Leaders

In a world that is steadily embracing the brilliance of women in boardrooms, courtrooms and control rooms, finance is no longer an exception. Across sectors, women leaders are not only occupying space, but they are also transforming it. In this evolving landscape, the world of Chartered Accountancy, a domain historically perceived as male dominated, is witnessing a quiet but resolute revolution led by women who combine sharp technical acumen with unwavering integrity. Among the names defining this movement is Anitha R, a Chartered Accountant and the visionary force behind Anitha and Associates.

Anitha’s journey, grounded in perseverance and de­fined by excellence, reflects not just personal achieve­ment but the possibilities available to countless aspir­ing women professionals in India. Anitha's professional path stands as an inspiring narrative of how passion, purpose and preparation converge to create meaningful impact in a complex, fast changing financial world.

Over the years, her work has garnered national rec­ognition. She was awarded the Best GST Presentation Award for delivering a lucid, insightful presentation that demystified India’s Goods and Services Tax, bring­ing both clarity and practicality to a topic often shroud­ed in jargon. Her article on Taxation of Joint Develop­ment Contracts received acclaim for simplifying one of the most intricate areas of real estate taxation, making it both relevant and accessible. Similarly, her piece on Income Tax Search, Seizure and Survey was celebrated for its analytical depth and utility, resonating with pro­fessionals seeking a grounded understanding of legal processes.

Anitha’s story is not just about awards and accolades, it is about overcoming expectations, challenging as­sumptions and building a practice rooted in knowledge, ethics and shared ambition. Her journey began not with certainty, but with curiosity, sparked by a challenge from her college teachers, who pushed her to think beyond convention and tap into her true potential. With the un­wavering encouragement of her parents, she took a leap into the Chartered Accountancy profession, without ful­ly knowing what it involved at the time. Let’s hear more from her in this one-on-one interaction.

Can you walk us through your professional journey as a Partner at Thirumala Associates, Chartered Accountants? What were the key areas of expertise you developed during this phase of your career?

Looking back, my journey as a Partner at Thirumala As­sociates was shaped by passion, purpose, and resilience. I focused on building systems to serve diverse client needs and found joy in mentoring CA students, espe­cially in taxation and accountancy. Balancing a growing practice with motherhood was demanding, particularly in a field where women were rarely seen representing clients before tax authorities. That visibility came with its own hurdles, but also immense strength. I was just 31 with a nine month old baby when I handled my first Income Tax search case, that too alone, with no guidance, relying solely on determination and learning. That case and others that followed shaped me. They revealed my inner resilience and sparked a mission to mentor other women CAs choosing the road less travelled, practice.

What motivated you to establish Anitha and Associates? What core vision drives the firm, and what are its primary areas of specialization?

At Thirumala Associates, I gained invaluable exposure to the CA profession, but there was always a persistent voice within me, urging me to support young women Char­tered Accountants aiming to start their own practice. I faced many challenges and uncertainties, but I saw them as lessons for the future. A pivotal moment came when I met K. R. Vasudevan, a former IRS officer turned advo­cate, who introduced me to tax litigation and encour­aged me to pursue law. At 44, I made the bold decision to study law, which reshaped my professional identity. Together with CA Indira and CA Sheela, we founded an all-women CA firm. Today, mentoring young aspirants is my greatest joy, as I help them avoid the mistakes I once made and empowering them to chart their own path.

Tell us about your key responsibilities at Anitha and Associates. How do you manage the firm’s daily operations while ensuring client success remains a top priority?

At Anitha and Associates, our mission has always been to simplify the complex, both in numbers and in the lives of our clients. We see ourselves not just as financial ad­visors, but as mentors and partners. We also take pride in helping aspiring women entrepreneurs navigate fi­nances and build sustainable businesses. Our approach is warm, personal, and approachable. We share in our clients' journeys with empathy and encouragement, cel­ebrating their wins and standing by them through chal­lenges. The trust we’ve earned, especially from women seeking financial privacy, humbles us. Ultimately, our greatest reward is seeing clients leave with a smile, em­powered and hopeful for the future.

As a woman at the helm of a successful financial practice, how do you define your approach to leadership? What would you consider your ‘success mantra’?

For me, leadership is about courage, clarity and compas­sion, not authority or hierarchy. As a woman leading a successful financial practice, I’ve learned that true lead­ership starts with the courage to stay grounded in your values, especially during uncertain times. In finance, ethics are non-negotiable. My approach is to keep things simple and precise, offering clarity that leads to practi­cal, actionable solutions. Leadership also means setting an example to your kids and team, by showing genuine interest in every task, building trust and fostering a cul­ture of excellence. My success mantra is, “Good thoughts lead to Great works”. When intentions are pure, success becomes a way of life.

CA Anitha R, Chartered Accountant, Anitha And Associates

A seasoned leader in the financial sector, Anitha R is known for her ethical approach, clarity, and commitment to mentorship. She champions simplicity in complex situations, empowering her team while inspiring clients with her unwavering dedication to excel­lence and integrity.