My father had great confidence in my mathematical problem-solving ability. It was his faith that inspired me to join the accounting profession. In the field of accounting, I aimed to achieve academic success and gain professional experience simultaneously. I chose to stretch myself and explore my abilities. It has not been an easy road as it involved making many sacrifices to come to the point in life where I am now.
After I completed my ACCA studies in 2010, I landed a job in Deloitte Pakistan as a junior associate. However, I was keen to continue my academic development, and added five more professional qualifications including certification in internal audit, and fraud and forensic audit. This broader knowledge has supported me practically in my work.
I was passionate about the analysis of financial statements, which are beautiful to an auditor
I gained experience in many areas of the firm. However, I decided to narrow down my career path by becoming a statutory auditor as I was passionate about the analysis of financial statements, which are beautiful to an auditor. I spent time in audit assurance at Deloitte and PwC before moving in 2018 to the Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDCL), the flagship of Pakistan's E&P sector. Now I'm excited to be based in south eastern Oman, working as finance project lead at Port of Duqm, a joint venture between the government of Oman and the Antwerp Port Consortium.
The port is expected to be a driver of growth for Oman. It is a new free zone and expected to be the largest port in the region, providing more jobs and investment opportunities. Maritime transport is an important element of international trade and was badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, freight prices reached a record high, allowing the port to become a regional trans-shipment hub. The port will facilitate the global supply of LNG as the Duqm refinery is close by.
The main challenge of setting up a business in Oman is getting approvals from various government ministries. Utility connections on an industrial scale involve a complex process of fulfilling registration requirements. However, the government is making efforts to ease the process as much as possible. With governmental initiatives aligned with the country’s Vision 2040, private investors will find many avenues of interest and opportunity in Oman’s logistics, shipping, mining and tourism industries.
Private investors will find many opportunities in Oman’s logistics, shipping, mining and tourism industries
If I had the power to make laws, I would devise a unified international code of corporate governance to ensure transparency. I believe that a unified corporate governance code would support organisations and their teams equally, and organisations could achieve the goal of transparency.
I enjoy the value creation aspect of my job which partners across departments. I like the fact that my job is challenging. At the same time, it offers many opportunities for self-development and learning. My biggest achievement is attaining six of the highest professional accounting qualifications. I am also proud to have been awarded the Best Performer Award by the CEO of Port of Duqm on the recommendation of my CFO, for securing a desirable financial outcome for a major capital expenditure project.
I used to aspire to become an astronaut and explore the universe. I have always felt fascinated while looking at the dark sky above.
When I’m not working, I spend time with my family and children, who are the source of happiness and fulfilment for me. I love travelling and am keen to visit new places to appreciate their nature and beauty. I enjoy reading self-help books and watching documentaries.
