Article: Studying of the changing role of chartered accountants in India's economic growth Journal: Afro-Asian Journal of Finance and Accounting (AAJFA) 2026 Vol.16 No.4 pp.435 - 481 Abstract: Given the paucity of empirical research, this study uses agency and role theories to examine the extent to which the evolving roles of chartered accountants (CAs) are connected to the economic growth of India. A sample of 238 respondents, including accounting educators, management accountants, and chartered accountants, was surveyed on 27 possible roles for CAs. In a response rate of 29.4%, and after removing outliers, 67 responses were used for analysis. Results showed that CAs play various roles, including financial reporting, risk management, financial due diligence, accurate reporting, and assisting companies in decision-making. However, there were significant differences in the responses of CAs and non-CAs. The results of regression analysis reveal that CAs played significant roles in financial management and control roles and in auditing, assurance, and advisory roles. Hence, this study has shed the light on the evolving role played by the CAs in India's economic growth. The study suggests that regulatory bodies and professional institutions should focus on training and improving CAs' skills. It also contains limitations of the study and direction for future research. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Studying of the changing role of chartered accountants in India's economic growth

Authors: Prem Lal Joshi; Tariq H. Ismail

Addresses: ICSSR, WRC, Mumbai, India ' Faculty of Commerce, Cairo University, Egypt; International Academy of Engineering and Social Science, Egypt

Abstract: Given the paucity of empirical research, this study uses agency and role theories to examine the extent to which the evolving roles of chartered accountants (CAs) are connected to the economic growth of India. A sample of 238 respondents, including accounting educators, management accountants, and chartered accountants, was surveyed on 27 possible roles for CAs. In a response rate of 29.4%, and after removing outliers, 67 responses were used for analysis. Results showed that CAs play various roles, including financial reporting, risk management, financial due diligence, accurate reporting, and assisting companies in decision-making. However, there were significant differences in the responses of CAs and non-CAs. The results of regression analysis reveal that CAs played significant roles in financial management and control roles and in auditing, assurance, and advisory roles. Hence, this study has shed the light on the evolving role played by the CAs in India's economic growth. The study suggests that regulatory bodies and professional institutions should focus on training and improving CAs' skills. It also contains limitations of the study and direction for future research.

Keywords: chartered accountant; financial management and control; economic growth; auditing; assurance; advisory; taxation; sustainability; social and environmental reporting; digital and cybersecurity; financial due diligence; financial reporting and disclosure; India.

DOI: 10.1504/AAJFA.2026.154712

Afro-Asian Journal of Finance and Accounting, 2026 Vol.16 No.4, pp.435 - 481

Received: 01 Mar 2025
Accepted: 12 Jun 2025
Published online: 10 Jul 2026 *

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Title: Studying of the changing role of chartered accountants in India's economic growth

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