Voices of the Profession: My Journey from Tohana to Transformation

By CA Siddharth Jain

“The name you know, the story you don’t.”

We often see Chartered Accountants as professionals with poised demeanors, sharp analytical minds, and lucrative careers. But what we don’t often see is the journey — the sleepless nights, the silent battles, the failed attempts, the lonely cities, and the silent resilience that fuels the ultimate success. This is my story — from a small town called Tohana to building multiple platforms for the CA community and becoming a voice of change for professionals across India.

I am CA Siddharth Jain, and this is not just my professional journey — this is a story of perseverance, purpose, and passion.

1.  Humble Beginnings – The Early Spark

I was born on 14th January 1997 in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan. But my upbringing happened in a small town in Haryana — Tohana, where I studied at Green Valley Public School. My childhood was simple — filled with values, discipline, and dreams. Even as a teenager, I had clarity — I wanted to do something big, something different.

Commerce fascinated me — the balance sheets, the logic, the clarity. I scored 90.6% in Class 12 (Commerce stream) and was the topper of my batch. The turning point came when I decided to pursue Chartered Accountancy. Not many in my town had attempted CA, and that only added to the fire in me.

2. CPT – First Step, First Win

I moved to Sri Ganganagar to prepare for CPT (CA Foundation). With no distractions and full dedication, I cracked CPT in the first attempt with 150 marks out of 200, securing a distinction. This was not just an exam result. It was validation that I had chosen the right path.

3. Delhi Days – Dreams Meet Reality

For CA Intermediate (IPCC), I moved to Delhi, the city of dreams — but also one that doesn’t slow down for anyone. I studied under some of the best faculties: CA Ajay Jain, CA Mayank Jain, CA Ashish Kalra, CA Praveen Jindal. I appeared for both groups in May 2015 and scored 482/700 — with exemptions in six out of seven subjects. I was also the district topper of Sri Ganganagar.

But this was only the beginning. The real challenge was just starting — Articleship.

4. Articleship – Rejections, Big 4, and Reality Checks

Getting an articleship in a reputed firm was my goal. I applied to many firms, faced interviews, rejections, and finally joined Luthra & Luthra Chartered Accountants in Delhi. But I soon realized it wasn’t the right fit for my learning goals.

I took a bold step — I resigned and targeted the Big 4 firms. After clearing multiple interview rounds, I got selected in Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP, Gurgaon. That was a dream come true.

At Deloitte, I worked under experienced mentors like CA Sujit Parakh (Partner) and CA Swaminathan K. (Director). I got exposure to Income Tax Appeals, Tribunal Visits, High Court Appearances, and complex case files.

But this came at a cost.

5. Health Crisis – When the Body Says No

Living alone in a PG in Gurgaon, managing long working hours, commuting, and CA studies took a toll. I started facing health issues. Long fevers, fatigue, and weakness made it difficult to cope.

This was the lowest point of my journey.

With a heavy heart and a practical mind, I decided — in consultation with my parents and Deloitte partners — to transfer back to my hometown. I joined CA Sahil Allahawadhi & Associates in Tohana for the remaining year of my articleship.

It wasn’t a compromise — it was self-care. And sometimes, the biggest strength is knowing when to pause.

6. CA Final – Failure, Self-Doubt, and Redemption

With articleship complete, I was ready for CA Final. My first attempt was due in May 2018 but I opted for November 2018 due to the transfer.

I gave the exam but didn’t clear. I felt crushed. But I didn’t give up.

I appeared again in May 2019. Again, I couldn’t make it.

At this point, I asked myself, “Is it worth it?” But the answer was always YES.

In November 2019, I cleared Group 2, and in November 2020, I cleared Group 1.

And on 1st February 2021, I finally became a Chartered Accountant.

7. The Next Chapter – Not a Job, But a Journey

After qualifying, I joined the corporate world. But I felt something was missing. I wasn’t made to just follow processes. I was made to create impact.

That’s when I started my own initiative — SJ Mentorship Group — a platform to guide CA students and professionals in LinkedIn branding, communication skills, foreign accounting, and global opportunities.

8. Building Platforms – Creating Ecosystems

Here are the initiatives I have built over the past few years:

• SJ Mentorship Group

A mentorship ecosystem that provides expert guidance on communication, LinkedIn branding, networking, and career strategy for CA professionals.

• SJ Foreign Accounting Training

We have trained 100+ CAs and firms in US, UK, Canada, UAE, and Australia-based accounting tools like QuickBooks, Xero, and Cloud-based Bookkeeping Systems. Our goal is to empower Indian CAs with global skills.

• SJ Placements

A recruitment and placement portal exclusively for Chartered Accountants and commerce professionals. We aim to bridge the gap between deserving candidates and right opportunities.

• CA SJ News 24

A news and information portal for the CA fraternity. We share opportunities, case laws, updates, and industry trends — curated for the profession.

• SME IPO Referral Program

We also support CAs in helping their clients with SME IPO listings and sharing professional fees with them, creating earning opportunities without additional work.

9. Impact – The Numbers That Matter

• Trained over 1500+ students and professionals in foreign accounting.
• Helped dozens of firms start their outsourcing practice.
• Created 10+ eBooks and learning materials on LinkedIn, outsourcing, and career planning.
• Built a LinkedIn community of 60,000+ followers.

But more than numbers, it’s the thank-you messages, success stories, and transformed lives that I count as real achievements.

10. Lessons from My Journey

• Health is the real wealth

Never ignore your health while chasing your goals. Success is meaningless without well-being.

• Failures are Feedback

Every failed attempt shaped me. It made me humble, focused, and hungry.

• Brand Yourself

In today’s world, your personal brand is your identity. LinkedIn is not optional — it is essential.

• Give Back Early

Don’t wait to become a senior or a partner to help others. Start now. Share your journey. Mentor juniors.

• Small Towns, Big Dreams

Your pin code does not decide your potential. Your mindset does.

11. The Road Ahead – Mission 1000

My mission now is to guide 1000 CA firms in India to set up their own outsourced accounting practice and build global clientele. I also aim to train 10,000 students in foreign accounting, communication, and branding by 2026.

Because I believe the world is looking towards India — and CAs will lead that revolution.

12. Conclusion – Be the Voice, Be the Change

This article is not about my achievements — it’s about telling every CA student and professional:
“You are stronger than your setbacks. You are capable of rewriting your story.”

From Tohana to Deloitte, from failures to qualification, and from individual success to community building — I’ve walked the path most won’t see. But if my story inspires even one CA to believe in themselves — it’s worth it.

Let’s not just be members of the profession.
Let’s be Voices of the Profession.

About the Author

CA Siddharth Jain is a Chartered Accountant, mentor, and founder of SJ Mentorship Group, CA SJ Placements, and SJ Foreign Accounting. He is on a mission to transform the career journey of commerce professionals in India and make them globally competitive.

📩 Email: siddh.jain1997@gmail.com

🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/siddharth-jain-101b70102

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