Dear CA Fraternity,
It all started with a suggestion for a Chapter of ICAI in Melbourne at a BBQ in Lysterfield Lake park, in the year 2006, where a few Indian chartered accountant families got together for a weekend celebration.
Two decades back ICAI members had to write two to three subjects at uni level to get into CA/CPA associate memberships in Australia and this prompted us members of ICAI in Melbourne to join together and form the Melbourne chapter of ICAI which was officially inaugurated by CA. T Manoharan, President of ICAI in 2007. President of CPA Australia and CEO of CA ANZ were present and they recognised our chapter. I had the opportunity to serve as the founding member and Chairman of the Melbourne chapter 2006-2008.
We have gone a long way since then. After several meetings and discussions, Mutual Recognition Agreements were signed by ICAI with CA/CPA in Australia and members now have easy pathways to get full memberships with these bodies. Mission accomplished.
Successive committees have taken the chapter to very high levels in terms of CPD and professional development for our members in Melbourne- in addressing the challenges in uncertain environments and projecting confidence in challenging scenarios thus supporting our members to have meaningful and fulfilling careers.
As we move into mid 2023, I can’t help but be reflective of all that we have achieved in the last 17 years through the chapter. I am thankful to everyone who has volunteered and continues to volunteer their time and support to this chapter. In particular, I would like to record the efforts of the current committee led by Chairman CA Harsha Singh and team in taking the Melbourne chapter of ICAI to a new level of engagement with the members as we have much to be proud of as a profession in a place where we live and work. Well done all.
Best Wishes
CA. Mathew Kaduthodil
Founding Chairman Melbourne Chapter, ICAI
14th July 2023