Ashok Arasa

Chartered Accountant with experience across direct and indirect taxation, tax audits, statutory compliance, litigation support and regulatory advisory. Currently managing complex tax and regulatory matters for multiple group entities, with demonstrated strengths in legal research, drafting, stakeholder coordination, compliance reviews and identification of tax-saving opportunities. Seeking to leverage this combined consulting and corporate experience in a Direct Tax role.

Assistant Manager – Indirect Taxation at Amara Raja Group (2025-09 – Present)

A diversified Indian conglomerate operating across energy storage, advanced cell technologies, infrastructure and engineering.

• Managed end-to-end implementation and licensing under the MOOWR scheme for a group company, securing approval within two weeks.
• Independently managed customs advisory, compliance and litigation matters for seven group companies at an early stage of professional career.
• Identified critical compliance gaps under Customs and Foreign Trade regulations and implemented corrective measures to strengthen compliance governance.
• Identified and successfully defended a regulatory position involving export incentive reversal, resulting in a potential savings of approximately ₹2 crore.
• Successfully navigated complex cross-border transactions including re-imports during global supply chain disruptions, re-exports, high-seas/third-country sales, warehouse transfers, and SEZ transactions without operational disruption.
• Advised seven group companies on the evaluation and selection of appropriate foreign trade and customs incentive schemes, including MOOWR, EPCG, Advance Authorisation and EOU schemes, through detailed cost-benefit and compliance analyses.
• Advised and pursued reassessment of Bills of Entry to claim eligible benefits that were not availed at the time of import.
• Reviewed tariff classifications and advised on appropriate HSN classification for imported goods.
• Evaluated Free Trade Agreement eligibility for overseas customers, enabling optimization of customs benefits and supporting export growth.
• Structured an EPCG arrangement involving a supporting manufacturer, enabling benefit utilization despite limited export activity for one of the group companies.
• Drafted and submitted responses to customs queries relating to Valuation, Classification, BIS, EPR, LMPC and other regulatory requirements, ensuring timely clearance of imported goods.
• Assisted in obtaining EPCG Authorisations and Advance Authorisations, including documentation review and regulatory coordination.
• Independently managed customs litigation matters across group entities involving valuation disputes, classification issues and procedural non-compliance allegations.
• Drafted and filed appeals before the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT).
• Represented the company during personal hearings before customs authorities.
• Prepared SOPs and Notes for various customs processes/procedures, including MOOWR scheme compliance, sale of goods domestically by EOU.
• Conducted training sessions for cross-functional stakeholders on customs law compliance, foreign trade regulations and process controls.
• Prepared technical presentations and executive summaries on significant customs and trade developments for senior leadership, including CFOs.
• Filed representations before the government for extending the customs benefit to Lithium-Ion manufacturing capital goods.
• Reconciled the books of accounts with the customs portal on Export Incentives.
• Participated in the implementation of customs compliance software including integration of the software with SAP.
• Authored and circulated quarterly tax updates covering legislative amendments, policy changes and significant judicial pronouncements.
• Ensured various other compliances like Filing of the monthly returns under MOOWR, IGCR & QPR and APR for the EOU unit & Annual return under RoDTEP scheme etc...

Article Assistant at Patel Mohan Ramesh & Co (2020-02 – 2023-02)

One of the oldest CA firms in Chennai, offering personalized tax planning and corporate finance services, with a growing clientele of over 100 SMEs and family-owned business.

• Managed end-to-end tax audit assignments for business groups with aggregate turnover exceeding ₹20 crore across real estate and hospitality sectors.
• Prepared income tax computations and filed returns for more than 100 clients comprising individuals, firms, LLPs and companies with taxable incomes ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 crore.
• Conducted tax audits of more than 10 partnership firms operating in the timber trading industry and assisted in preparing the related audit reports and statutory disclosures.
• Computed advance-tax liabilities and advised clients on payment timelines to minimise interest exposure and ensure statutory compliance.
• Reviewed books of account and supporting documentation to identify tax adjustments, disallowances and reporting requirements under the Income-tax Act.
• Prepared tax audit reports and verified disclosures required under Form 3CD
• Prepared various Certificates related to loan finance.
• Led, planned and executed Statutory Audit of private limited companies engaged in sectors of trading, job work and chemical industries having turnover of around ₹20 Cr.
• Performed comprehensive Branch Audits at an Educational Institution while seamlessly utilizing their proprietary accounting software.
• Managed Internal Audit of a private company engaged in automobile components trading, ensuring compliance and quality delivery.
• Drafted Statutory Audit Report in accordance with Standards on Auditing and CARO Requirements.
• Diligently prepared and finalized financial statements for Companies and firms in compliance with Accounting Standards and Schedule III to the Companies Act, 2013.
• Worked as a team player in the Branch Statutory Bank Audit of private sector bank.
• Maintenance of Books of Accounts and preparation of financial statements.
• Played a vital role in structuring and reconciling quarterly Balance Sheets and Cash Flow Statements, ensuring strict adherence to statutory requirements.
• Preparation of Projected Financial & Provisional Balance Sheets for Project Loans, Term Loans and Working Capital Limits.
• Analysed financial data and verified its accuracy for certification by Principal.

Chartered Accountant – Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (2025-05)

CA Intermediate – Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (2019-11)

CA Foundation/CPT – Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (2018-06)