Retail major Provogue to design the new uniform - a blue blazer and tie - to give the profession a distinct image
AHMEDABAD: If a black coat is synonymous with lawyers, a blue blazer may soon be the trademark of chartered accountants.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAI), a statutory body for regulating chartered accountants in the country, has tied up with retail major Provogue to provide a dash of colour and style to the profession.
“A professional should be identified by his knowledge, garb and panache. I believe the new dress code — blue blazer and tie — will give chartered accountants a new identity,” said president of ICAI Sunil Talati.
He was speaking at a two-day Gujarat co-operative convention in Ahmedabad.ICAI, the second largest accounting body in the world, had in April 2007 made it recommendatory for members across the country to follow a formal dress code.
The design for the blazers and tie would be out within a fortnight.ICAI bosses said the dress code will give chartered accountants a unique identity.
The body has zeroed in on 125 of its branches across the country to work as a distribution channel for the new outfits.
“It is good to have a dress code as many professionals usually visit their clients in formals. The dress code will bring in a sort of discipline among the fraternity,” said member of ICAI and chartered accountant Sanjeev Shah.
Another member, Durgesh Buch, feels a dress code will help market the brand at a time when Indian chartered accountants are in demand across the world.
“Given our participation in tax reforms and nation building, it is imperative for us to build a strong image. A dress code is just a step in that direction,” said Buch.
Meanwhile, ICAI also intends to adopt the International Financial Reporting Standards by April 2011. It will embark on a comprehensive training programme from January 2008 to integrate the new standards.
At present ICAI has about four lakh students enrolled with it. Out of 1.40 lakh chartered accountants across the country, about 75,000 are employed by various industries.
