Dr. K. Prince Paul Antony is an Associate Professor and the Head of the B.Com. PA degree at Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science. With 21 years of experience, he has also worked at Bishop Ambrose College and the SNMV College of Arts and Science. He holds a B.Com. and an M.Com. degree from Bharathiar University. Following this, he completed an M.Phil, PhD and an MBA degree from the same university. Moreover, he also has a PGDBA and a PGDCA degree.

Dr. Antony has published 18 papers in national journals and 24 in international journals in his area of expertise. He has also mentored 11 PhD and eight M.Phil. students. Besides his regular duties, he has also attended and organised six national and international conferences, respectively. For his efforts, he has been awarded the Best Teacher Award from Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science for 2017, 2018 and 2019. He has also been named in the Top 50 Outstanding Faculties across India 2020, awarded by the Wall of Flame Ulektz Academy.

Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science

What is the latest program that you are offering in your dept. which will help students outperform and stand apart from the crowd?

We are currently offering a course in forensic accounting that equips students with a unique skill set that is not only in high demand but also offers a significant competitive edge in the marketplace. These students develop keen problem-solving abilities, making them invaluable assets in diverse settings such as law firms, insurance companies, governmental agencies, and more. Additionally, the course paves the way for further professional development opportunities, like the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designation. This, combined with the chance to work internationally and the enhanced communication skills inherent to the role—given the need to convey complex findings to varied audiences—ensures that students trained in forensic accounting are not just well-prepared for traditional roles but stand out distinctly in a crowded professional landscape.

What are the factors that make this program the best for the students to opt for?

The Bachelor of Commerce in Professional Accounting (BCom PA) is a top choice for those interested in accounting. This programme provides a thorough understanding of core accounting topics, ensuring students are ready for various roles in the field. Additionally, its content is often updated to match current industry standards, making graduates more employable. One of the program's main advantages is its global appeal. BCom PA courses typically align with international accounting rules, so graduates can easily find opportunities both locally and overseas. Beyond just accounting, the BCom PA offers a well-rounded education as it includes topics like business law and economics, ensuring students have a broad business perspective. They also learn critical thinking, a skill useful in any job. It also helps students connect with industry experts and offer internships, giving them practical experience before they even graduate. Ethics, an essential part of accounting, is also emphasised to ensure graduates operate with integrity.

What will you say are the “best practices” in the course you’re offering?

The department of BCom PA uses a mix of assessment methods, including assignments, quizzes, exams, and practical projects. This ensures a comprehensive evaluation of student understanding. We also focus on the practical applicability of the curriculum, which prepares students for the workforce immediately upon graduation.

What are some valuable insights of the program that you are offering at your institute/dept.?

We work closely with industry experts to ensure our curriculum aligns with current demands and future trends in the profession, ensuring our students are job-ready upon graduation. Our alumni network is active and widespread, providing current students with mentorship opportunities, industry connections, and potential job leads. Beyond the core curriculum, we offer workshops and courses on soft skills development, leadership training, and personal well-being to ensure our students graduate as well-rounded individuals. We believe in giving back to the community. Our students engage in various community projects and initiatives, providing them with a sense of purpose and societal responsibility. Our programme encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration, allowing students to work on projects that blend insights from different fields, fostering creativity and innovation.

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How does the program ensure that students are being prepared for the future?

Beyond technical skills, we focus on developing soft skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and emotional intelligence. These skills are highly transferable and valuable in any profession. We promote a culture of lifelong learning where we encourage students to continue their education and professional development even after graduation. We try to build strong connections with industry professionals and organisations through guest lectures, networking events, and mentorship programs that can provide students with valuable insights and connections for their future careers.

How did you train yourself/faculty to deliver this program to the students?

In preparation for delivering this programme, both I and my fellow faculty members embarked on an extensive and multifaceted training regimen. We began by participating in professional development workshops, which honed our teaching methodologies and introduced us to the latest pedagogical tools. Emphasising the importance of real-world relevance, many of us actively sought industry exposure by attending conferences and seminars, and some even collaborated directly with industry professionals. Within our institution, we instituted a peer review mechanism, enabling faculty members to attend each other's lectures and offer constructive feedback, ensuring consistency and excellence in our teaching approaches. Equally significant was our practice of routinely analysing student feedback, which allowed us to address specific areas of improvement and adjust our methods accordingly. Embracing the digital age, we also underwent specialised training to adeptly integrate the latest educational software into our curriculum, facilitating a seamless learning experience for our students. Our departmental meetings often transformed into collaborative brainstorming sessions, where we exchanged insights and fine-tuned our delivery strategies. We also undertook cultural and inclusivity training sessions to foster an inclusive classroom environment.

What are the benefits and career options after pursuing this course?

The Bachelor of Commerce in Professional Accounting (BCom PA) offers students a strong foundation in accounting and commerce principles. This globally recognized degree enhances analytical and problem-solving skills, making graduates highly desirable in the job market. The career prospects for the course span from becoming chartered or certified public accountants, auditors, and financial analysts to roles in banking, management, and even entrepreneurship. The degree's versatility also opens doors in academia, government finance sectors, and non-profit organisations, ensuring a diverse range of professional opportunities.

What made you decide to become a teacher?

I believe that educators have the power to shape the future. I wanted to play a role in molding young minds and making a positive impact on their lives. Secondly, teaching is a profession where I'm constantly learning, not just about the subject matter but also about life, people, and different perspectives. That is the reason I chose this profession.