Mastering Numbers, Inspiring Lives | CA Mayur Agrawal

Mastering numbers, inspiring lives: A conversation with CA Mayur Agrawal

Meet CA Mayur Agrawal—a young, dynamic chartered accountant (CA) who represents the future of both his profession and his community. In the Zoho series Coffee with CA, hosted by Geena Bharwani, Agrawal’s journey from growing up in a small town to becoming one of the youngest council members is a tale of perseverance, friendship, and passion.

During this interview, Agrawal shares invaluable lessons on balancing life, staying true to his purpose, and making an impact. Dive into his story to discover how a mix of grit and community spirit can shape a rewarding career.

A humble beginning in Forbisganj, Bihar

Agrawal’s path to becoming a CA was not a tale spun in comfortable surroundings. Raised in a small town called Forbisganj in Bihar, he wasn’t exposed to much career guidance early in life. After completing 10th grade, he knew one thing: he wasn’t interested in pursuing science. With this certainty, he turned toward commerce.

After deciding on this path, life pushed him into the world of chartered accountancy. The move to Kolkata at the age of 16 marked a significant shift. With no specific guidance from home, he decided to live in a hostel filled with students aiming for a career as a CA. This unintentional immersion became pivotal.

Embarking on the CA journey

Moving to a new city at such a young age was no small feat. Agrawal recalls how difficult it was adjusting to hostel life and being far from his family in the beginning. The initial months were rough—the school workload combined with the gusts of homesickness meant long, often tearful, phone calls with his parents.

But Agawal’s natural resilience shone. What started as a very challenging adjustment slowly turned into an enriching experience. Hostel life, with its tight-knit community and camaraderie, became a priceless source of lessons, friendships, and personal growth.

The intensity of hostel life

Agrawal recounts the ups and downs of hostel life, from ragging at the hands of seniors to fun-filled nights that made 3 a.m. seem like the best part of the day. The fresher students, including Agrawal, were often tasked with various responsibilities like writing assignments for seniors and even acting as a “human alarm clock” for older students who struggled to wake up for early morning lectures.

In retrospect, this phase brought invaluable life lessons. The strong bonds he formed during those years became a foundation for his career and personal growth. Agrawal considers those years the best days of his life, a time in which he learned important skills that go far beyond academic knowledge.

Partnering up: Bonds born in the classroom

While attending St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, Agrawal’s experience was not just shaped by education but also by the friendships he forged. It was in this college where he first met his future business partners. Sharing classes and sitting side-by-side (their seats were designated by roll numbers), the three quickly bonded. From classmates to co-founders, these friendships soon evolved into a business venture.

His college journey wasn’t linear or predestined, but by the third year, the trio had decided they would start their own CA practice after gaining some corporate experience. They knew the value of practical exposure and set a goal to enter the job market briefly before reuniting to form their own firm.

The corporate detour: Learning from Vedanta

Agrawal worked for Vedanta, a major player in the resources industry, where he learned the ins and outs of how large companies operate. He immersed himself in work, volunteering for every project he could, knowing these experiences would be vital for his future practice..

This stint at Vedanta taught him how important it is to be on the other side of the table. By 2014, Agrawal and his two college friends came together again, having all gained their desired experience, to launch their own CA firm.

The birth of a CA firm

Starting a practice isn’t a decision you make overnight. For Agrawal and his two partners, their firm was a dream cultivated through years of dedication, collaboration, and learning. They began with just three partners and have, over the past decade, expanded to eight.

With their main office in Kolkata, they’ve since established branches in five other cities across India, including Bangalore and Mumbai. Agrawal’s practice boasts a team of 100 professionals, including 15 chartered accountants, and serves businesses of all shapes and sizes.

The energy of their school days hasn’t dimmed one bit. Even today, Agrawal describes going to the office as “fun,” largely because of the friendly and young environment fostered by the trio since day one. The practice has expanded each year, adding new milestones that they eagerly conquer together.

Balancing professional success and social responsibility

Agrawal’s career is not just about numbers—he has always had a deep desire to give back to society. Growing up in a family that participated in various social causes, this responsibility to contribute has stayed with him. From his college days, when he participated in initiatives like the “One Rupee Revolution” to support village students, to serving as the president of his hostel’s student union, Agrawal has juggled community service with his professional life effortlessly.

When asked how he manages such a busy schedule between expanding his practice and contributing to society, Agrawal clarifies that it’s not about time management but intent. If you care enough about something, you’ll find the time to do it.

The power of community and knowledge sharing

Agrawal believes strongly in the concept of sharing knowledge—a belief he embodies every day. One of his most impactful initiatives is a professional Google group named “Professional Conclave,” which boasts 65,000 chartered accountants as members. This platform serves as a space where professionals can share inquiries, suggestions, and updates with one another, embodying the spirit of continuous learning and collaboration. By fostering this community, Agrawal ensures that no professional feels isolated and that everyone has access to the wisdom of thousands.

Encouraging the next generation of CAs

Mentorship plays a big role in Agrawal’s life. The dynamic between the older and younger generations of chartered accountants is something he values immensely. In his view, the younger generation brings fresh ideas and technological fluency, while the more experienced professionals offer wisdom. Neither side can succeed without the other—it’s a collaborative effort to secure the future of the profession.

Agrawal notes that the new generation of CA students is much more informed and equipped than students were a decade ago. Their vibrancy and energy are inspiring to him, and he sees his role as being not just a mentor but also a fellow learner.

Advice to aspiring professionals

For anyone following in his footsteps, Agrawal’s advice is simple but profound—follow your intent. Be passionate about what you do because passion will drive you through easy and challenging days. Every career comes with challenges, and as Agrawal wisely points out, there are no bad days—only good ones and very good ones.

His philosophy of staying calm and keeping perspective has helped him not only crack the notoriously difficult CA exams but develop a successful career filled with opportunities and growth.

Conclusion

CA Mayur Agrawal’s remarkable journey from a small town in Bihar to becoming a successful CA, entrepreneur, and council member is a testament to the power of intent, resilience, and community. His story encourages the idea that success doesn’t come from smooth sailing but from navigating through the waves with the right companions and the right attitude.

As we wrapped up our insightful conversation, it was great to reflect on his central belief: life is filled with good days, and the very good ones are just around the corner.