From Engineering to Chartered Accountancy | CA Rekha Uma Shiv

From engineering to chartered accountancy: A conversation with CA Rekha Uma Shiv

In this blog post, we sit down with CA Rekha Uma Shiv, a professional who took an unexpected turn from engineering into chartered accountancy. Her story is one that not only breaks conventional thinking but also highlights how passion and grit can triumph over challenges. Rekha shares her experience in navigating two vastly different worlds, the hurdles she faced, and how she turned them into milestones.

The leap from engineering to CA

Rekha didn’t start off as someone who dreamed of becoming a chartered accountant. In fact, her initial ambition was to pursue medicine. But like many young students, she ended up in engineering after not being able to get into medical school. She completed her degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) before joining the corporate workforce.

After nearly six years in software development, Rekha had to take a break from her career. However, instead of returning to the corporate world as a fresher, which is often the case after a break, she wanted to do something new and more rewarding. Her first thought was to pursue an MBA, but her father, a chartered accountant himself, suggested she give CA a shot.

Choosing CA was not an easy decision for Rekha. Coming from an engineering background, there was a sense of unfamiliarity with the world of numbers and finance. But she took the plunge, and despite initial challenges, she slowly began to enjoy the process.

Balancing lessons in CA with motherhood

When Rekha began her CA journey, she had just become a new mother. Juggling her household responsibilities along with the demanding CA course wasn’t easy. But Rekha was determined. She attended classes that were 15.5 miles (25 kilometers) away from her home, making a 30 mile (50 km) round trip every day with a one-month-old at home.

Rekha’s perseverance paid off. Although she faced countless challenges—from understanding completely foreign subjects like accounting and tax to traveling long hours to and from class—she never gave up.

The turning point: Triumph in exams

The defining moment came when Rekha passed one of her initial CA exams and unexpectedly topped her city. This was the confidence boost she needed. Despite her shaky start where she was nervously trembling in exams, Rekha found her footing. Scoring high on exams that were considered difficult by many gave her the motivation to push toward her final goal.

While engineering had prepared her for the mental rigor and structured thinking, CA presented a whole new ball game with subjects that required critical analysis but in a different context. However, Rekha approached it head-on and leveraged what she had learned in engineering in areas like costing and law. These were concepts that translated well into the CA’s framework, allowing her to stay afloat despite the initial confusion.

Breaking barriers with double degrees

Rekha’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. By completing a tough engineering degree and then successfully navigating the rigorous CA course, Rekha challenged the common perception that one is limited to success in only one field.

The path she took was not typical for many women. In her engineering class, there were only six women, highlighting how male-dominated and challenging certain fields of study are.

Yet, Rekha didn’t stop there. She shared how after years of corporate experience and academic success, she never felt overwhelmed by the competitive and often difficult landscape in which she was working. Her ability to stay consistent with her goals is a testament to her dedication.

A passion for teaching and mentorship

After completing her CA, Rekha didn’t just settle into her practice. She wanted to give back to the profession and the community that helped her get to where she was. She began teaching and mentoring students, a passion that was sparked by her experience while studying for the CA exams herself.

Rekha had the good luck of being taught by some of the industry’s best, including MP Vijay Kumar. These mentors sowed the seeds for her own love for teaching. She found joy in helping students navigate the same hurdles she once faced. Her goal wasn’t only to teach exam subjects, but to motivate students and show them that, despite setbacks, they could achieve what they never thought possible.

During the pandemic, when classes shifted online, Rekha began posting free educational videos. This move caught the attention of renowned institutions, and she was eventually invited to guest-lecture for large audiences. Her virtual classes reached thousands of students across India, proving that her teaching style and dedication resonated with younger CA aspirants.

Stepping into leadership as a council member

Rekha’s career saw yet another incredible turn when she was encouraged by mentors and colleagues to run for a spot on the council of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). Even though this wasn’t something she had ever considered, Rekha took the advice seriously.

Running a campaign wasn’t easy. Rekha had no political background or experience in organizing elections, but that didn’t deter her. She designed her own flyers, set her own agenda, and led the entire initiative by herself. The approach worked, not because of flashy campaigns but because of the goodwill she had built by contributing to the student community for years.

Once elected, Rekha had the distinction of being the youngest council member. But this, she knew, came with responsibility. The trust placed in her by fellow council members and students reinforced her commitment to adding value to the CA profession. Whether it meant introducing new initiatives or making room for innovation through technology, Rekha remains focused on making a lasting impact.

Looking back: Would she change anything?

When asked if she would reboot her career or change anything she’s done, Rekha didn’t hesitate. She is content with where she is and wouldn’t want to redesign her journey. However, if given a chance, she would encourage a deeper focus on emerging areas in the profession, such as cybersecurity, data protection, and artificial intelligence, which she believes are the future of accounting.

Her career wasn’t something meticulously planned out from the start, but each step—whether engineering, CA, or mentoring—served as a key part in shaping the leader she has become.

Work-life balance and time management

One of the things that stand out in Rekha’s story is her ability to manage her time effectively. How does she balance her work, family, council duties, and public engagements without losing focus? For Rekha, time management isn’t an obstacle—it’s second nature. A lot of this she credits to the rigorous CA exams that taught her how to prioritize, stay focused, and complete tasks efficiently.

Even with travel and speaking engagements across the country, Rekha finds joy in her work. Challenges, long journeys, and packed schedules energize her rather than weigh her down.

Conclusion

Rekha’s journey from engineering to CA is an inspiring testament to perseverance, flexibility, and passion. By stepping out of her comfort zone and embracing an entirely new field, she has shown that we don’t have to fit into one box. Her story is one of resilience in the face of challenges, nurturing a passion for teaching, and giving back to the community.

For anyone who feels stuck or uncertain, Rekha’s journey serves as a reminder that it’s not about where you start, but how you handle the challenges thrown your way and make the best of them.

Want more inspiring stories? Stay tuned to Coffee with CA for more insights, discussions, and journeys that break the mold.