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.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Introduction to CA in Dubai

The video begins with the host introducing a special episode focused on a Chartered Accountant (CA) working in Dubai. The host had previously asked Instagram followers for questions to ask the CA in Dubai, and the episode features an interview with a friend, Raul Ranjan, who is a CA and a working professional in Dubai. Raul shares his journey, including clearing his CA finals in November 2018, obtaining a diploma in IFRS to enhance his chances of working overseas, and his four years of experience in Dubai. He discusses his initial job in financial accounting advisory services, implementing IFRS standards, and his current role in risk and compliance. Raul also talks about how he got his job in Dubai as a fresher through a LinkedIn message and encourages CA final students to work hard and improve their skills for job opportunities.

05:04

💼 Opportunities and Profiles for CAs in Dubai

In this segment, the discussion shifts to the opportunities available for CAs in Dubai. Raul explains that while there may not be specific campus placements for Dubai, building connections on LinkedIn and networking are key to securing jobs. He also mentions that job websites like Gulf Jobs are useful for applying to positions in the Middle East. Raul highlights the variety of profiles available for Indian CAs, including audit profiles in Big4 firms, indirect taxation due to the introduction of value-added tax, and opportunities in corporate tax and transfer pricing. The conversation also covers the possibility of setting up a practice in Dubai and the average package for a CA fresher, which can range from 7,000 to 11,000 AED, depending on skills and negotiation.

10:04

🏙️ Living and Working in Dubai as a CA

The final paragraph delves into the practical aspects of living and working in Dubai as a CA. Raul discusses the cost of living, with an average of 2,500 to 3,000 AED for a bachelor and 6,000 to 7,000 AED for a settled person, depending on lifestyle and location. He also talks about the potential savings in Indian rupees, considering the exchange rate. Raul shares insights on monetary growth, suggesting that significant growth is possible, especially with good negotiation skills and performance. He addresses the work culture, noting that it is positive and that there is a strong Indian presence in Dubai, with many Indian CAs and regular CP events. Raul also provides advice on applying for jobs in Dubai, emphasizing the importance of LinkedIn and building connections. Lastly, he touches on the ease of returning to India after working in Dubai, depending on the profile and the need to adapt to Indian laws.

Keywords

💡CA (Chartered Accountant)

A Chartered Accountant (CA) is a professional accountant who has completed the requisite qualifications and examinations to be designated as such. In the video, the term is central as it refers to the profession of the interviewee, Rahul Ranjan, and the audience's interest in understanding the career prospects for CAs, especially in Dubai. The discussion revolves around the opportunities, challenges, and experiences of a CA working in Dubai, highlighting the importance of this designation in the context of international job markets.

💡Dubai

Dubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and serves as a global business hub. The video focuses on the experiences of a CA working in Dubai, emphasizing the city's significance as a destination for professionals seeking international work opportunities. Dubai is highlighted for its dynamic work culture, diverse professional profiles available for CAs, and the lifestyle that it offers to expatriate workers.

💡LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that is frequently mentioned in the video as a tool for job seekers to connect with potential employers and find job opportunities. The video suggests that building a strong LinkedIn profile and networking actively on the platform can be instrumental in securing jobs in Dubai, as it was for the interviewee who received a job offer through a connection on LinkedIn shortly after clearing his CA exams.

💡IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards)

IFRS refers to a set of accounting standards used for preparing financial statements that are supposed to be consistent, transparent, and easily comparable across countries. The video mentions that the interviewee has a diploma in IFRS, which was advantageous for him in securing a job in the Middle East. This highlights the relevance of IFRS knowledge for CAs looking to work in international financial hubs like Dubai.

💡Campus Placement

Campus placement refers to the process by which companies recruit graduates directly from educational institutions. The video discusses the question of whether the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) organizes campus placements specifically for Dubai, indicating that while there may not be specific placements, the ICAI does facilitate opportunities for CAs to work overseas.

💡Big Four

The term 'Big Four' refers to the four largest professional services networks in the world, which include Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG. The video mentions the Big Four in the context of job opportunities for CAs in Dubai, suggesting that these major firms offer various profiles such as audit, advisory, and tax services, which are attractive to chartered accountants.

💡Taxation

Taxation is a key area of expertise for CAs, and the video discusses the opportunities in indirect taxation, corporate tax, and transfer pricing that have emerged in Dubai due to the introduction of value-added tax (VAT) and potential future corporate tax regulations. This underscores the growing demand for tax professionals in the region and the diverse career paths available to CAs.

💡Work Culture

Work culture refers to the values, norms, and practices that characterize an organization or a region's professional environment. The video provides insights into the work culture in Dubai, describing it as positive and inclusive, with a significant Indian expatriate community and a supportive environment for CAs, as experienced by the interviewee.

