What I most enjoy about my role as a finance professional in the NGO sector is the opportunity to be involved in the implementation of aid programmes. As a financial expert, I also enjoy programme development and creating efficient models for finance management.
I always wanted a career in finance as I feel it is the leading professional sector in the world. After completing my postgraduate studies, I began working in the financial sector. This allowed me to put theory into practice and, ultimately, I evolved into the skilled finance professional I am today.
At the start of my career, I developed my professional skills through engagements with a number of Bangladesh-based organisations working to improve the lives of disadvantaged people. These included BRAC, the world's largest microfinance organisation, as well as the Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh and the Christian Service Society, all based in Dhaka. I then broadened my horizons with a role at Switzerland-based CARE International before joining my current employer, the NETZ Partnership for Development and Justice, an international NGO based in Germany.
Many public authorities are characterised by systemic corruption and a lack of accountability
My professional career has been enriched by the expertise I have gained in setting up financial projects, ensuring robust fund monitoring and performing external audits. In my current role, I have taken on responsibility for the setting of controls in projects, fundraising, financial monitoring and reporting of projects implemented in Bangladesh, India and Nepal. Earlier, I facilitated the development of more than 20 operational guidelines and policies to ensure efficient and effective operations at the NGOs I worked for. I also participated in some international professional training to gain advanced knowledge, including techniques for taking the fear out of finance management.
The main challenge facing NGOs is the adverse mindset and inefficient bureaucracy in the state mechanism. This creates difficulties in securing government clearance for foreign funds to implement development projects. Unfortunately, many public authorities at all levels are characterised by systemic corruption and a lack of accountability.
The poor level of commitment to the needy community among millennial NGO leaders is also a considerable challenge. This has led to a reduction in the quality of implementations, corruption in procurement and nepotism in recruiting board members and senior staff, resulting in under-achievement of project objectives. However, NGOs can still uphold their reputation with stakeholders by ensuring the quality of initiatives, as well as transparency in all financial transactions. This can be achieved through strong management, comprehensive financial monitoring and the capacity enhancement of project staff.
My career began in the non-profit sector by chance rather than choice, but having landed my first job at BRAC I continued working in the sector as it allowed me to contribute to helping the disadvantaged in society. However, if the right opportunity came my way, I would not be averse to shifting my career to an audit firm or corporate business.
This is my favourite quote: ‘Truth is difficult, but it doesn’t betray.’ I also like this: ‘There is unity in diversity.’
If I wasn't in finance, I would have been a dedicated administrator serving my country
If I had law-making powers, I would legislate to rapidly develop the digitalisation process in all government departments in Bangladesh. I believe this would reduce procrastination in bureaucracy and increase transparency in all aspects of government operations.
My biggest achievement has been contributing to the growth of the NETZ Partnership for Development and Justice. I have helped take it from an informal development operation to a much more professional organisation.
If I wasn’t in finance, I believe I would have gone into public service. I think I would have been an honest, dedicated and competent administrator serving the citizens of my country.
When I am not at work, I enjoy reading books, watching cricket matches and going to the movies. I also like to sing and listen to songs.
