Vishwanath Bhobe, the newly elected Chairperson of ICAI Goa speaks on his plans for the organisation
You have been elected as the new Chairperson of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Goa Branch for the 2025-2027 term. Could you share with us your main priorities for this term and how you plan to achieve them?
As the newly appointed Chairperson of the ICAI Goa Branch for the term 2025-2027, my vision is rooted in guiding principle: “Sustain Tradition, Embrace Change.” Our primary focus will be on empowering our members through skill development and continuous knowledge enhancement. We aim to ensure that our members are well-versed with the latest regulatory requirements as well as emerging trends, especially in the areas of technology, thus help them stay ahead in a dynamic professional environment. We are also deeply committed to the growth and development of CA students in Goa. Our ongoing collaboration with government authorities to further strengthen the ICAI’s role in nation-building is equally important. We also intend to contribute socially by doing tax and financial literacy drives and investor awareness programmes.
You have emphasized enhancing skill development and knowledge dissemination for Chartered Accountants. What specific initiatives will be undertaken to achieve this goal, and how will you ensure their effectiveness?
We plan to host series of seminars for our members by inviting the country’s foremost experts to discuss and deliberate complex issues of law, taxation etc. for better understanding. Recognizing the importance of hands-on learning, we plan to organize workshops as well as certification course that will provide members with an opportunity to gain real-world experience in key areas through more practical approach like case studies etc. We also plan
to have various lecture series on lesser explored but highly relevant areas of practise like valuations, M&A, FEMA etc. so that our members are well prepared to seize emerging opportunities. We are dedicated to empowering our young members to take on leadership roles within the organization and beyond by providing them a platform to nurture their confidence and speaking abilities, thus preparing them to become influential voices in their respective fields. We recognize that success is not just about professional achievements, but also about mental and physical well-being. We intend to have wellness programs like yoga sessions, sports meet, walkathon etc. for our members to maintain optimal health, resilience, and performance. Building connections with industry leaders is crucial for professional growth. We intend to have sessions with industry leaders for facilitating collaboration and to get valuable industry insights.
How do you plan to empower CA students in Goa, and what are some concrete steps that will be taken to support their professional growth and development?
Our approach to student development is two-fold, focusing on both academic excellence and professional readiness to ensure students are equipped for success in the classroom and the workplace.
We plan to have curriculum-aligned sessions that complement the syllabus, ensuring in-depth understanding of key academic concepts. We also plan to have workshops that enhance academic knowledge and bridge the gap between theory and practice.
We plan to have industrial visits to leading industries, providing students with real-world insights and the opportunity to observe industry practices firsthand. We intend to have public speaking and soft skills training such as leadership, teamwork, time management, adaptability, and problem-solving, which are all essential for thriving in a competitive work environment and to be industry ready, apart from our regular activities of conducting orientation, MCS and IT courses for students.
We focus on promoting tax and financial literacy by conducting targeted programs, particularly for students, with the support of our dedicated team of Chartered Accountants who volunteer for this cause selflessly. In collaboration with other associations, we aim to enhance understanding of key areas such as regulations, compliance, banking, and finance etc for general public and businesses. Our goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to navigate the financial landscape effectively. By increasing awareness and understanding of these vital topics, we strive to equip people with the knowledge they need to make informed financial decisions and manage their personal and professional finances more effectively.
The ICAI Goa Branch collaborates with government bodies and institutions like Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and Goa University. Could you elaborate on how these partnerships help strengthen the financial ecosystem of the state?
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) serves as both a professional and academic body, playing a significant role in shaping the industry. We have been collaborating with Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) for many years, focusing on areas of mutual interest. Additionally, we have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) with various colleges in Goa as well the Directorate of Higher Education (DHE) to facilitate knowledge exchange, faculty training etc and to play a bridge between commerce, academia and industry. A key initiative we are working on is the proposed TEL (Train, Earn & Learn) program, aimed at enhancing the skills of undergraduate students and preparing them for the job market with the support and guidance of Western India Regional Council of ICAI.
What role do you see the Goa Branch of ICAI playing in the overall economic growth of the state?
ICAI plays a pivotal role in nation-building by offering the government expert guidance and support in areas within our domain. We consistently provide memorandums to the government to help enhance revenue generation, propose legal and administrative reforms, and drive improvements across sectors. Additionally, we have partnered with the government on various financial and tax literacy initiatives, as well as placement drives, contributing to the development of both individuals and businesses. Our members are instrumental in supporting businesses in Goa with financial planning, knowledge dissemination, compliance etc. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the successful implementation of any new tax law, such as the GST Law, would not have been possible without the expertise and support of Chartered Accountants.
With the ever-evolving nature of the finance and accounting sector, how do you plan to ensure that professionals in Goa stay up-to-date with the latest developments and best practices? With the strong support of our Central Council at Delhi and Regional Council at Mumbai, we plan to organize a variety of seminars and workshops to ensure that our members stay updated with the latest amendments and developments. These programs offer a structured path for continuous learning and professional growth, helping them maintain high standards of competence and stay informed on industry trends. We also plan to have certificate courses designed to provide expert knowledge in specialized fields. One of the key areas we are focusing on is technology, which is becoming increasingly important in today’s landscape. We have already initiated a certificate course on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help them stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field. Our members are highly adaptive, and together we aim to build a community of finance and accounting professionals in Goa who are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the dynamic landscape and deliver value to their clients and organizations.
In your vision for the ICAI Goa Branch,how do you plan to integrate the goals of professional development with social responsibility, especially in areas like financial literacy and community outreach? Our vision for the ICAI Goa, we aim to integrate professional development with social responsibility by aligning our efforts in a way that not only enhances the skills of our members but also positively impacts the community through financial and tax literacy programs, collaboration with educational institutions and government, green initiative campaigns, free tax and other advisory sessions, skilling programmes for students, career counselling sessions etc. By combining professional growth with a sense of responsibility to society, we hope to not only elevate the standards of the profession in Goa but also contribute to building a more financially informed community with social responsibility.