💡Cost of Living

The cost of living refers to the expense of maintaining a certain standard of living in a particular area. The video discusses the cost of living in Dubai for both bachelors and settled individuals, providing estimates for rent, food, and other expenses. This information is crucial for CAs considering a move to Dubai to understand their financial planning and potential savings.

💡Monetary Growth

Monetary growth in the context of the video refers to the potential increase in salary or income over time. The discussion about monetary growth in Dubai for CAs includes the possibility of significant salary hikes, especially for those who perform well or are effective in job negotiations. This highlights the dynamic nature of compensation in the region and the importance of professional performance and market conditions.

Highlights

Introduction to the episode focusing on the CA (Chartered Accountant) in Dubai.

Rahul Ranjan shares his journey of becoming a Chartered Accountant and clearing his finals in November 2018.

Rahul's strategy of obtaining a diploma in IFRS to enhance his job prospects in the Middle East.

Rahul's transition from financial accounting advisory services to risk and compliance in Dubai.

Rahul's advice for CA students on building connections and networking on LinkedIn to secure jobs in Dubai.

The importance of skill set and interview performance in obtaining jobs, even for multiple attempt CAs.

Availability of profiles for Indian CAs in Dubai, including audit, taxation, IFRS, and transfer pricing.

Opportunities for CAs to build a practice in Dubai and the presence of many CA firms.

Average package for a CA fresher in Dubai, ranging from 7,000 to 11,000 AED.

Cost of living in Dubai for bachelors and settled individuals, including rent and food expenses.

Potential savings for CAs working in Dubai, considering the exchange rate and monthly expenses.

Monetary growth prospects for CAs in Dubai, including percentage increments and growth opportunities.

Comparison of work culture in Dubai versus India, and the availability of Indian food in Dubai.

Strategies for applying to jobs in Dubai, including using LinkedIn and connecting with company insiders.

Challenges and considerations for CAs wanting to return to India after working in Dubai.

Conclusion of the episode with a call to action for viewers to subscribe for more informative content.

Transcripts

Hey everyone.

Welcome back to our another episode of Exploring CA Profiles, and this episode

is gonna be different because this is not only about the profile, but yeah.

This about the CA in Dubai.

So a few days back I just posted on Instagram that, what are

the questions which you want to ask from the ca in Dubai.

And I have received a very good response on that.

Okay.

So in this episode we are going to ask all those questions to one of my friend who

is a working professional in Dubai and who is recently got married and like still, he

is giving me time to take this interview.

Thank you so much, Raul for that.

Okay, so let's get started.

Okay, so my first question is, can you just give me a brief introduction,

like when did you clear your CA finals?

What other qualifications do you have apart from Ca and how did you

decided that, okay, you want to ship to Dubai and everything about you?

Where from, where do you belong like that Thank you kavita So I am, uh, Rahul Ranjan

a chartered accountant by profession.

I cleared my chartered accountancy in November, 2018 . After that, I got a

job in Dubai via Linkedin uh, apart from chartered accountancy, I did diploma

IFRS because, uh, when I cleared my ca exams, India was not in arts labors.

So, and I always wanted to work overseas.

So I thought getting an, uh, getting a diploma in, IFRS will be, uh,

will give me a little bit advantage to get a job in, uh, middle East.

I have total four years of experience working in dubai.

Uh, three years I was, uh, in financial accounting advisory services where

I was implementing IFRS standards, like if RS nine, if RS 15, 16 and 17.

And then, uh, from the last, uh, the last year, I shifted to a new company,

uh, that is also consulting firm I am in the risk and compliance department.

So currently I'm doing operational risk assessment for, uh, and some fraud

risk assessment for insurance company.

Okay.

So when, uh, did you shifted to Dubai, like as a fresher chartered accountant?

Did you got, uh, the job in the Dubai or like you have some working experience

in India and then you got shifted it?

No, I was only having articles of experience of three years,

which we all sees have.

So I got a job there as a fresher.

So, uh, uh, just your next day of me clearing, uh, the Chartered Accountant's

exam, I got a message on Linkedin.

, uh, from one of, uh, my senior managers in that firm.

Uh, do you want to work in Dubai?

I told yes and interview was done and within one week I got the job.

Yeah.

And, uh, this one is for the, uh, those, uh, students, the CA final

student who have multiple attempts.

So I'm also multiple attempt Chartered accountant.

You.

But, uh, what I want to say is that always work hard, improve, keep working

on your skills and you will get a job.

It's very easy to get a job if you have the right skill set.

So me being a multiple attempt CA I easily cracked all the,

uh, interview and I got it.

