Journey of Resilience: The Chartered Accountant's Path

As I celebrate my birthday today, I reflect on a journey marked by perseverance, positivity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in Chartered Accountancy. Born into a financially struggling family, I learned the value of hard work from a young age. My father, a mill worker, and my mother, who took on odd jobs, instilled in me a fierce determination to succeed through education and career.

After completing my B.Com from K.C. College in 1989, I worked as an accountant to support my family, gaining confidence and inspiration to enroll in the Chartered Accountancy course. Despite facing setbacks, including the loss of my father and the challenge of balancing work and studies, I remained resolute. With the unwavering support of my loved ones, I proudly qualified as a Chartered Accountant in January 1998.

This journey has taught me that with dedication, resilience, and the right support, one can overcome even the most daunting obstacles and achieve greatness.

My leadership journey in the Chartered Accountancy community began in 2000 as Convenor of the Borivali (Central) CPE Study Circle, where I, along with co-convenors, nurtured a small group of 50 members into a thriving community of over 450 within five years. This formative experience instilled in me the importance of teamwork, leadership, and dedication.

As a respected member of the Advisory Committee, I've continued to play a pivotal role in the Study Circle's remarkable growth, reaching an impressive milestone of 1,850 members by 2024. Under my leadership and vision, coupled with the invaluable contributions of our Past Conveners, the Study Circle has flourished, fostering exponential growth in both membership and professional engagement.

This journey has been a testament to the power of collective effort, leadership, and dedication, shaping me into the leader I am today and inspiring a community of professionals to strive for excellence.

My continued involvement has enabled me to guide and contribute to the community, while also sharing my expertise as a regular speaker, engaging with audiences of over 300 members. This journey has been truly rewarding, and I look forward to continued growth and impact.

Throughout my illustrious career, I have had the privilege of serving on various committees within the Western India Regional Council (WIRC) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for over two decades.

Currently, I'm honored to serve as a Committee Member of the AI in WIRC Committee of WIRC of ICAI for 2024-2025, furthering my commitment to driving innovation and excellence in the profession My contributions to these committees have been instrumental in shaping policies and providing valuable resources to fellow professionals. The committees I have actively served on include:

- Women Empowerment Committee: Promoting gender equality and inclusivity

- Management Accounting Committee: Advancing best practices in management accounting

- Digital Accounting and Assurance Committee: Embracing technological advancements

- Grievance Committee: Ensuring fairness and resolving disputes

- Research Committee: Fostering innovation and scholarly pursuits

- Study Circle Committee: Enhancing professional development opportunities

My dedication to these committees has enabled me to make a lasting impact on the profession and give back to the community that has supported me throughout my journey.

My Rotary journey began in 2012, courtesy of CA Hemant Mehta's introduction to the Rotary Club of Borivali. This marked the start of a rewarding association, where I had the privilege of serving in various capacities, including:

- Treasurer (2015-16), earning the coveted CLUB Treasurer Award

- Membership Director

- Vice President (2022-23)

- Currently, Chairman: Education and Literacy (2024-25)

Through Rotary, I've discovered an extended family and numerous opportunities to serve the community, fostering my leadership skills and personal growth. This journey has been a testament to the power of service, camaraderie, and selfless dedication, enriching my life and empowering me to make a meaningful difference.

Beyond my professional pursuits, I'm driven by a passion for giving back to the community. In 2017, I founded the International Fellowship of Rotarian Musicians, harmonizing my love for music with my commitment to service. As the Founder Chairperson, I've had the privilege of creating a dynamic community within Rotary International, where music becomes a universal language for connection and growth.

Through this fellowship, I've enabled like-minded individuals to come together, share their passion for music, and enhance their personal and professional lives. This initiative embodies my belief in the transformative power of music and service, fostering a spirit of unity, creativity, and social responsibility.

On International Women's Day in 2020, I was honored to be featured in the esteemed book "Stories of Women Inspiring New Generation" (SWING), alongside 35 exceptional female Chartered Accountants from across India. This prestigious recognition showcased my journey, highlighting my dedication to the profession and my passion for empowering future generations.

