Having completed my bachelor’s degree in Dubai, I began my ACCA journey and started working for TransGlobal Logistics in Dubai as a junior accountant. I then joined Samena Capital in Dubai where I earned my qualification in January 2016.
While at Samena Capital, I worked in fund accounting, investments, and financial planning and analysis (F&PA). This sparked my interest in pursuing a Master’s in Finance. Within four years I had moved to the US and completed my Master of Science in Finance from Seattle University.
I currently work for CBRE. I’m a senior financial analyst working on its Microsoft account.
One of the things I love about my job is the opportunity to work with great talent and personalities
My father is a chartered accountant. With him as my role model and guide, it was natural for me to follow the accounting route. I was also lucky to find a mentor in Grant Harding, an accountant and my CFO at Samena Capital. His guidance and support encouraged me to become ACCA-qualified.
After my exposure to FP&A at Samena Capital in Dubai, I wanted a role with a bigger focus on analysis that drives decision-making, with accounting at the base of it all. While financial analysis differs from a traditional practice role, accounting is still at the crux of both.
The biggest challenge that all economies have faced in the last 18 months is the impact of Covid-19. It has significantly affected unemployment rates, homelessness and other microeconomic factors. With multiple new variants still disrupting the economy, employment has not risen as much as was expected. However, as vaccination uptake increases across Washington state, we should see a rise in employment opportunities.
Sustainability is vital, so CBRE has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. This covers emissions from its own operations, from the properties CBRE manages for its tenants, and from indirect supply chain emissions.
If I had law-making powers, I would question the Texas Abortion Law. I don’t believe that anyone but the woman concerned should have the right to decide what she wants to do with her body.
I would also raise my voice on climate change. It’s a very serious issue and needs to be addressed with the utmost urgency.
I am a people person, so one of the things I love about my job is the opportunity to work with great talent and personalities. My role also brings with it some level of ambiguity, which allows me to visualise and drive efficiency, something that always excites me.
My biggest achievement to date is passing the CFA Level 1 examination at my first attempt. It was an extremely challenging couple of months since I had just started working in my new role at CBRE. Focusing on the exam was challenging, requiring me to maintain a level of discipline to which I was not accustomed. When I received my results, it felt that I had accomplished something huge, and I was so proud of it.
If I hadn’t become an accountant, I would have pursued a career in law. I believe that such a career could have provided me with a platform to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
I love spending time with my family and friends. I also really enjoy reading and travelling.