That's so great to hear.

And it's kind of a motivational too.

Okay, so let's start with a chain of questions, which,

uh, students have asked to me.

Okay.

So their first question is like, is there any campus placement program

organized by ICAI for, uh, generally for the, like, for the aspirants

who wants to work in the Dubai?

Because I guess our degree is applicable to the Dubai also.

So, uh, I'm not sure of any campus placements specifically organized

for Dubai, but I think our institute organizes some overseas campus placement.

So I have never participated in that, I'm not sure.

But, for those, students who want to work overseas, uh, the best

way to get a job is via referral.

Build your connections on LinkedIn.

and, do networking.

A lot of networks, send cold emails, text messages, build your network.

And then I think you may land up a job in overseas.

This is one of, uh, the best way.

The second way, is to apply, in the carrier.

Job websites like you have in, middle East.

You have gulf jobs, you have Nok gulf apply on those websites and you

have to keep on applying because it's not, sitting in India and getting

a job overseas is not that easy.

So you have to keep on applying, build your network, and you will

land it if you have the right skill.

Set the skills which recruiters want if you have it.

You will land a job.

Okay.

So that means like while being in India, like while staying in India

also we can start to apply and we can give the interviews and after clearing

their interview, we can move to Dubai.

Right?

Like we don't need to go to that country and then find the jobs third way.

Yeah, definitely.

If someone is able to travel to the Dubai, because it's a costly thank you,

need to, be there for at least a month.

, there will be some expenses.

So if you're ready to invest that much time and money, then

yeah, the probability of getting a job in the way is much higher.

If you are in the Dubai and you're looking for a job, but that is a bit costly.

So, because many students, those who are freshers will not be

able to invest that much amount.

So it's better, uh, to build your connections in India and start applying.

Okay, so my next question is, what are the profiles available for

Indian CA's there like auditing.

Auditing must be different, I guess.

In India, auditing happens with our laws.

So how different is that and what are the other profiles available?

Like taxation or IFRS?

You have said profiles for Indian ca are, uh, if you are in Big4's

there will be audit profiles, statutory audit, internal audits.

Then, uh, UAE also introduced, uh, value added tax.

In, I think November in 2018 or 17 it got introduced.

So there is a lot of opportunities in indirect taxation that now, they

are also introducing corporate tax.

So there are a lot of opportunities now in corporate tax and international

taxation because, Saudi, they also have.

Corporate tax from, from many years.

So now they're, uh, the companies in Dubai, uh, they have a lot of

transactions, across the Middle East.

So those countries which have corporate tax, there will be a lot

of transfer pricing things, which, uh, there are a lot of opportunities

in transfer pricing right now.

So this is about the ca in job, let's say like a ca wants

to, build a practice in Dubai.

So is it, is it possible practice?

Yes, there are a lot of, uh, ca firms a lot of chartered accountants who

are practicing, they have their firms uh, there are a lot of small firms,

uh, cas, who are doing practice.

So my next question is like, what is the average package a CA fresher can get?

So if you are in big four, uh, you can get something around 10,000 s to 11,000 s as

an associate consultant or a consultant.

So it all depends on your skills and negotiation.

So if someone is getting 10,000, there will be cas who might

be getting 5,000, 7,000 also.

So it all depends, uh, based on your qualification, based

on how you gave the interview.

So there is no right or wrong answer for this.

So something around seven to 11,000, uh, ca can get easily,

someone is getting less than that.

Then, then this would makes sure that they're, uh, being, they're provided

with accommodation by their company.

If they're not provided accommodation and their salary is 5,000, then it's a bit d.

Otherwise, seven to 11,000 is what most of the freshers get.

I'm talking in dhirams right?

Monthly.

Right, right.

Okay.

Monthly.

Okay.

This is monthly.

And how much is the average, uh, cost of living, like the rent expenses,

food expenses for a bachelor, and as well as for a settled person,

like who are living individually.

So someone, uh, who is a bachelor, if they go for a shared accommodation,

the cost of living will be less.

Suppose 1500 s, they can get a monthly sharing accommodation, then maybe

thousand s for food and traveling.

So 2,500 to 3000 is the average expense.

It can be less also.

It can be more also depending on people to people.

So 3000 s for a batch.

Okay.

And like someone who is not a bachelor, who wants to get settled in the Dubai.

Maybe six to 7,000 or, uh, it may be more, uh, depending on

which location you are staying.

If you're look, uh, staying in under metro.

If you are, if you're having, uh, one bhk, it'll, uh, the rent, the cost will go up.

. It all depends on your lifestyle.

So, but someone who settled, they can, uh, manage with six to 7,000 grams per month.

