The ubiquitous post offices across the country are in for a change in their accounting practices. They have got help from the Institute of Chartered Accounts of India (ICAI) for this.

Accordingly, the Department of Posts is switching over from cash-based to accrual-based accounting system. A memorandum of understanding has been inked to make this possible, said K. Raghu, the newly elected Vice-President of the ICAI.

There will be a series of training programmes organised across the country in select post offices in all the 22 circles to familiarise the staff on accrual basis of accounting. Bangalore and Jaipur have been put through this training sessions, he told newspersons here today.

Raghu was here to inaugurate a seminar on bank audit organised by the Hyderabad branch of the Southern India Regional Council of the ICAI. About 600 CAs haven taken part in the event, said Dayakar Gelli, Chairman of the Hyderabad Branch.

Referring to delays in implementation of the International Financial Reporting Standards, Raghu said preparedness was needed for the industry as well as professionals.

The ICAI has recommended a roadmap to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Accordingly, in Phase 1: For companies with net worth more than Rs 1,000 crore — the implementation will be from April 1, 2015. Phase II: For companies with net worth more than Rs 500 crore — April 1, 2016. Phase III: For listed entities not covered under the above — April 1, 2017.

CAS IN DEMAND

Referring to placements for CAs, Raghu said there has been campus recruitment across 22 locations in 350 colleges where newly qualified CAs are offered a initial pay packet in the range of Rs 6 to 7 lakhs.

Qualified CAs not only get good placements in India but also find employment in Gulf like Muscat, Kuwait and earn three times the salary there. Unlike other areas, it is quite cheaper to complete CA, he added.