As a child I correctly answered a complex mathematics question, which so impressed my father that he predicted I would be a chartered accountant. His motivation inspired me to pursue ACCA. I did my early training at Grant Thornton Pakistan, where I rose to supervisor level in business risk, before spending several months in the Dubai office.
On my return to Pakistan I worked for some years in internal audit for Zarai Taraqiati Bank, an institution geared towards the development of the agriculture sector. Then, in 2021, I acted on a desire to found my own firm, and established Yuzarsif Global Consultants (named after the prophet Yousaf, who according to the Quran was skilled in economic crisis management). It has been a wonderful yet challenging experience – there is a lot to learn when you switch from employee to employer.
Referrals won’t stay with you if you don’t provide a quality service to your existing clients
Spending some time in industry convinced me that the technical and professional growth in the areas I was interested in could be exponential if I spent a similar period in practice. I feel the emerging requirements of the market still need to be met, but this is not possible without continuous professional and skill development.
Knowledge itself is not enough unless it is used effectively in serving each client. Rather than relying on an existing skillset or marketing strategy, you need to continuously develop your skills to create a demand-pull marketing strategy.
The market dynamics have rapidly changed. Referrals from clients and your network won’t stay with you if you don’t provide a quality service to clients.
My previous roles were confined to specific departmental functions, but as CEO I am responsible for all aspects of the company. Finding the right people for top management roles who can assist in key decision-making is the most important task for a CEO.
You cannot make good use of existing resources without building a loyal team. Nothing should be more important for any team member than adding their contribution to the company.
The macroeconomic factors facing businesses are challenging. Economic growth is mainly dependent on the decision-making of the political party ruling the country, rather than the institutions who are responsible for it. However, I still believe that exponential growth opportunities exist for young entrepreneurs who can think differently and are committed to hard work.
Strengthening human rights is vital to building trust in Pakistan's economy. There should be laws to protect the rights of the less fortunate in our society. For example, the minimum wage should be increased for each class of society based on their level of education, and basic necessities like food, health, home and transportation should be provided for all.
The provision of human rights for discriminated sections of society, such as women, widows, senior citizens and religious minorities, should also be prioritised.
Exponential growth opportunities exist for young entrepreneurs who can think differently
I would also promote the enforcement of strict punishments for bribery, embezzlement and human rights violations. I would also have laws providing consistency in economic and monetary policy.
This would help boost economic activity across the country and attract more foreign direct investment. It would also improve the currency value by building foreign reserves.
In addition, we need to develop a robust IT infrastructure. This will serve as a platform for our talented younger generation to export their services across the globe.
One of my biggest achievements is qualifying as an ACCA accountant. If I weren’t an accountant, I might have had a career in IT, as I like using the latest tools and technologies.
As well as spending time with my family, I love pursuing adventures and visiting different places, particularly in northern Pakistan. I also enjoy learning about the latest technologies, such as tools for data analysis, which are key to the future of accountancy.
