new age learning
Citing cases of how technological integration has introduced new methods of learning, Mitra explains, “Forensic accounting, data analytics and online filing of income tax and GST returns, for example, second level information technology training ( ITT’s curriculum includes ) courses. Students also get practical experience of filing such returns and other forms during their practical training. In the new scheme, technology through simulator / sandbox approach with chatbot- Competent learning has also been proposed,” says Mitra.
bridging the gap
As part of his recent digital initiative under the Board of Studies (BoS), Mitra highlighted the use of ICAI’s audio enabled e-books available on the Digital Learning Hub (which serves as a central source of publications, guidance notes and courses for members). acts as a repository of students), and the launch of the BoS mobile app.
“Earlier, students used to go to physical coaching classes for which they had to spend time and money. Now, ICAI is conducting free virtual coaching classes, in which experts from various disciplines are selected to deliver online lectures to students in the country and abroad. Students can watch these lectures from the comfort of their homes and can raise and resolve their queries in real time through the chat box. Since these virtual coaching classes are free, the cost of learning has also come down. In addition, through the mobile app, a student can access all the learning materials of BOS, virtual coaching classes and recorded lectures and can also address their queries. All these measures have helped in bridging the distance learning gap in CA education,” says Mitra.
keeping pace
CA Murtuja Onali Kachwala, President, Western India Regional Council (WIRC) of ICAI stressed that ICAI has taken useful initiatives to train students and members with various technology, however, it is necessary to continue the practice as the equipment and technology are changing rapidly. , Pointing to technological integration in areas such as audit, taxation, compliance and even litigation practice of the CA profession, he says, “For medium-sized firms and above, administration activities such as sales pipeline, project management, time Sheet Management, etc. is being done by using various technical equipments. Since almost all the fields of CA profession are technology-linked, it becomes necessary to upskill the students.
Attributing the changing paradigm of the accounting profession partly to the productivity optimization available through new technologies, CA Kishor Peshori, Principal, MMK College, Mumbai, explains, “Today’s accountant is no longer burdened with task-oriented projects . Instead, accounting software programs are becoming more automated and the role of the accountant is changing to that of a business consultant. With focus on technology and data in the post-Covid phase, ICAI’s recent draft has proposed curriculum changes, we hope to empower CA education with a technological edge. ,