life, work, Taxation, how SMEs work, and accounting writing.

I needed money, I was the eldest and I had to support my younger siblings for their education. So I started working as a part-time accountant. At one point if time, my salary was 750, but I used to make more than 40,000 in parttime jobs.

I worked with Ashok Mehta & Co for 3.5 years, while I was studying in Birla College Kalyan. After office, I used to do part-time accounts. Leaving home at 6:20 am and returning home at 11:45 pm. No leave on Sundays, as it was reserved for my part-time clients. I did this continuously for 3.5 years without a break. Life was hectic, but I enjoyed it.

My people ask me question. If I was making 40,000 (in 1991 at the age of 21) why I did not leave the Job? Because, my father had told me to work for 5 years before looking at money! "You have to polish your diamond for 5 years before you look out for pricing" were his words.

My encounter with Tally Solutions Pvt Ltd

As I was busy writing accounts for many clients, I came across Tally Accounting Software and a spreadsheet called Lotus 123.

I was very fascinated by these two software tools. They seemed like a magical wand to me. Maybe, because I was able to create Magic for my Clients with these two tools.

At that time, I thought, If I could do magic with the Software tools created by others, what would happen if I could create the tools myself? And, the decision was made. I decided to join NIIT.

But by then I had already completed my Inter CA. (Both groups cleared in the first attempt, I fell short by 13 marks for All India RANK). Just sharing, so that you don't think, I dropped CA because I was dumb.

Before making this decision I had also done preparations for my CA Final Exams, Coaching completed, Revision done, and my exam forms filled. It wasn't an ideal time to make this decision.

But, the decision was made. I wanted to quit becoming a CA and pursue a career in Software. The difficult part was to convince my parents (or I thought so).

Return to the meeting with my Parents

When I broke this news to my parents in the October evening, after listening to me, my mom did not know how to react. But my father was cool and I was confused.

He just asked me one question "Have you thought it through" (????? ????? ????? ?? ???). To that, I said, "Yes"

"Ok, then go for it" was his reply.

I did not understand, then at that age, how tough this can be for a father. But now today when I have young daughters, I know how tough that decision can be. My respect for my father has increased exponentially.

Fast Forward (failed fast)

After that, there is a long story with lots of ups and downs. In short, life has been eventful.

However, I will share in some other article, how I landed up to where I am currently, after doing the GNIIT Course.

But, we started the business of CRM software in 2009.

I always wanted to do something along with my CA Friends. Maybe, I wanted to say thank you to the fraternity. However, was not able to find anything meaningful that would make (business) sense.

In 2014, I met a few of my practicing CA friends, who discussed with me the hardships they faced. I thought that my CRM could be customized to their requirements.

In 2014, I wrote an article on how CA firms can benefit from CRM (or task management software). We also designed one for our platform. Unfortunately, were not able to sell it to many people. We flushed the idea.

The Resurrection of the Idea

Almost after a decade, in 2022-23, we found two firms using our CRM effectively. These two firms are Baheti and Somani LLP, Chartered Accountants , and PANIS AND SHAH ASSOCIATES DMCC .

Once they used it for more than 12-15 months, we again got the confidence that now we are ready with the solution.

It was to my surprise that they are using it and also benefit from it. It was all due to perseverance and constant efforts by Taufik Patel , Ishani Lad and many others from Enjay IT Solutions Ltd.

Now, I am confident that we can make this solution much more usable for the entire community of CAs, Tax Practitioners, Consultants, and Accounts professionals.

Why do we think we can provide a better solution?

More than a few reasons:

1. First of all, we at Enjay have had a history of understanding the customer's needs very deeply. Also, our customers love the PROACTIVE SUPPORT that we provide to them. Unlike the usual practice of "call us" when you need us. Instead, we work with our clients and make sure that our software solves your problem.
2. I have worked in the A field for 8 years of my life. I think I know and understand the problems in and out.
3. The Sangam CRM is not just a CRM, but a platform. To be precise, it is a low-code-no-code platform. Where we can design anything. Yes, anything.
4. Above all, we already have a few, but very serious and significantly sized clients using the solution for more than a year. That's enough proof of the (successful) concept.

Technically we are an Engineering company, and, the Job of an Engineer is to solve the problem (Not just coding). Also, By Culture we are a customer service company No doubt our clients like our software. But, they love our support.

Launching Sangam CRM for CAs and Tax Practitioners

https://events.sangamcrm.com/workshop-for-chartered-accountants/?code=AAAA

Register on the above link

1. We are having the launch event on 6th Jan. 10 am to 1 pm.
2. This is a workshop, where you can get started along with us.
3. Remember, Sangam CRM is free for up to 10 users.
4. More details are on the above page.