CA V Pattabhi Ram on Teaching, Writing, and Innovating in the Accounting World

CA V Pattabhi Ram: Teaching, writing, and the changing face of accounting

What does it take to become a respected name in the accounting world—not just as a chartered accountant but as a sought-after teacher and author shaping the field? CA V Pattabhi Ram’s journey is a testament to following curiosity, making unusual choices, and adapting to change. Here’s how he shaped a multi-faceted career in accounting, writing, and teaching, while staying sharply relevant in a world transformed by technology.

Choosing accounting: A career by elimination

Ram didn’t start with a burning passion for accounting. During his school days, societal expectations pushed bright students toward engineering or medicine. He admits science subjects were never his strength. For him, accounting became a career by elimination, the natural choice when physics, chemistry, and biology held little appeal. His candor about this practical decision reflects the relatable side of many CA journeys.

Early professional journey and articleship experience

As a young student, his articleship left little room for extended study. Most preparation happened during the final months before exams, making focus critical. Some subjects like tax and accounting needed more attention, while cost accounting and financial management felt more familiar.

His key exam tips based on that experience are:

• Use available study leave wisely.
• Prioritize difficult topics early.
• Draw on practical exposure from workplace learning.
• Accept that perfection isn’t possible—consistency matters more.

From corporate offers to startup consulting

At graduation, Ram faced a temptation many would envy: multiple offers from top firms like ITC and Godrej. He turned them down, joining a startup led by the accomplished Mr. SSB. For him, the thrill came from learning and mentoring, not routine corporate life.

The pull came from working under a founder with unmatched academic laurels. Rather than chasing brand names, he chose depth over scale.

Transitioning to practice and the accidental teacher

Teaching, by his account, was never in the plan. After stints in consulting and manufacturing, he felt called to build his own practice. One day, he approached Mr. Shiva Kumar, an organizer he knew, and simply asked him about teaching. With no experience but plenty of curiosity, he started with a trial class. As he puts it, teaching was accidental but turned into “the best phase of my career.”

Challenges and rewards in early teaching

Ram’s biggest early worry wasn’t content, but connection. CA classrooms gather students from diverse backgrounds and learning levels. He overcame this by focusing on clarity and simplicity. By drawing on tricks from his own study days—shortcuts, analogies, and step-by-step concepts—he ensured his classes made sense for all.

“My concern was always making sure every student understood, no matter where they started," he said.

Simplifying complex accounting concepts with real-world examples

For Ram, practical examples beat abstract theory. He explained marginal costing with familiar scenes: going to a movie with friends, viewing fixed and variable costs through their spending decisions. To teach contribution per unit, he used cricket, helping students connect profit formulas with their favorite sport.

Some key examples he used were:

• Decision-making in marginal costing using movie outings
• Ranking options via contribution per unit through cricket scenarios
• Mathematical proof of leverage’s risk was researched after a student challenge

By anchoring concepts in real life, learning became memorable.

The birth of a writer: Early passion and journalism

Writing started as a school habit, almost a second calling. He contributed to the now-closed city magazine, Aside, and wrote for The Hindu newspaper for years. If journalism paid more, he admits he might have chosen words over numbers.

Key milestones in his writing journey include:

• First published articles in school
• Regular features in Aside and The Hindu
• Transition to authoring educational and professional books

Turning point: Writing books on the CA profession

The real wave of books began around 2016. Mr. Shivakumar proposed writing about India’s first woman CA. Ram suggested broadening the view. By focusing on CA professionals’ varied successes—not just IIT and IIM stories—he found a fresh perspective. Championing CA stories gave the field overdue recognition.

Writing process and collaborative teamwork

Behind his prolific output is a trusted network of around 40 contributors. For each book, a rotating team drafts, edits, and refines chapters. Ram’s role centers on ideas, feedback, and final rewrites, ensuring every book keeps a uniform, readable voice.

He noted, “Teamwork lets us produce more, move faster, and share diverse viewpoints through our books.”

Writing style: Conversational, simple, and empathetic

Whether textbooks or biographies, his writing reads less like a lecture, more like a friendly conversation. He strives to keep language accessible without sacrificing depth. His textbook on strategic financial management became popular because students felt  like the author was talking to them. This approach once faced resistance from formal editorial boards but ultimately built strong connections with readers.

Balancing multiple roles with passion and freedom

Managing a practice, writing books, teaching, and consulting might seem impossible, but Ram focuses on what he enjoys. He’s left behind routine audits and signing statements, picking projects that excite him. He believes motivation flows from doing what you love and creating freedom in your work.

Embracing AI: Impact on accounting and creativity

Years ago, he predicted that automation would eventually replace rule-based jobs in accounting. What surprised him was seeing AI like ChatGPT create poetry, stories, and even solve complex problems. He now sees AI as an enabler—handling first drafts, brainstorming, and accelerating research.

Key thoughts on AI’s role:

• Automates routine accounting tasks
• Can affect creative fields too
• Best used for drafts, not finished work
• Gives those who adapt a clear edge

AI as a learning and teaching tool for students

AI tools have opened new doors for students. They allow for instant, customized answers—no fear of embarrassment, no limits to follow-ups. Ram shared personal experiences asking AI for India-specific examples or simplified explanations to suit different backgrounds. He called it “the best time ever to learn and teach.”

Current writing projects and future plans

Never one to stand still, he’s finishing biographies of JP Ramapa and the late SSB, updating India in 2047 post-AI boom, and exploring new formats. Thanks to a collaborative team, multiple books progress in parallel, each reflecting changes in technology and society.

Thoughts on legacy: Books as long-term impact

He’s realistic about legacy in today’s world, where even central figures are soon forgotten. His hope: a handful of books that keep shaping minds years after. Like Benjamin Graham’s The Intelligent Investor a classic, he believes well-written work can find readers long after the author is gone.

Fun and personal insights: Beyond the balance sheets

If given the chance to advise his younger self, Ram stresses the importance of networking—something he learned later on. As for dream projects, he’d love to see his book Take Phoenix, about the Satyam revival, turned into a movie. His ideal day would be spent not with distant historical icons but with his sports hero Sachin Tendulkar. For fun, he enjoys squash and pickleball, finding joy and fitness in play.

Adapting perspective: Understanding different views and staying calm

He’s learned to value different ways of thinking—even when they clash with his own numbers-driven approach. Whether it’s pride in one’s effort or just another solution to a problem, he now sees variety in perspective as a strength. He has also learned not to get upset over small setbacks, focusing instead on the big picture.

Skills and stress relief outside work

If he could master any practical skill, cooking tops his list—independence in the kitchen appeals to his practical nature. When it’s time to unwind, he reaches for his pickleball paddle or playlists of favorite songs, savoring simple joys to recharge.

Conclusion

CA V Pattabhi Ram’s story reminds readers that a rich career can be built from practical choices, curiosity, teamwork, and openness to change. Whether teaching, writing, or working with new technology, he proves that doing what excites you and making it easy for others to learn creates value that lasts.