When I was younger, studying in India, I wanted to show my father that I could successfully pursue the highest qualification in commerce and become a professional accountant. This was my inspiration and motivation. My career has been defined by consistent efforts to adjust to circumstances, learn new skills and be grateful for the opportunities which have come by. My ACCA Qualification provided me with the confidence to achieve new heights.
I wanted to explore the challenges and opportunities given by the corporate world and to look at things from the other side of the table. As an auditor, accounting adviser and consultant, I missed seeing things from the management’s angle, but in my current role I sometimes need to wear a management accountant’s hat to be an effective business partner.
Early in my career, I was an introverted person, focused on my work. However, I was given an opportunity to leave this comfort zone and become a presenter. This is when I became a true ambassador, sharing my knowledge and experience in IFRS. This move created enough good stress to ramp up my focus, creativity and drive, and helped me respond to other stresses in life.
At Centrient Pharmaceuticals, our results were impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Social distancing measures and reduced medical appointments limited the use of antibiotics, which is our core product. However, we raised some prices to offset the increase in raw materials and energy prices. We certainly have geographical opportunities, with Centrient planning to focus on highly regulated markets and the US, where we generate healthy margins. We remain selective across the rest of the world, where we obtain growth and grab opportunities, especially in the Chinese market.
Sometimes it’s not what you achieve but how you overcome challenges that defines your career
One of the most important things for me is to enjoy a good work-life balance, so I can retain the energy and passion I need to perform to a high standard. I like doing a variety of tasks, applying my knowledge but also sharing that knowledge with my team members. I get the opportunity to discuss business decisions on risk management, mergers and acquisitions, and complex accounting scenarios. Sometimes it’s not what you achieve but how you overcome challenges that defines your career.
Instead of new laws I think we need to look at how existing laws are administered. The current system has the public deciding on cases with the support of the judge, but sometimes they struggle to provide a suitable outcome. I would like the judicial system to include a panel of judges, who with their knowledge and experience work with the public, so together they can serve justice in the best possible way.
My biggest achievement has been successfully conducting many workshops and training sessions to share my knowledge of IFRS. I have trained a wide variety of finance professionals across various sectors, including automobile, agriculture, pharmacy, telecoms and finance, under the platform of KPMG and other international training providers. I promote the use of a single accounting language that brings transparency, accountability and efficiency to financial markets around the world.
If I weren’t in finance, I would have wanted to become a professional fine artist and try my hand with a brush and colours. Outside of work, I like to engage in creative and artistic endeavours, listen to music and explore ideas and knowledge.