So how much is like, how much we can save on an average in

Indian rupees, like monthly?

How much we can save?

It all depends on your package.

Someone's salary is 10 thousands dhirams and they, uh, their

expenditure is 50%, 5,000.

They can save 5,000 tariffs, which is equivalent.

Right now the exchange rate, uh, exchange rate is 22.

So 5,000 into 22.

Something around one lack 10,020.

Okay.

Okay.

So anyways, it's like better than doing job in India, . Okay.

And how is the monetary growth in long run?

Like, how is the increment percentage on an average, like you can say a

range, or if you wanna switch from one company to another company, then

how is the average hike you can get?

See, uh, many people I've heard, uh, including me, I will say,

uh, you can expect a hundred percent growth if you are to.

Uh, again, I will say, uh, not everyone will get that.

It depends on the way you negotiate, the way you gave your interview.

It's, it depends on person to person, so there is no average rate.

Some people get 50.

If you're not able to give your interview well, are not able to negotiate,

you may end up getting 25%, 20%.

So, but, uh, there is a lot of growth op uh, growth opportunities in, uh, You can

easily get a hundred percent growth also.

Okay.

And like if you're staying in the same company, then how about the agreement?

Promotions and all again, depends on the performance, how you are performing.

So it can range up to 20, 25%.

If you are not perform well, maybe 10% depending on what package you are.

If your salary's loaded, uh, then the percentage will.

Like if your salary is 7,000, 8,000, then 20, 25% or 40, even 40%

they give if your salary is less.

But if your salary is, may be more then 15, 20%.

So, uh, again, it's very subjective, you know, it depends on person to

person, the way you are performing.

If you're performing well, then definitely you don't have to

worry about money in the Dubai.

Okay, , so my next question is like, how is the work culture there, how it is

different from India, and how do you feel?

Like being there, how is the food and all these things.

So the work culture is very good.

I have not faced any problem in my last four years.

I'm traveling to other GCC countries like Bahrain, QAT, Saudi.

The work culture is very good everywhere.

I have never faced any problem as of now.

The are a lot of Indian cas who are working there.

We have a Dubai chapter also.

. So which organizes lot of, um, CP events, which happens almost on a regular basis.

So, uh, the work culture is good.

The food, if you are, you get all kinds of Indian food in Dubai, you

will not face any problem whether you are a gujrati , Marathi , Rajasthani

you get everything Punjabi.

You get, there are people from all the different parts of INDIA.

And there are places where you will only find Indians.

Okay, that's great.

Like you don't miss the Indian touch there.

Yeah, you don't miss the Indian touch, you don't miss the Indian for, so how to apply

a job in Dubai you have already said that via LinkedIn or like via telecom groups.

You can, but like is there anything from where we can get to know,

okay, this company is having vacancy so we can apply there.

No, I don't think there is any such thing.

, if there is any vacancy that will be posted on LinkedIn.

So on LinkedIn you can just, go to the search criteria and, put

a filter in the country, Dubai.

Then you will get all the jobs which are there.

This is one of the way in which you can, because most of the

companies, post the jobs in LinkedIn also, so you can apply from there.

If you see any job from X measured company, then start connecting with

the people in that company on LinkedIn.

Send your CV to them on LinkedIn and send your CV to the hiring manager.

If, you are able to find the name of the hiring manager

or to the HR of the company.

So this are some of the ways in which you can, send your

CV across the right person.

There is no particular website I will say where you can get to know.

Yeah.

So there is only, uh, the other way I told build connections.

So my last question is like, uh, how is the opportunity if someone wants to

come back, let's say, okay, you have spent five years or 10 years in the way

and now you want to come back to India.

So, um, for that Kavita it depends on which profile you are working.

If someone is working in, UAE okay.

That is, different from Indian gst.

So, uh, it'll be a little bit challenge for them to adopt gsg.

But if you're working in internal audit, if you are working in risk and

compliance, if you are doing operational transfer banks or fraud risk assessment

or, uh, the profiles which do not require, knowledge of Indian laws,

So then it'll be very easy to come back to India and, start a job here.

But, uh, if you, uh, are working in corporate taxation, say, then again, you

will have to learn the Indian income tax.

So, There will be some efforts required to transition.

Okay, so I guess like I have asked most of the, commonly asked

questions to you and thank you so much for attending this session.

Like even though you are so busy with your marriage rituals, if I have left anything,

then I'll provide Rahul's LinkedIn ID in the description box and you can definitely

message him and Rahul will be so happy to guide you further and answer you.

And you can even send your CV to him.

Thank you Kavita, for inviting me to your show.

Okay guys, so let's send this video here and, uh, please subscribe

for more such useful content.

Thanks for watching.