I was inspired to pursue accountancy by my best friend’s father, a chartered accountant. He told me that auditing and accounting allows you to gain knowledge across diverse industries, because to serve a client well, you must understand their field in depth. That resonated deeply with me and shaped my career choice.
I started my career as a junior auditor in a local firm before joining BDO Egypt. The five years I spent there were the foundation of my career and where I pursued my ACCA qualification. I then moved to Saudi Arabia and joined KPMG, where I worked with high-profile clients and large teams, accelerating my development as a professional.
AI will be like having a team of highly skilled subordinates who never get tired or forgetful
I was looking for a broader perspective in my career. The breadth of knowledge I gained through my ACCA qualification went far beyond the technical scope of external audit, so I moved into internal auditing, where I could engage with strategy, governance and risk management. I had the opportunity to work within corporations as well as in consulting practice at Protiviti.
I believe that AI will fundamentally redefine professional competence. It will amplify the capabilities of professionals, enabling them to achieve far more than what was previously possible – almost as if they have a team of highly skilled subordinates who never get tired or forgetful. Those who are knowledgeable and disciplined will find in AI a powerful multiplier of their judgment and productivity.
I continuously aim to push myself out of my comfort zone. My most defining moments came when I shifted from external to internal auditing, two areas that may appear similar but differ completely in scope and purpose. Another stressful time was when I decided to work in the investment industry to broaden my perspective and align my experience with my CFA studies.
Recently, I’ve stepped into the field of data science. I can see how it can support both internal auditing and investment analysis through deeper, evidence-based insights.
‘The distracted never arrive’ is my favourite quote. It’s a translation of an Arabic saying that reminds me of the importance of focus and presence – qualities that are needed for any meaningful achievement.
I would like any career that thrives on curiosity, investigation and continuous learning
What I enjoy most about my job is exploring unfamiliar areas. Each new business I work with presents a fresh learning challenge that pushes me to understand and identify how internal audit can add tangible value. The joy comes from transforming that knowledge into making actual improvements to an organisation.
My biggest achievement has been building a career and a family in parallel. I have been able to progress professionally without compromising my personal life, and I take pride in having developed and balanced both sides.
If I had law-making powers, I would introduce a law that would see the teaching of logic, critical thinking and data science principles from an early stage in schools. These courses would be tailored to suit students’ cognitive levels and gradually deepened each year.
If I wasn’t in auditing, I think I would be either a detective, researcher or analyst. I would like any career that thrives on curiosity, investigation and continuous learning.
I enjoy reading and discovering new things, both in and outside of work. Continuous learning is more than a habit for me; it’s a way of thinking and living.