Being part of SWING was a testament to my commitment to breaking barriers and pushing boundaries, inspiring young women to pursue careers in accounting and leadership. This recognition not only celebrated my achievements but also reinforced my responsibility to continue mentoring and motivating others to reach their full potential.

In pursuit of excellence, I further enhanced my skills by completing the Forensic Accounting and Fraud Detection Certificate Course in 2020, organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). This certification demonstrated my dedication to staying current with industry advancements and expanding my expertise in specialized accounting areas.

Building on this momentum, I completed the Independent Director course in 2021 and received a certificate from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). This achievement prepared me for leadership roles on corporate boards, enabling me to make valuable contributions to governance, oversight, and strategic decision-making.

Through these certifications, I have not only deepened my knowledge but also reinforced my commitment to professional growth, adaptability, and exceptional leadership in the accounting profession

In 2021, I launched the innovative 'Chai pe Charcha' online platform, a pioneering knowledge-sharing initiative designed to empower and enrich my professional community. Through this engaging platform, I have successfully organized and delivered 37 informative sessions, generating a treasure trove of valuable content that fosters continuous learning, growth, and development among professionals.

For broader accessibility, recorded versions of these sessions are available on YouTube, allowing an even wider audience to benefit from the shared expertise and insights. 'Chai pe Charcha' has become a beacon of knowledge-sharing, providing a unique space for experts to converge, share insights, and exchange ideas. This initiative reflects my passion for giving back to the community, promoting collaboration, and advancing professional excellence.

I'm honored to serve in various leadership roles, including:

- Convenor, Women Excellence Committee, Jain Chartered Accountants Federation, Borivali Chapter (2023-25) In January 2024, our committee launched a groundbreaking initiative - the Flexi Job Portal - designed to empower Jain CA women. This innovative platform connects talented professionals with entrepreneurs who have suitable vacancies, offering flexible work arrangements that support work-life balance.

- Member, Allied Laws and Representation Committee, All India Federation of Tax Practitioners (2023)

- Member, Coaching Class Committee, Goods and Service Tax Association of Maharashtra (2022-24)

These roles enable me to contribute to the growth and development of professionals, foster excellence, and drive positive change in the industry

In 2024, I was honored to receive the prestigious WIRC Star Woman of the Year award, recognizing my exceptional contributions to the field of accounting and auditing. This esteemed award serves as a testament to my unwavering dedication to excellence and my passion for driving progress in the industry.

Additionally, I was nominated as a Wonder Woman in the MSME awards organized by Tally Solutions, a distinguished recognition that acknowledges my influence, impact, and leadership in the profession. These accolades not only celebrate my achievements but also fuel my continued pursuit of excellence and my mission to inspire and empower others in the accounting community, fostering a legacy of innovation and progress

My professional journey is a testament to my unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and unrelenting commitment to the Chartered Accountancy profession and its broader community. Characterized by growth, resilience, and a passion for service, my path has been marked by significant milestones, each reflecting my:

- Devotion to lifelong learning and excellence

- Leadership in various roles, inspiring others to grow

- Tireless efforts to build and empower communities

- Commitment to giving back and making a meaningful impact

As I continue to contribute to the profession and my community, I remain a beacon of inspiration, exemplifying the spirit of growth, giving back, and lifelong learning. My journey demonstrates that with dedication, leadership, and a passion for service, one can make a lasting difference and leave a legacy of excellence.

Today, I stand as a visionary leader, proudly connected to a diverse and vibrant network of professionals, including Chartered Accountants, Medical Professionals, Legal Experts, Corporate Governance Specialists, Taxation Authorities, and Global Humanitarians, enabling me to drive meaningful collaborations, foster innovation, and create lasting impact across various sectors and communities

Let's join hands for a better tomorrow.

Let's continue to inspire and support each other in this incredible profession.

Connect with me to share your stories, learnings, and insights, and let’s grow together.

CA Vandana Dodhia

FCA, DISA (ICAI), LL.B. (Gen.),

Founder Partner,

VANDANA V. DODHIA & CO.

#cavandanadodhia

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