Unveiling the Top Chartered Accountants in India and Their Staggering Net Worth

Beulah Fernandes
6 min readApr 23, 2024

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Chartered Accountants (CAs) play a pivotal role, serving as the backbone of businesses, ensuring financial compliance, and providing strategic counsel. India, with its burgeoning economy and diverse industries, boasts a plethora of talented CAs who have not only achieved remarkable professional success but have also amassed substantial wealth. In this article, we delve into the profiles of some of India’s top CAs and unravel their staggering net worth.

1. Deepak Parekh

Deepak Parekh is an eminent figure among India’s wealthiest chartered accountants, distinguished by his leadership as the Chairman of HDFC Group, a premier housing finance company. His influence extends beyond business realms, marked by a fervent commitment to corporate social responsibility. Parekh advocates for a holistic approach to corporate conduct, emphasizing the importance of companies giving back to society and prioritizing the welfare of all stakeholders, not solely shareholders.

Parekh’s expertise transcends national borders, evident in his advisory roles for prestigious organizations such as the Indo-US CEO Forum and the City of London — Finance Committee. His global engagements underscore his deep understanding of international financial dynamics and strategic insights.

Acknowledged for his exceptional contributions, Parekh has been honored with prestigious accolades, including the Padma Bhushan in 2006, cementing his status as a notable figure in India’s financial landscape. His leadership as the Non-Executive Non-Independent Chairman of the Board of Housing Development Finance is underscored by a total compensation of ₨24,700,000.

Parekh’s multifaceted role encompasses not only steering HDFC Group to greater heights but also advocating for sustainable business practices and societal welfare. His vision and leadership serve as guiding beacons in navigating the complex intersections of finance, governance, and social responsibility. In an era where corporate conduct is under increasing scrutiny, Parekh stands as a beacon of integrity and purpose-driven leadership, exemplifying the ethos of responsible capitalism.

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2. Motilal Oswal

Motilal Oswal, a luminary in India’s financial landscape, transitioned from a Chartered Accountant to the Founder and Managing Director of Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd., marking a remarkable journey of entrepreneurial success. Since embarking on his business voyage in 1987, Oswal has left an indelible mark, earning accolades that attest to his financial prowess and contribution to the nation’s economy.

His exceptional financial acumen was acknowledged by the Government of India, which conferred upon him the prestigious “Rashtriya Samman Patra” for being one of the highest Income Taxpayers for an impressive five-year span. This recognition not only underscores Oswal’s substantial financial achievements but also reflects his commitment to contributing to the country’s fiscal growth.

Furthermore, Oswal’s groundbreaking contributions to the financial services sector garnered him the “Excellent Business Achiever in Financial Services” award from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. This dual recognition highlights his multifaceted impact, encompassing both economic achievements and professional excellence.

As of 2023, Motilal Oswal’s estimated net worth stands at an impressive Rs. 13,422.1 Crore (US$ 1.7 billion), primarily derived from his substantial shareholdings in Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd. (MOFSL), a leading player in India’s financial services landscape. His entrepreneurial journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs, illustrating the transformative power of vision, determination, and strategic foresight in carving a path to success in the dynamic realm of finance.

3. Nirmal Jain

Nirmal Jain, a titan in the Indian business arena, not only holds the esteemed position of Founder and Chairman of India Infoline Group (IIFL — India Infoline Finance Ltd) but also boasts the distinguished credential of being a fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, a testament to his financial prowess and expertise.

Having completed his post-graduation from the prestigious IIM Ahmedabad, Jain commenced his professional journey in 1989 with Hindustan Unilever Limited. However, it was in 1995 that he laid the foundation for the IIFL Group, initially establishing it as an independent equity research company in India.

Over the span of 25 years, Jain has been instrumental in driving the group’s expansion, maintaining an unwavering focus on bolstering its presence in the financial services sector. His trajectory exemplifies the profound impact that chartered accountants can wield in the realms of business and finance, positioning him prominently among India’s Richest Chartered Accountants.

As of March 31, 2024, Jain’s corporate shareholdings publicly reveal his stakes in 12 stocks, collectively amounting to a net worth exceeding Rs 5,371.9 Cr, a testament to his astute investment acumen and strategic foresight.

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4. N. Manoharan

T.N. Manoharan, a distinguished Chartered Accountant, exudes an aura of strength and influence within India’s financial landscape. Notably, he has held prestigious positions such as the former president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and the Ex-chairman of Canara Bank, one of the nation’s largest public sector banks.

Manoharan’s impact is further evidenced by his pivotal role in the restructuring of Satyam Computer Services following a high-profile scandal. Appointed by the Government of India as one of six members overseeing this process, he showcased his adeptness in navigating complex financial challenges.

His remarkable achievements culminated in the receipt of the Padma Shree award in 2010, a testament to his significant contributions to the field. Publicly disclosed corporate shareholdings as of June 30, 2023, reveal Manoharan’s investment in a single stock, amounting to a net worth exceeding Rs 1.7 Cr, underscoring his continued engagement and influence in financial affairs.

5. Abhay Bhutada

Abhay Bhutada, MD of Poonawalla Fincorp

Abhay Bhutada, MD of Poonawalla Fincorp Limited (PFL), is a prominent figure in the finance sector under the Cyrus Poonawalla group umbrella. With over 15 years of experience in both commercial and retail lending, Bhutada’s expertise shines through as a qualified Chartered Accountant and seasoned finance professional.

Hailing from Latur, Maharashtra, Bhutada’s academic journey led him to acquire a bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Symbiosis International University before attaining the prestigious Chartered Accountancy qualification in 2009. Now, at the age of 38, he steers Poonawalla Fincorp to new heights, evidenced by its impressive market capitalization of Rs 29,199 crore on the NSE as of September 29, 2023, with a share price of Rs 379.20.

Bhutada’s professional journey commenced in 2010 as an SME Finance Professional with the Bank of India, paving the way for subsequent entrepreneurial ventures. Notably, in 2016, he founded TAB Capital Limited, a digital-lending NBFC specializing in retail loans, including MSME and consumer lending. Bhutada’s entrepreneurial spirit and financial acumen continue to drive innovation and growth in India’s dynamic financial landscape.

Abhay Bhutada’s salary of 78.1 crore in the fiscal year 2023 highlights his significant contributions to Poonawalla Fincorp, reinforcing his position among India’s top-earning managing directors. Abhay Bhutada’s net worth is expected to be Rs 500 crore as of 2024.

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Conclusion

Chartered Accountants in India have not only excelled in their professional domains but have also leveraged their financial expertise to amass significant wealth. From business magnates to investment gurus, these CAs have demonstrated the power of financial acumen in navigating the complexities of India’s economic landscape and achieving unparalleled success. Their stories serve as inspiration for aspiring finance professionals and entrepreneurs alike, showcasing the transformative potential of financial expertise in driving growth and prosperity.

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Beulah Fernandes
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Banking professional passionate about sharing financial wisdom and interesting facts about music. Numbers and melodies both excite me at the same time.