Building a Stronger, More Sustainable Economy with Dedication to Professional Development, Tax Reforms, and Social Impact
When we think about people shaping the economy, we often think of entrepreneurs, politicians, or even big business leaders. But there’s another group of professionals who, although they work behind the scenes, have just as much influence. Chartered accountants are the ones who make sure businesses run smoothly, that financial decisions are sound, and that the policies that shape the economy are grounded in solid financial understanding. Particularly in a country like India, with its ever-changing economy, the role of a chartered accountant becomes even more crucial.
These days, leadership is often judged by quick wins and public recognition. But every once in a while, we come across leaders whose impact is not about the awards or recognition they get but about the lasting difference they make. CA Atul Kumar Gupta is one of those rare individuals. A man of incredible knowledge, he has spent his career on mastering the intricacies of finance and using that knowledge to build, guide, and uplift the entire nation. Whether it was his leadership at ICAI, his contributions to GST reforms, or his efforts to mentor young professionals, his work has always been about creating something that lasts. He is the kind of leader who believes that success isn’t about climbing higher alone but about taking others along.
An Unlikely Beginning
While CA Atul Kumar Gupta is now among one of the most knowledgeable chartered accountants in the field, his journey into the profession was unexpected. In fact, if it weren’t for his older brother, he might never have considered being a CA at all. Coming from a humble family, no one before them had pursued this path. But when his brother became the first CA in the family, everything changed.
“My brother is my inspiration,” CA Gupta shares. “I saw how hard he worked, how much respect he earned, and most importantly, how much impact he had on the businesses and the economy itself. That’s when I knew that this is what I wanted to do.”
His admiration for his brother was a turning point in his life. Watching his brother’s journey, he saw how a CA could make a real difference, helping businesses grow, guiding financial decisions, and strengthening the backbone of the economy. That realisation set him on a path that would define his life’s work.
The Making of a Leader
The journey to where he is standing today was anything but easy for CA Gupta. Coming from a modest background, he was no stranger to challenges. But if there was one thing that set him apart, it was his sharp mind and hunger for knowledge. A graduate in commerce and law, he excelled in academics, so becoming a Chartered Accountant wasn’t hard for him. With his passion for knowledge, he quickly made a name for himself in the CA fraternity and went on to hold leadership roles in several prestigious national and international organisations.
However, the real test came when he decided to step into entrepreneurship. “Starting my own firm was a challenge,” he recalls. “I didn’t come from a business family, and I had no prior experience running one. We began with a small team and a modest office, but we made up for what we lacked in resources with sheer determination.”
What made the difference was his zeal to succeed. He understood that true success comes from sheer determination. And slowly but steadily, his firm grew, proving that with the right mindset, one could overcome even the toughest beginnings.
Rising Through the Ranks
CA Gupta’s journey in the accounting profession has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the years, he has held several leadership positions, shaping policies and contributing to the profession at both national and international levels.
His involvement with ICAI, the world’s second-largest accounting body, spans more than a decade. He was elected to its Central Council for three consecutive terms (2013-2022). Rising through the ranks, he served as Vice President in 2019-20 before being elected President for the term 2020-21. During his tenure, he led several committees, including the Digital Accounting and Assurance Board, Board of Studies, IT Committee, and Indirect Taxes Committee, making significant contributions to the profession’s growth.
Beyond his roles at ICAI, CA Gupta extended his expertise to several government bodies. He served as a member of SEBI’s Primary Market Advisory Committee, the Government Accounting Standards Advisory Board (GASAB), and the Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority (IRDA). Additionally, he made history as the first Chairman of the Accounting and Finance Services Sectional Committee under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
On the global stage, CA Gupta has represented India in prestigious organisations. He became a Board Member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and XBRL International. He also contributed to the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA) as Chairman of the Committee on Education, Training & CPD and served as a board member in key financial bodies like the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) and the Public Financial Management Committee (PFMC) of CAPA.
Driving Change in Indian Accounting
CA Atul Kumar Gupta is a name that needs no introduction in the world of accounting, and for good reason. His contributions to the Indian economy and the profession have been nothing short of remarkable. One of his most impactful contributions has been his role in facilitating the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. Reflecting on this, he shares,
“Before GST, businesses had to juggle multiple taxes, and the system was far from ideal. There was this issue of cascading taxes, where VAT credits couldn’t be used for excise and vice versa, which created a burden on both the economy and made Indian businesses less competitive globally. GST changed that. By creating a unified tax system across the country, it allowed for cross-sectoral credits, simplifying the process for everyone.”
