One word describes my career expectation of myself: kaizen. This is a Japanese word, which translates as continuous improvement. One of the fortunate aspects of working for a Big Four firm is having a dedicated career coach. Having someone be a role model inspires me to be a better version of myself as a professional.
The pure joy of getting the numbers just right resonated with me even back in my secondary school days in India. There was a satisfaction in the precision of accounting that I loved; the simple pleasure of making numbers work – the debits and credits, the balance sheets that just clicked. I later graduated from Calicut University with a bachelor’s degree in commerce, majoring in accounting and finance, then started my career with a building materials company, Alumil Middle East, where in seven years I rose from assistant accountant to accounting manager. In early 2022 I moved to Deloitte, where I am now a regional finance assistant manager and finance team lead for business process solutions.
It is fascinating to see the breadth of accountancy and the value we bring to organisations
In industry, an accountant is part of the finance team, working with other teams that have different specialisms. In practice, however, everyone is an accountant but we are all doing very varied things; some are in client-facing roles, while others are auditors, consultants or technology experts. It is a fascinating and big learning experience for me to see the breadth of accountancy and the value we bring to any organisation.
I have always been motivated by a passion for learning. As well as being an ACCA member, I have recently been admitted as an associate member of the Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA) and as a member of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). Currently I’m studying for an MBA in business analytics, which is becoming hugely important in the profession and was not part of the curriculum during my time at university. The programme offers the most straightforward path to mastering analytics solutions, technology and strategies all in one go. It is not easy to work and study at the same time, but an MBA is the ideal way for me to deepen my grasp on these crucial areas.
UAE is a young state, but one that has seen major strides in its economy. The economic diversification efforts across the region are poised to redefine the business landscape profoundly. Saudi Arabia is really shaking things up in the tax sector, while Dubai is on the map as a major fintech hub, providing a top-tier global ecosystem that drives innovation. Add to that Dubai’s ambitious National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, and it’s clear we’re on the brink of some major changes. For those of us in finance, these are exciting times to be working in the region.
I enjoy the job because of the co-workers around me and the environment that I am blessed with
One thing I have learned working for a Big Four firm is the importance of wellbeing. In the finance sector, deadlines and pressure are the common experience of every accountant and they do take a toll on mental health. Therefore, if I had law-making powers, I would make wellbeing a fundamental aspect of organisational strategy.
What makes any job enjoyable is who you surround yourself with. I chose to be an accountant because I love problem solving and I am good at what I do, but I enjoy the job because of the co-workers around me and the environment that I am blessed with.
My favourite quote comes from the TV series Suits. Harvey Specter, a character whose confidence levels I admire, is explaining why he takes risks: ‘Life is like this. I like this,’ he says, raising his hands from low to high.
If accounting hadn’t been my path, I would have ventured into writing and literature, a passion I inherited from my mother. However, the current ‘me’ comes from a series of decisions made during points in my life, and I try not to think of ‘what-ifs’.
When I am not at work you will find me pursuing a lot of different interests. I love fitness, so I try to squeeze as much yoga and running into my weekly activities as I can; playing padel, a racket sport, is another favourite activity. I always enjoy watching movies with my friends and have recently rekindled a fondness for books, so now you will often find me reading on my couch.
