Leaders

The corporate world, bound by rigid schedules, often clashes with the multifaceted roles women juggle. However, instead of choosing between career and personal life, many are forging their paths by turning entrepreneurship into a space where ambition and flexibility coexist. No longer confined by outdated structures, they are proving that success isn’t about clocking hours but about creating impact. Tanuja Sinha, Proprietor at Tanuja Sinha and Associates, has seamlessly balanced her professional ambitions with her personal responsibilities.

Determined from a young age to carve her own identity, Tanuja pursued a career in finance. However, she navigated multiple career breaks to prioritize her children and family while ensuring she remained financially independent. Her journey, from industry roles to the Big 4 Consulting Firms and eventually entrepreneurship, was shaped by her need for flexibility without compromising on professional excellence.

Recognizing the growing financial complexities faced by NRIs, Tanuja leveraged her expertise in expat taxation to establish a one-stop solution catering to their diverse needs, including tax filings, seamless financial transactions, legal assistance, inheritance management, fund repatriation and such other similar services. Beyond professional success, she remains deeply committed to social impact, ensuring her workforce comprises first-generation graduates and providing them with structured training and career growth opportunities.

In an exclusive interview with Women Entrepreneurs Review magazine, Tanuja talks more about her company, its unique operational model, and much more. Let’s delve into it.

What key competencies have you developed over your years of experience in the taxation and finance space?

Over the years, my key competency has been understanding my client's unique needs and developing customized solutions, no matter how intricate the problem is. I have evolved into a trusted advisor, often acting as a mini-counselor for a diverse client base, ranging from 30 to 90 years old. Interestingly, about 90 percent of my clients are based overseas, in countries like the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, UAE, New Zealand and Germany and rely on me to handle their financial, tax and compliance related matters in India. Despite never meeting many of them in person, I ensure smooth execution through a single-window service model that integrates legal, banking and compliance solutions. I work closely with lawyers, banks and property consultants to streamline processes.

Can you introduce us to Tanuja Sinha and Associates (TSA) and describe the responsibilities you manage as the proprietor?

Tanuja Sinha and Associates is a Kolkata-based Chartered Accountancy firm specializing in taxation and compliance services for individuals, particularly Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs). We offer personalized, hassle-free and efficient financial solutions tailored to our clients' unique needs.

I oversee client engagements, strategize customized solutions and ensure seamless service delivery. My team and I assist NRIs with tax planning, fund repatriation, obtaining income tax clearances, dealing with inheritance issues and property-related tax compliance.

For resident clients, we provide comprehensive tax advisory, return filing and GST-related services.

Hence, I see myself as an entrepreneur and not just practicing CA. I try to solve client problems even beyond my domain boundaries.

What are the most pressing challenges you face in your leadership role at TSA, and how are you successfully navigating these obstacles?

One of the biggest challenges I have faced in my leadership role at TSA is building and retaining the right team. In the early days, I did not have the resources to recruit experienced staff. So, I had to identify individuals with potential, train and nurture their growth. Attrition and the uncertainties of the pandemic also tested our resilience. However, by fostering a strong work culture, providing a supportive work environment and ensuring financial growth for my team, I have been able to build a dedicated workforce. I firmly believe that happy employees lead to a thriving business, and as we grow, my team grows with me.

What are the most special milestones you have achieved in your journey?

One of the most special milestones in my journey has been the ability to give back to society. When I started, my goals were personal but as my firm grew, I realized that true success isn’t just about personal achievements, it’s about the impact we create for the society. Today, my Firm employs 12 people, and my goal is to expand further, creating more opportunities and transforming more lives.

How do you foresee the NRI taxation and financial consulting space evolving in India?

With over 35 million NRIs worldwide, many still have strong financial ties to India, and with India emerging as a prime investment destination, their engagement is only increasing. High-net-worth NRIs, in particular, are looking for structured, tax-efficient ways to grow and manage their wealth in India. With stricter tax compliance, enhanced data capturing and increased regulatory oversight, NRIs can no longer afford to be unaware of their financial obligations. Transactions are now closely monitored, and any mismatch triggers notices, creating stress for non-residents. This is where expert consulting becomes crucial. As the industry grows, I see the need to expand beyond client referrals and actively engage in business development. The key will be to ensure that NRIs can navigate complex tax laws while making the most of India’s thriving investment landscape.

Tanuja Sinha, Proprietor, Tanuja Sinha & Associates

A Chartered Accountant from ICAI and a B. Com (Hons) graduate from the University of Calcutta, Tanuja Sinha now has over 25 years of experience in taxation, finance, and compliance. She has held key positions at Henkel Spic India, KPO start-ups, EY and PwC before establishing Tanuja Sinha and Associates (TSA).