My goal was to have a career that would give me global mobility, so I chose the internationally recognised ACCA Qualification. It has been a very exciting 15-year journey, from studying ACCA in Karachi, Pakistan to my current role in San Francisco, California. I’ve now worked in four different countries and for two Big Four firms.
My motivation to succeed as an accountant came from having excellent mentors at the beginning of my career. My first big break was getting hired by KPMG, in the Qatar office, where I initially started on a six-month internship but ended up staying for six years. I was lucky to have the guidance both from my seniors and especially the partners who also interviewed and hired me. They always encouraged and supported my career.
I immigrated to Canada almost 10 years ago and continued working in practice. I’m now working in the San Francisco Bay Area as an audit manager. I love my role in practice because I’m passionate about working with different clients, understanding their issues and advising them. I also enjoy observing the application of IFRS and US GAAP reporting standards across different industries.
I love my role in practice because I’m passionate about working with different clients, understanding their issues and advising them
In my career I have certainly stepped out of my comfort zone. Every time you switch jobs, let alone move to a new country, there is a risk. I have done this twice, moving from Doha, Qatar, to Canada, where I worked as an assistant manager in KPMG for five years, and again earlier this year moving from Vancouver to California to take a role with Armanino, one of the 25 largest accounting and consulting firms in the US.
This is a globally recognised technology industry hub with a fast-paced work environment. I believe in setting long-term career goals and working towards achieving them. This requires taking risks and moving out of your comfort zone.
At Armanino, helping clients meet global sustainable development standards aligns with our own business and makes a positive impact on our clients, our people and our communities. In September, we announced the launch of our environmental, social and governance (ESG) advisory services practice. This helps organisations across industries address ESG-related opportunities and concerns in their operations, and offers validation of ESG commitments to balance purpose, people and profit.
If I had law-making powers, I would have laws to ensure minimal food wastage, aiming for zero wastage. This would help tackle hunger by having tax incentives to reward efficiency but imposing additional tax for the wasteful.
I feel my biggest achievement is being involved with various ACCA member activities in North America, including providing members with CPD training and guiding new ACCA immigrant members in their careers. Outside ACCA, I have been mentoring university accountancy students. The chance to make a lasting impact on a student’s life, and watching with pride as that student grows, gives me a great sense of achievement.
If I weren’t an accountant, I would probably have been a software engineer, as I have always been inspired by information technology.
In my spare time, I love reading books across a variety of subjects, from history and philosophy to finance, leadership, and motivation. I also like to take part in fitness activities as much as I can. I enjoy hiking, playing sports and exercising.
