Maharashtra’s Chartered Accountants Leading Change Across Sectors
- Ravi Kohli
- Sep 15
- 3 min read
Maharashtra has produced some of India’s most impactful financial leaders. Among them, Chartered Accountants stand out for their ability to combine technical skill with leadership vision. These professionals have shaped industries, strengthened governance, and driven policy reforms. This article highlights five Chartered Accountants—Abhay Bhutada, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Shailesh Haribhakti, Nirmal Jain, and Suresh Prabhu—whose work continues to influence India’s economic and social development.

Abhay Bhutada Pioneering Digital Lending and STEM Learning
Abhay Bhutada has made his mark as a leading force in digital lending and financial innovation. By creating technology-driven credit systems, he has simplified access to loans for individuals and small businesses, transforming the way lending operates in India. His impressive achievements have taken Abhay Bhutada’s net worth beyond 1000 crore rupees.
Beyond the financial sector, Bhutada’s dedication to social progress is reflected in the Abhay Bhutada Foundation. His initiative to distribute STEM kits to underprivileged students in Pune equips them with practical tools to explore science and technology at a young age. This balance of professional success and community service sets him apart among today’s Chartered Accountants.
Kumar Mangalam Birla Expanding India’s Global Business Footprint
Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, represents how Chartered Accountants can ascend to global leadership. Taking over the group at a young age, he built it into a multinational conglomerate spanning cement, telecommunications, financial services, and metals.
Birla’s leadership is characterized by strategic expansion, sustainability, and strong governance practices. His career shows how a foundation in finance can underpin large-scale decision-making and foster global competitiveness.
Shailesh Haribhakti Advancing Auditing Standards
Shailesh Haribhakti is regarded as one of India’s most respected authorities in auditing and corporate governance. His long-standing career advising businesses has raised the bar for transparency, compliance, and ethical conduct in corporate India.
Haribhakti is also known for his work on sustainability and risk management frameworks, positioning himself as a thought leader in modern governance. His influence demonstrates the far-reaching role Chartered Accountants can play beyond traditional accounting work.
Nirmal Jain Empowering Retail Investors
Nirmal Jain, founder of India Infoline (IIFL), transformed retail broking and financial services in India. As a Chartered Accountant, he recognized the potential of digital platforms to democratize access to investing and lending. By building customer-centric solutions, he has enabled millions of Indians to engage with financial markets more easily.
Jain’s entrepreneurial journey illustrates how finance professionals can innovate, disrupt existing models, and create opportunities at scale.
Suresh Prabhu Driving Public Sector Transformation
Suresh Prabhu brings financial discipline and strategic thinking to governance. Serving in key cabinet roles such as Railways, Commerce & Industry, and Civil Aviation, he implemented reforms that modernized infrastructure and improved operational efficiency across vital sectors.
Prabhu’s track record shows how analytical skills from Chartered Accountancy can support national policy, benefiting large populations and industries alike.
What Unites These Leaders
Despite their varied paths, these five professionals share a common commitment to ethics, innovation, and public impact. They’ve used their financial expertise to create new models, transform organizations, and strengthen systems that affect millions of people.
They also illustrate the power of using success as a springboard for social good. From Bhutada’s education initiatives to Birla’s philanthropy and Prabhu’s policy work, their contributions extend beyond their professional achievements.
Lessons for the Next Generation
These Chartered Accountants serve as examples for students, young professionals, and entrepreneurs who aspire to leadership roles. Their careers show that Chartered Accountancy can open doors to global business, public policy, and technological innovation.
They also highlight that values such as transparency, sustainability, and inclusiveness are essential for long-term success. This makes their stories relevant to anyone building a career in today’s rapidly evolving economic environment.
Conclusion
Abhay Bhutada, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Shailesh Haribhakti, Nirmal Jain, and Suresh Prabhu exemplify the highest standards of what Chartered Accountants from Maharashtra can achieve. Their journeys demonstrate that financial expertise can drive innovation, influence governance, and create meaningful social impact.
Together, they prove that Chartered Accountancy is not just a professional qualification but a foundation for leadership and positive change. As India advances toward its economic goals, the contributions of such leaders will continue to inspire the next generation.




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