From India to Florida: CA Sanjay Gupta’s Journey in International Accounting

From Jaipur to Florida: The global journey of CA Sanjay Gupta

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to pack up your career dreams and take them halfway across the world?

CA Sanjay Gupta did exactly that, leaving behind a well-rooted practice in India to build something entirely new in the US. From the pink streets of Jaipur to the sunny shores of Florida, his story is one of reinvention, resilience, and relentless curiosity.

Where it all began: A switch from science to ledgers

Gupta didn’t grow up dreaming about debits and credits. In fact, he was a science student until high school. But somewhere along the way, commerce tugged at his heart. “It just became a passion,” he said. That spark led him to pursue chartered accountancy—a decision that would lay the foundation for everything that followed.

Why CA? Why not!

What drew him to accounting was its universality. Every organization—whether it’s government, private, or public—needs a CA. But what really sold it for Gupta was the advisory side of the role: being more than a number cruncher and actually helping businesses make smart decisions.

Bold choices: From Rajasthan to the chaos of Delhi

Instead of joining his brother’s well-settled practice in Rajasthan, Gupta chose the tougher road—Delhi. New city, no contacts, just ambition. He landed a job at a reputed CA firm and started from the bottom. With a “9-to-8” mindset (not 9-to-5), he put in the hours, soaking up everything like a sponge.

The American dream (with a twist)

Despite building a solid career in India, Gupta wanted more—a bigger canvas, a global challenge. The US was calling. Not everyone understood his decision, but some veteran CAs nudged him forward with some advice: “There’s nothing wrong in trying something different.”

Finding his footing in Florida

After scouting cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, Gupta chose Florida, drawn by its weather and family ties. But it wasn’t all sunshine. Despite being highly qualified, he was often told he was overqualified. To get recognized, he took on the daunting CPA exams and cleared all four parts in one go.

That moment when he opened the envelope with his wife was pure magic.

From employee to entrepreneur (again)

Armed with a CPA license and fresh local experience, Gupta slowly transitioned from working at a firm to launching his own practice. Today, his firm offers a full suite of services like tax, audits, CFO services, bookkeeping, payroll, and his niche specialty: international taxation.

Why international taxation?

A Master’s in Taxation opened up a whole new world for Gupta. With the US tax landscape constantly evolving, especially for those with global income or businesses, his knowledge became a game-changer. From helping NRIs avoid penalties to guiding US citizens with overseas interests, Gupta became a go-to expert.

Giving back: More than just business

Outside work, Gupta’s deeply involved in the Indian-American community. He organizes large-scale Diwali celebrations, works with physician groups, and even helped launch the ICAI Florida chapter, creating a support system for Indian CAs navigating their US journey.

Tech talk: The role of accounting software

Having built accounting software for a sugar plant in India and now working with modern platforms like Zoho, Gupta believes technology is no longer optional. From compliance to decision-making, software empowers firms to be smarter and faster.

His advice for aspiring global CAs

• Get your CPA. It’s the passport to credibility in the US.
• Work for at least four years before starting your own practice.
• Never stop learning—upskilling is the name of the game.
• Find your niche like international taxation.
• Give back—it grounds you and expands your network.

Final word

From giving up comfort in Jaipur to starting from scratch in Florida, CA Sanjay Gupta’s journey proves that success doesn’t come from standing still; it comes from showing up every day, ready to learn, grow, and help others do the same.