ICAI to support OCCI to develop chartered accountancy curriculum for Oman

Muscat: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the largest accounting body in the world has expressed its intent to support the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) to develop a curriculum for Omani Chartered Accountancy students.

The collaboration was announced by ICAI Vice President CA Ranjeet Kumar Agrawal at the inauguration of the 13th International Seminar of the ICAI Muscat Chapter (under the sponsorship of CBFS)held on 19 January 2024 on the theme of ‘CAs -Beyond Numbers’.

Faisal Abdullah Al Rawas, Chairman of OCCIwas the chief guest. Former Union Minister of India CA Suresh Prabhu delivered the keynote address. Amit Narang, Ambassador of India to Oman and Dr. Yousuf Al Mabsali, Assistant Dean, College of Banking and Financial Studies (CBFS) were the guests of honour.

“We appreciate the efforts taken by the ICAI Muscat Chapter in conducting the Omani CFO Mentoring Programme, which was a great success. Being the largest professional accounting organisation, ICAI is our natural partner of choice to develop a curriculum for Omani Chartered Accountancy students,” said Faisal Al Rawas.

“India and ICAI believe in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (One world, one family). We can support Oman in the development of a curriculum and also set up an Institute of Chartered Accountants of Oman,” stated CA Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal.  

Welcoming the initiative CA Jim Joseph Itty, Chairperson of the ICAI Muscat chapter mentioned, “With the support of OCCI we were able to complete the Omani CFO Mentoring Program most professionally, similarly with ICAI’s support we believe this new curriculum will also be a reality soon. We are happy to associate with OCCI and the Indian Embassy for the Oman India Investor forum which aims to connect businesses through more than 400,000 ICAI members across the globe,” he added.

The eminent speakers at the Seminar included CA Chetan Dalal (Forensic expert), CA Pattabi Ram (author and teacher) and CA Jay Chhaira (motivational speaker). Surabh Mukherjea, (stock market strategist).

The seminar also featured a panel discussion on ‘Accounting Profession and Oman Vision 2040’ moderated by Nader Al Rawahi, with the panellists being Fatik Al Balushi (CFO, Oman Cements), CA Alkesh Joshi (Partner, EY Oman) and Ali Al Asmi (GM, CBO). Another panel discussion featuring Haitham Al Salmi (CEO, MSX), Karl Jackson (Partner, Crowe), CA Avinash Patodia (AVP-Finance, Jindal Shadeed) and moderated by CA Nat Vora (Partner, AJMS) discussed about “ESG Reporting”.

Following the international seminar, an Oman India Investor Forum was held on 20 January attended by more than 400 investors from Oman and India. There were presentations and discussions from various government and investment organisations from both countries.

In the words of Dr. Yousuf Al Mabsali, Assistant Dean, CBFS, “CBFS is proud to be the sponsor of the ICAI Muscat Chapter since 2008. The Chapter is always taking the lead in the development of the accounting profession in Oman and I congratulate the managing committee for their efforts.”

The Chapter is managed by a managing committee of 8 members under the Chairmanship of CA Jim Joseph Itty, including Vice Chairperson CA Gaurav Kapoor, CA Unmesh Bhome, CA Sangeetha Suresh Kumar, CA Aashish Subhedar, CA Badri N Subudhi, CA Abhishek R Vaishya and CA Sajeev Surendran. The Chapter has sub-committees in Sohar and Salalah.