Throughout my career I’ve been inspired by my mentors and colleagues, and am always motivated by the way finance supports impactful projects and organisational growth.
My career in finance spans 15 years, with diverse roles across audit, accounting and financial management for both international NGOs and audit firms. I began at one of the largest audit firms in Bangladesh and progressed to senior manager in under four years. With a team of 40, I managed financial and management audits, developed accounting systems and made organisational improvements.
From auditing I moved to Pathfinder International’s NGO Health Service Delivery Project: a five-year, US$120m project overseeing grants for a network of 399 clinics. I then worked at health systems development NGO ThinkWell before rejoining Pathfinder International as accounting manager, managing the finance and accounts department across four regional offices. Currently, I am the director of finance at another NGO, Winrock International, which works to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources via projects in 40 countries around the world.
Bangladesh faces challenges in education, human trafficking and climate resilience
My own country, Bangladesh, faces challenges in education, human trafficking and climate resilience. All of these are critical areas for Winrock International, which strengthens primary education and builds resilience for children in marginalised areas. Winrock also combats human trafficking by supporting survivors and facilitating economic opportunities for self-reliance.
I stepped out of my comfort zone when I moved from an audit firm to the international development sector. My audit role involved rigorous practices, but becoming financial due diligence expert for ThinkWell, and later accounting manager with USAID-funded projects, required a new approach. I had to adapt quickly to donor expectations and the compliance regulations unique to international development. This challenged me to broaden my skills beyond traditional finance, focusing on strategic programme support, stakeholder engagement and collaboration. It also involved managing large teams across regions working in fast-paced environments. These experiences expanded my skill set and deepened my understanding of how finance can support transformative social programmes.
I would make ethics a mandatory subject from primary schooling to master’s level
My favourite quote comes from Thomas Jefferson: ‘In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.’ I also like CS Lewis’s ‘Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.’
If I had law-making powers, I would make ethics a mandatory subject from primary schooling to master’s level. I would also ensure strong objective application of the law of the land.
What I enjoy most about working for an NGO is being part of something that changes lives for the under-privileged community.
Superhero movies often reflect deeper themes about humanity and resilience
I believe my biggest achievement is yet to happen. For now, though, seeing my ACCA students, whom I taught in both Bangladesh and the UK, now serve in leadership roles across national and international organisations makes me proud, as does mentoring and developing my current team. Witnessing my staff’s professional development and our contribution to improving the wellbeing of communities is incredibly fulfilling.
If I wasn’t in finance, I would have been a maths teacher. At school I always wanted to study maths further.
Outside of work, I enjoy playing mobile puzzle games, which provide a fun way to unwind. I also value the time spent with my colleagues, whether casually or in team-building activities. Travelling is another passion of mine, as I love exploring new cultures and environments. I am a big fan of sci-fi and superhero movies, too; I find that these films often reflect deeper themes about humanity and resilience, resonating with my values.
