CA in Dubai | EP - 04

Summary

In this episode of 'Exploring CA Profiles,' the host interviews Rahul Ranjan, a Chartered Accountant working in Dubai. Rahul shares his journey from clearing his CA finals in 2018 to securing a job in Dubai via LinkedIn. He discusses the various roles available for Indian CAs, including auditing, taxation, and IFRS, and the potential for practice opportunities. He provides insights into the average salary for a CA fresher, which ranges from 7,000 to 11,000 AED, and the cost of living, advising on how to save and negotiate for better packages. Rahul also addresses the work culture, food, and the possibility of returning to India after gaining experience in Dubai. The interview is a valuable resource for CA students and professionals considering a career in Dubai.

Takeaways

• 😀 Rahul Ranjan, a chartered accountant, cleared his CA finals in November 2018 and has been working in Dubai for four years.
• 🌐 Apart from CA, Rahul holds a diploma in IFRS, which he pursued to enhance his chances of working overseas, particularly in the Middle East.
• 💼 Rahul secured his Dubai job as a fresher through LinkedIn, highlighting the importance of networking and being proactive in job searches.
• 🏢 In Dubai, profiles available for Indian CAs include audit, taxation, IFRS, risk and compliance, and opportunities in indirect taxation and corporate tax due to VAT and upcoming corporate tax laws.
• 💰 The average package for a CA fresher in Dubai ranges from 7,000 to 11,000 AED per month, with variations based on skills, negotiation, and company policies.
• 🏠 For a bachelor, the average cost of living in Dubai, including rent and food, is around 2,500 to 3,000 AED, while for a settled person, it can be 6,000 to 7,000 AED or more.
• 📈 Monetary growth in Dubai can be significant, with some individuals experiencing up to a 100% increase in their salary within a short period, depending on performance and negotiation skills.
• 🔄 Switching jobs in Dubai can lead to higher salary hikes compared to staying with the same company, with the potential for substantial increments during job changes.
• 🌆 The work culture in Dubai is described as good, with a supportive community of Indian CAs and regular professional events, making it easier for expatriates to adjust.
• 🔙 For those considering returning to India after working in Dubai, the ease of transition depends on the specific profile and whether it requires knowledge of Indian laws and regulations.

Q & A

When did Rahul clear his CA finals?

Rahul cleared his CA finals in November 2018.

What additional qualifications does Rahul have besides being a CA?

Apart from being a Chartered Accountant, Rahul has a diploma in IFRS.

How did Rahul get his job in Dubai?

Rahul got a job in Dubai via LinkedIn after he cleared his CA exams.

What kind of work experience does Rahul have in Dubai?

Rahul has four years of experience in Dubai, with three years in financial accounting advisory services implementing IFRS standards, and one year in risk and compliance.

How soon after clearing his CA exams did Rahul get a job offer in Dubai?

Rahul got a job offer in Dubai the next day after clearing his CA exams.

What advice does Rahul give to CA final students who have multiple attempts and want to work in Dubai?

Rahul advises to always work hard, improve, keep working on your skills, and it's easy to get a job if you have the right skill set.

Is there any campus placement program organized by ICAI specifically for Dubai?

Rahul is not sure of any campus placements specifically organized for Dubai, but suggests building connections on LinkedIn and applying on job websites as the best ways to get a job.

What are the different profiles available for Indian CAs in Dubai?

Profiles available for Indian CAs in Dubai include audit profiles in Big4, statutory audit, internal audits, indirect taxation, corporate tax, and transfer pricing.

What is the average package a CA fresher can expect in Dubai?

A CA fresher can expect an average package of around 7,000 to 11,000 AED per month in Dubai.

How much is the average cost of living for a bachelor in Dubai?

The average cost of living for a bachelor in Dubai can range from 2,500 to 3,000 AED per month, including shared accommodation, food, and traveling expenses.

What is the work culture like in Dubai for Indian CAs?

The work culture in Dubai is very good, with no problems faced by Rahul in his four years of experience, and there are many Indian CAs working there with a Dubai chapter organizing regular events.

How easy is it to find out about job vacancies in Dubai for Indian CAs?

Job vacancies in Dubai for Indian CAs are usually posted on LinkedIn, and one can apply directly from there or connect with people in the company to send their CV.

What are the prospects for Indian CAs who want to return to India after working in Dubai?

The ease of returning to India depends on the profile one is working in. For profiles not requiring knowledge of Indian laws, it's easier to come back and start a job. For others, like corporate taxation, there may be a need to learn Indian income tax.