One of the chief guest K Pandiarajan, Founder and Chairman of Ma Foi Strategic Consultants and Executive Chairman of CIEL HR Group highlighted the role of management accounting in understanding business decisions and encouraged Certified Management Accountant (CMA) professionals to look beyond conventional employment towards entrepreneurship and company building. He also advocated a shift from a subsidy culture to an investment culture, with greater focus on deploying capital to create new enterprises.
AVM K Shanmugam, Managing Director, AVM Productions and Secretary and Correspondent, Avichi College of Arts and Science, drawing on his experience across commerce, cinema, sound technology and education, highlighted the need to adapt continuously as technology is reshaping industries. He also pointed out to the growing requirement for finance professionals as companies expand in Chennai and Tamil Nadu.
The larger message that emerged from the session was that the role of finance professionals is changing alongside the corporate economy. As businesses increasingly rely on technology, new forms of capital and changing business models, finance professionals will need to contribute beyond financial reporting and develop a broader understanding of strategy, investment and business creation. For students and young professionals entering the corporate sector, the discussions offered a practical perspective on the skills and mindset that could shape their careers as Tamil Nadu attracts new businesses and investment.