I started my career in the external audit division at Ernst & Young in Karachi, Pakistan. During my tenure, I had the opportunity to work in different offices, including Dubai, Jeddah and Johannesburg. My time with a major firm contributed a lot to my career progression, such as my ACCA enrolment and the clearance of foundation stage.
After EY and passing my ACCA Qualification, I was selected for PwC’s Dubai office in the internal audit division. Although I had been assigned to different EY offices around the world and had spent a long time outside my home country, this was my first experience of moving permanently overseas. The fraternity of ACCA contributed a lot in my settling down, and the ACCA regional office also supported me by providing platforms to enhance my knowledge on local laws, regulation and accounting matters.
Being in practice is more exciting in terms of range of organisations, instead of sticking to a single company and sector
After four years with PwC, I had many challenging roles with leading organisations in the UAE. These included head of an internal audit department, contributing to strategy and organisational direction, governance and internal control frameworks, change management and other strategic decision-making roles.
Currently, I am the managing partner of Compliance 360, a consultancy. I’m also a member of the advisory board of GSS Group. I deal with different organisations and their stakeholders and have delivered over 100 assignments.
I was inspired by many accounting and finance professionals in my network. The biggest inspiration was my teacher and mentor, who directed me to this field.
I tested all flavours of workplace, including leading firms in practice, before joining the corporate world. However, I returned to practice, as I find it more exciting and challenging in terms of range of different organisations and industries, instead of sticking to a single company and sector.
The risk and compliance sector is becoming very structured and mature especially in the UAE. The government is introducing new legislation covering anti-money laundering and VAT, and regulating matters such as ultimate beneficial ownership and economic substance.
If I were allowed to make the law, I would devise stricter environmental laws and a framework for their implementation. It would help to make the world a better place.
What I enjoy most about my job is the unlimited learning opportunities. In practice, every day is a challenging day in terms of bringing in new business, satisfying existing clients and getting to grips with new laws and regulations.
The biggest achievement of my career has been becoming head of the internal control department of a very large listed company. In that role, I managed a portfolio of more than 10 subsidiaries and business divisions.
If I were not an accountant I would take an MBA in business management. I would then use it to manage a family-owned business.
In my free time I love to read books. I also enjoy exploring different investment opportunities.
