In Conversation with Dawa Choezom, the latest Tibetan Chartered Accountant in exile

February 13, 2014
CA Dawa Choezom receiving the certificate of
membership from the president
of Institute of Chartered Accountant of India 
 

Dawa Choezom is the latest and second Tibetan to become a Chartered accountant. She took 6 years to turn her dreams into reality. Tibet Telegraph caught up with Miss Dawa Choezom to explore out more about her dreams and dedications.


1- Why a Chartered Accountant?


The idea of becoming a chartered accountant first occurred when I was studying in class 12, when an Indian CA visited my school (SOS TCV Bylakuppe) for audit. I used to wonder why an Indian has to come and check accounts of Tibetan school. It has been a huge curiosity and we had a common notion that CA is an impossible course as there was no Tibetans CA by then. I always kept in the back of my mind to be a CA. So, I did my B.Com in MCC, Chennai and pursued my CA course after that.


2-
What have been the biggest mile stones in your career?

Till now, I must say, qualifying as a chartered accountant and working in KPMG.

3-
What has been the greatest challenge you have faced in your career to date?

I have not faced any great challenge as such, I have been always lucky as I am surrounded by supportive family, cousins and friends. My parents, especially my mother had worked hard to give me the best of everything I could ask for. But I have made sacrifices. The classes for CA used to be early mornings, evenings and weekends. I had to sacrifice sleep and fun times when my other friends were enjoying. I travelled in city buses to attend classes, to go to office (articleship office) when I had less money and travelling by auto to classes or office was a luxury I enjoyed sometimes. I also did cooking, washing and other chores on own. It was a struggle, but somehow I managed to do them all for all those years.

I am thankful to TCV scholarship for providing me scholarship throughout my studies because I needed financial assistance for all those years when I was studying. I also have a sponsor Ida and Dick Van Gulik, who have encouraged me with their financial and motivational support.


4-
What aspects of your career path would you like to have been different?

When choosing streams after class 10, I was sure I am not meant for science and not too interested in arts. So Commerce was the only choice left. By the end of class 12, I knew I wanted to do CA, but due to improper source of guidance, I didn’t have the guts to plunge into CA right away. While in college, I had classmates who were pursuing CA. I was sure that I wanted to study CA though I had no idea how to go about it. At the end of my B.Com, I had a friend who was pursuing CA. I got to know the procedure for registration at CA institute and registration for classes. I also had friends in Chennai who are non-CAs, who were immensely supportive, be it accompanying to my institute for registration, searching for hostel, shifting to hostel and having fun times on weekends.

5-
What are the requirements or skills to become a CA?

I must say believe in oneself, hardwork, perseverance and also to know how to have fun! I think it is important to maintain a good balance.

6-
How did you crack your CA exams? How many hours do you spend per day while preparing for a CA exam?

I was never a brilliant student as compared to my Indian classmates. It was my hardwork and being focused on the final target (CA). I used to study on average 10 hours a day during last 3 months before exam and regular reading of the subjects.


7-
Where are you working right now and can you tell us a little bit about your current company and your future plans? 

I am working in KPMG, Chennai for the last 11 months in an Audit department, handling different clients in audit and assurance services.  KPMG is one of the big four accounting firms. It has been a challenging cum enriching journey with KPMG.  My future plan or my dream would be opening a firm and practicing on my own.

8-
Any message for the Tibetan students who might be interested in this profession?

I would say CA is a difficult course indeed, but not an impossible course. Anyone who is determined and focused on becoming a CA can do it. It needs some sacrifice but it is a worthy sacrifice at the end.






8 comments:

  1. wow super bhumo lak and good luck in future !!!!!!!!!!

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  2. Good luck and we are proud of your determine and hard work specially thanks for those who support her and i hope there is more future seed of Tibet!!

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  3. Congratulations Dawa Choezom La,

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  4. you have become an inspiration for many of us..thank u acha dawa choezom and i hope ur wish of opening ur own firm cums soon..god bless

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  5. Congrats Dawa Choezom la! Thanks for sharing your story and I am sure this is a good encouragement for all of us to know that nothing is impossible. I hope you will take some time in life to serve our community in the near future.

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  6. Hearty Congratulations Dawa la, May God bless you on all your future endeavor ! Bhod Gyalo !!

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