For CA Gupta, the road to GST wasn’t easy, but it was something he believed would change the game. “When GST first came into play, there were a lot of challenges. There were technical glitches, and the system was new for everyone. But us CAs; we stood strong. ICAI trained over 10,000 GST officials and made sure that our members were well prepared,” he shares. “Our profession, which I often call the ‘financial army of the country,’ rose to the occasion, providing critical support to the government and industry alike. I feel proud of how we contributed to nation-building through this initiative.”
But CA Gupta’s contributions go far beyond GST. His work at ICAI has been pivotal in shaping the future of accounting in India. Under his leadership, the New Scheme of Education and Training was launched in 2017, ensuring that Chartered Accountancy courses were brought in line with international standards. He’s also been a key player in the ICAI Accounting Research Foundation (ICAI-ARF), where he helped develop accrual-based financial statements for the Indian Railways, which is the third-largest railway network in the world. It’s no small feat to be part of such a large project, and it speaks volumes about his ability to handle complex financial tasks.
But perhaps the most telling thing about CA Gupta is his focus on people. He’s always been there to offer guidance, sharing his knowledge and experience in over 1800 seminars and conferences and mentoring countless professionals who’ve gone on to do great things. “When I look back on my journey, I’m most proud of the people I’ve worked with and the difference we’ve made together,” he says. Throughout his career, CA Gupta has never lost sight of the bigger picture, the power of collective growth. From his seminars to his published work and his countless mentoring sessions, he’s always been about giving back to the profession that shaped his career. Whether it’s working on global forums or speaking to the next generation of accountants, CA Gupta’s belief in the power of knowledge and collaboration is what drives him.
Ultimately, his legacy isn’t about the awards or recognition he’s earned, but the impact he’s made. One that’s felt by the countless professionals he’s trained, the initiatives he’s led, and the country that’s benefitted from his contributions. For CA Gupta, leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about people, progress, and making a difference that truly matters.
A Vision for the Future
Even though CA Gupta has already achieved so much in such a short span of time, he has no plans of slowing down. For him, the sky is the limit, and his vision stretches far beyond his past accomplishments.
Looking ahead, his professional goals remain as ambitious as ever. He shares, “There will always be goals related to providing solutions for various tax matters that affect the entire country. It has been my constant endeavour to contribute to the smooth handling and implementation of these issues, resolving any interpretation challenges at the national level. My goal will continue to be to help both the industry and the government, ensuring that tax collection remains efficient and steady.”
But his vision doesn’t stop there. On a personal level, CA Gupta is deeply invested in addressing societal issues, particularly those related to the environment and education. “We’ve started an organisation, the ESG Research Foundation, which is a non-profit company where we voluntarily educate students and create awareness about climate-related challenges,” he explains. Through this foundation, he’s also launched the Sustainability Pledge, encouraging people to become “sustainability warriors” by following best practices like carpooling, reducing waste, and using resources wisely. The Prithwi Awards, also initiated by the foundation, recognise individuals, companies, and NGOs that are leading the way in sustainability.
We want to celebrate those who are doing the hard work and setting an example for others to follow.”
CA Gupta.
He also believes strongly in the power of education. His commitment to education runs deep. Inspired by his parents, he founded the Meri Siksha Foundation, which provides study materials, stationery, and sponsorship for students who lack the resources to pursue their education. “When you teach a student, you’re not just impacting them; you’re empowering their whole family. That’s the kind of change I want to see,” he says. Education, for him, is a powerful tool for transformation.
His dedication doesn’t stop there. He regularly speaks at 100+ seminars worldwide each year, helping build capacity and knowledge among students and professionals alike. “I see every opportunity to teach or mentor as a chance to build something meaningful, whether it’s a student or a professional,” he says with a smile.
Leadership Mantra
Advising young professionals, CA Gupta shares, “Focus on skill development and capacity building. Ultimately, it’s the skills that matter. If you master one area rather than trying to be a jack of all trades, you’ll perform better and stand out. But it’s not just about technical expertise. Personality development plays a crucial role in professional success. I often use the word ‘HEARTSOME’ to describe the ideal professional personality. Being humble in your approach is key—humility keeps you grounded and open to learning. An entrepreneurial mindset with the right attitude is equally important. Respect for seniors, teachers, and mentors is essential. And of course, technical expertise in your field is a must. Finally, specialisation is important. It’s better to be really good at one thing than a generalist.”
He continues, “It’s also important not to be overly ambitious and maintain balance. Personality traits like humility and respect for others are just as crucial as your skills. I always say it’s not aptitude but attitude that determines your altitude. Your mindset, accountability, and ability to take responsibility will determine your success.”
His final thoughts? “Cultivate the right attitude, keep learning, and most importantly, stay humble and respectful of those who have helped you along the way.”
