Guest Lecture on Accounting in Action: Practical Insights for Managers

The School of Business and Management (MBA), CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, organized an insightful and intellectually stimulating guest lecture on “Accounting in Action: Practical Insights for Managers” on 7 November 2025. The session was a part of the School’s ongoing initiative to bridge the gap between theoretical classroom learning and the practical application of accounting principles in real business settings. The primary objective of this session was to expose MBA students to the practical dimensions of financial management, equipping them with the analytical skills and managerial judgment necessary to make informed financial decisions in today’s dynamic business environment.

The event commenced with a formal introduction of the distinguished speakers, Ms. Manisha Agarwal and Mr. Mikhil Sarawagi, both esteemed Chartered Accountants and partners at MJS & Co., a reputed accounting firm. Their extensive experience in auditing, taxation, and corporate financial consultancy brought immense credibility and depth to the discussion. The audience comprised MBA students, faculty members, and staff, all eager to gain a deeper perspective on the evolving role of accounting in managerial practice and strategic planning.

The speakers began by addressing the changing scope of accounting in management, emphasizing that accounting extends beyond bookkeeping or compliance. They elaborated on how accounting serves as a fundamental managerial tool that supports organizational strategy, budgeting, and performance evaluation. By presenting real-life business scenarios, they illustrated how financial data, when accurately interpreted, can guide managerial decisions related to investments, cost control, and operational efficiency.

A major segment of the session focused on the integration of accounting with technology and analytics. The speakers explained how the digital transformation of businesses has redefined accounting processes through automation, real-time reporting, and data visualization tools. They introduced students to enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and demonstrated how software such as Tally, SAP, and QuickBooks streamline financial operations. Furthermore, the discussion touched upon the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in auditing, fraud detection, and predictive analysis. These insights helped participants understand how technology is revolutionizing traditional accounting roles and creating new opportunities for finance professionals.

Ethical and regulatory dimensions of accounting formed another crucial aspect of the session. Both speakers emphasized that ethics and transparency are the cornerstones of financial integrity. They discussed contemporary issues surrounding corporate governance, financial misreporting, and the need for adherence to national and international accounting standards. The discussion on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting and sustainability accounting broadened students’ understanding of how modern accounting contributes to responsible and sustainable business development.

The session concluded with an engaging interactive Q&A segment where students posed questions about accounting challenges in start-ups, SMEs, and large corporations. The speakers addressed each query by sharing practical experiences, encouraging students to think critically about the financial implications of managerial decisions. This interactive approach made the session dynamic and ensured active student participation throughout.

The overall feedback from students and faculty was overwhelmingly positive. Participants appreciated the speakers’ ability to make complex accounting concepts relatable and applicable to real-world business contexts. Students reported that the lecture enhanced their conceptual clarity and improved their confidence in applying financial principles to management scenarios. Faculty members noted that the session enriched the curriculum by linking academic content with professional practice, thereby strengthening the department’s focus on experiential and outcome-based learning.

The event also aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 – Quality Education, by promoting high-quality, inclusive, and practical learning opportunities that prepare students for global careers in finance and management.

The key takeaways from the session were:

1. Accounting is a strategic decision-making tool that drives managerial performance.
2. Technology and analytics are reshaping accounting practices and enhancing business efficiency.
3. Ethical accounting and transparent financial reporting are vital for sustainable growth.
4. Continuous learning and adaptability are essential to remain relevant in the evolving financial landscape.

In conclusion, “Accounting in Action: Practical Insights for Managers” was a resounding success. The lecture provided valuable real-world exposure, fostered analytical thinking, and strengthened students’ understanding of accounting as a critical managerial discipline. By blending academic theory with professional insight, the session effectively met its objectives and reaffirmed CHRIST University’s commitment to holistic, value-based, and industry-integrated education. It was indeed an enriching and transformative learning experience that empowered students to apply accounting knowledge confidently in their future managerial careers.