Leaders
Around the world, women leaders are reshaping the future of business, leading with empathy, strategic vision, and remarkable resilience. Their roles have shifted from symbolic to indispensable. In the evolving landscape of Indian finance, women Chartered Accountants continue to push boundaries, balancing tradition with ambition. Among them, Arti Telang, CA and co-founding partner at ARTH & Associates, stands out, not just for her technical expertise, but for her resilience, clarity of vision, and relentless drive to build something meaningful. Arti's story is not just about breaking ceilings, it’s about owning every step and never looking back. Let’s hear more from her.
What were the turning points that transformed your career?
I see my journey as unfolding in key phases that shaped me into the leader I am today. My first breakthrough came at Price Waterhouse Coopers, where I was trusted with large audits early on. It was overwhelming, but it taught me how to lead under pressure. I discovered my strength in strategic thinking combined with technical precision while working across industries like pharma, textiles, automotive, and IT. The next big leap was launching my own practice. That phase tested my limits, I was balancing motherhood, home responsibilities, and the hustle of pitching for work. I realized I couldn’t be everything every day, and that gave me space to grow. A former MNC client, initially skeptical, later gave me a statutory audit, validating my leap into entrepreneurship.
Another defining moment came mid-practice, during a chaotic audit under tight deadlines. With a collaborative team and calm leadership, we delivered on time, which reminded me that strong teams, not just big visions, build success. Personally, one of the most powerful turning points came early in my marriage, during financial hardship. My husband and I set a simple goal, to welcome our first child in our own home. That vision kept us focused, and his unwavering belief in me became my foundation.
Why did you choose to become a Chartered Accountant, and what motivated you to stick with it?
Growing up in a traditional Marwari household, I was surrounded by conservative mindsets, but my grandfather believed deeply in the power of education. Watching my mother’s financial dependence made me determined to choose a different path for myself. I was always drawn to math and finance in school, and becoming a CA felt like more than just a career choice, it was my ticket to independence. I knew that if I could crack the CA exam, I’d finally have a say in my own life. My father wasn’t supportive at first, but my elder sister stepped in and funded my foundation exam. I cleared it on the first attempt, and never looked back. The day I became a CA, my dad distributed sweets to the entire colony. That moment is etched in my heart.
What matters is that we listen to each other, align on our goals, and move forward with what’s truly best for the firm
What are your core strengths developed over your two-decade-long career in finance?
My journey in finance started with A.F. Ferguson & Co., and then I spent several years at Price Waterhouse before co-founding ARTH & Associates. Over the past 20+ years, I’ve built deep expertise across several areas. I’m strong in technical accounting and reporting, especially with IFRS and regulatory compliance. Audit and risk management have been key focus areas for me, and I have a sharp eye for identifying risks and strengthening internal controls. I also take pride in client relationship management, where I blend empathy with strategic thinking to deliver real value. Leadership and team building are close to my heart, I’ve mentored many and learned to handle setbacks with resilience and grace. Above all, I hold ethics and integrity at the core of everything I do. Confidentiality and trust aren’t just values, they’re non-negotiables in my work.
What inspired the creation of ARTH & Associates, and what does the firm stand for today?
ARTH & Associates was born from the merger of my own firm, Arti Sandeep & Associates, founded in 2001, with R.B. Baheti & Co., a respected CA firm with over 40 years of legacy. Our goal was to blend deep-rooted heritage with modern thinking. We chose the name 'ARTH' because it means 'meaning' in Marathi and has roots in Sanskrit economics, it perfectly reflects our mission, ‘to add real value through everything we do’. Today, with offices in Pune, Mumbai, and Akola, and a team of over 70 professionals, we offer a range of services including statutory and tax audits, internal audits and risk advisory, tax compliance, accounting outsourcing, ERP and IFC support, and financial advisory. What defines us is our commitment to being a trusted, ethical partner, providing expert and customized financial solutions to every client we serve.
How would you describe your leadership style and current focus areas at ARTH & Associates?
As a partner, I take a very hands-on approach when it comes to our firm’s strategy, client experience, and internal culture. Right now, I’m especially focused on expanding our outsourcing services, integrating the right technology, and delivering advisory solutions that are not just insightful but also actionable for our clients. Internally, I believe strong collaboration is key. As partners, we don’t always agree, and that’s okay. What matters is that we listen to each other, align on our goals, and move forward with what’s truly best for the firm.
Reflecting on your career, what are the key milestones that stand out to you? What would you say has been your ‘success mantra’?
Looking back, a few moments stand out. Clearing my CA exams on the first attempt was a significant achievement. Joining a Big Four firm felt like a milestone, but the boldest step was leaving that secure job to start my own practice, eventually leading to ARTH & Associates. My success mantra? Integrity and quality. I always strive to meet high expectations, putting myself in the client’s shoes. A satisfied client becomes my strongest advocate, which drives me forward.
Arti Telang, CA & Co-Founding Partner, Arth & Associates
With over two decades of experience in finance, Arti Telang is a seasoned Chartered Accountant and Co-Founder of ARTH & Associates. Known for her expertise in auditing, taxation, and financial advisory, she is dedicated to delivering exceptional client solutions with integrity.
