Overcoming Adversity: My Journey to Becoming a CA at 51

I am a Chartered Accountant (CA) who successfully cleared my exam at the age of 51. My entry into this field was purely accidental. Initially, I joined the Certificate in Secretarial Practice (CSP) without realizing it was a professional course or that it was part of the Commerce stream. I thought it was just a bunch of law papers. However, once I started attending the classes for the first module, I developed a passionate interest in Costing and Taxation. I cleared the CSP in both modules in my first attempt, achieving a score just 3 marks below the top 25th rankholder. This success didn't count, though, as I wrote the modules separately.

Deciding to switch to the Chartered Accountancy (CA) stream due to its broader scope, I wrote both groups together, following the same nine-month preparation schedule as CPT and direct entry students. I cleared the CA Institute Professional Course (IPPC) in my first attempt, with marks that were not particularly stellar. I stood second in the Madurai Chapter.

However, my journey wasn't always smooth. My final attempt was in May 2016, and I started preparing in September 2015. Unfortunately, life threw me a curveball, and I could not study for a while. In April and May 2016, I wrote only Financial Reporting (FR) and Law, but even with these passing marks, I did not get the desired results. I made more attempts, but did not attend the exams or study for two years.

Realizing I needed to take action, I applied for the November 2017 exams. I focused on FR alone but, a month before the exams, I fell ill for more than ten days and lost interest. I then wrote the exams without any preparation, showing a little courage. That year, I repeated the same grueling cycle for the May 2018 attempt. Again, my schedule was poorly planned, and I managed to prepare only FR and Strategic Financial Management (SFM), but I was not thorough in either paper.

Frustration mounted, but I decided to quit my odd jobs and gave the exams my full commitment. I realized that these temporary solutions were keeping me from finding a permanent solution to my financial insecurity. I dove into serious studies with a dedicated study buddy who discussed FR and SFM sums over the phone—a friendship spanning different cities became a pillar of support.

After months of rigorous preparation, my efforts paid off in January 2019 when I cleared Group 1 of the CA Final. I immediately attended Management Consultancy Services (MCS) and started preparing for Group 2. I successfully cleared Group 2, and a few months later, I became a CA, adding the honorific letters to my name.

A Lifelong Journey of Support and Ambition

Throughout this journey, I had a strong support system, which helped me stay motivated. I had a friend living in Australia who called me every morning at 4:30 am (9 AM in her time zone) to wake me up and keep me on track. I also had a few friends who checked in frequently to offer encouragement and motivation. My kids had complete faith in me and rooted for my success.

While I am disappointed that I did not clear Final in the first attempt, the journey I embarked on due to passion transformed into a race for survival. I forgive myself, as there were mitigating circumstances that hindered my preparation. The satisfaction of having cleared everything else in the first attempt, except Group 1 of the CA Final, is something I will always cherish.

Advice to Aspiring CAs

To those aspiring to become CAs, especially those like me, who started late, I say that it is possible. My journey proves that dedication and perseverance can overcome any obstacle. If I can become a CA at 51, so can you. Embrace your passion, be your own sunshine, and choose to be happy always. My advice to everyone is to stay focused and committed to your goals. Never let excuses hold you back.

Conclusion

My story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of having a support system. It is my hope that this journey inspires others to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination, no matter what obstacles they may face.