BURLINGTON, MA—For more two decades, Asha Dixit has provided public accounting services, serving clients in manufacturing, biotech, hi- tech, construction, health services, real estate, retail, food & hospitality, non-profits, and professional service firms. She is managing partner of Burlington, MA-based Shah, Dixit & Associates.
Dixit advises corporations and individuals on issues related to international taxation, new ventures, acquisitions, and growth strategies. She frequently represents clients during IRS and state government audits.
Prior to joining Shah, Dixit & Associates in 2004, Dixit worked with regional and national accounting firms including, LitmanGerson Associates and Reznick Group.
She holds an MBA and MS in Computer Information Systems from the Southern New Hampshire University and B.Com (Honors) from Osmania University, India.
INDIA New England News: Please tell our readers about your work and what you enjoy most about it?
Asha Dixit: As a CPA and principal at Shah, Dixit & Associates, I spend a lot of time with clients. What I enjoy most about my work are these interactions. My clients are like a family to me. It is thrilling to anticipate their achievements, to work with them towards their business goals, and to be part of their financial success.
INE: To which charitable, community and professional group do you belong and why?
AD: I act as financial and tax advisor to a few charitable organizations which serve local communities such as Indian Circle of Caring and Sanskar Culture Society. I belong to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants, both professional organizations committed to serving the CPA community and raising the financial awareness of the public.
INE: What are your hobbies and interests?
AD: Reading interesting books and, lately, aspiring to write novels.
INE: In what way do you feel you have positively influenced or served the local community and your company/organization and professional field?
AD: I am focused on helping businesses, non-profits, and individuals address their financial challenges and achieve their full financial potential.
INE: Your rare talent?
AD: I am writing my first book, a fantasy novel for young adults, and I am greatly enjoying the experience. It was only after I embarked on this journey that I realized my passion for writing.
INE: Your favorite books?
AD: Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” made an indelible impression on me very early on. Reading J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter “series with my children taught me that human imagination is wonderful and limitless. This series is what I inspired me to take a shot at writing fiction. Lately, Mohnish Pabrai’s “The Dhandho Investor” has helped me better understand and appreciate the drive and determination of the Indian business community.
INE: Your favorite quotes?
AD: “Culture eats strategy for breakfast”, allegedly by Peter Drucker, is what I have seen over and over again in different organizations that I have worked in. “Price is what you pay; value is what you get.” Warren Buffet attributes this one to his guru, Benjamin Graham. That is perhaps the most eloquent and wisest expression of the distinction between price and value.
INE: Who inspires you the most?
AD: Malala Yousafazai. Though very young, she has taken up a monumental cause: education for girls in parts of the world where denying this to girls is the norm.
INE: The one person you would like to meet and why?
AD: Michelle Obama. She exemplifies the best in women with her grace, intelligence, eloquence, and dignified leadership.
INE: Your core value you try to live by?
AD: I firmly believe in putting my limited abilities to the best possible use to make myself a better person and to help others.
