Accountancy has been a great career choice. After gaining my ACCA qualification I have worked for PwC, Grant Thornton, Moore, Abudawood Group, Tata Pakistan, Lucky Cement, and YKA Nissan and Ford. I have gained experience across seven countries and more than 10 industries.
Many of my experiences have pushed me to my limits. When I was with Abudawood Group, I was responsible for managing audits across multiple countries including Pakistan, Bahrain and Egypt, and found myself dealing with different departments, people and work environments. The move into financial services audits from more traditional sectors was also very challenging, but I have achieved success through very hard work and many sleepless nights.
Watching junior staff grow professionally is incredibly fulfilling
A major problem for businesses in Oman is the limited access to finance for SMEs. We also have a shortage of skilled workers in sectors like IT and logistics. But there are also significant opportunities ahead, especially if more focus can be given to transforming Oman from an import-heavy model to a manufacturing-based economy. That way, the nation can reduce its reliance on imports, create jobs and add value to its natural resources.
I love having the opportunity to make a difference. What I enjoy most about my job is being able to connect with people, make a meaningful impact and improve their business. I also enjoy mentoring junior staff; watching them grow professionally is incredibly fulfilling.
My mantra is ‘adapt, elevate, lead’. The world is constantly changing, so I believe in adapting with integrity, elevating with purpose, and leading with empathy. My journey across continents and industries has shown me that excellence is not a destination, but a mindset.
Playing Football Manager has helped me apply different strategic approaches in my professional life
The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on audit has been largely positive. We have to accept that AI has rapidly become a core part of our everyday lives and is shaping the future of audit. Data security is a major concern, though, as company and client data could be put at risk of theft or misuse. Standardisation is another issue, as there is the risk that the widespread adoption of AI tools could diminish the uniqueness of audit approaches and reduce human creativity.
If I had the power, I would encourage the expansion of environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting. I would extend ESG reporting requirements first to large private companies and then, through a phased approach, to SMEs. I would also like to see independent external assurance of all ESG disclosures. But we have to recognise that even well‑designed regulations are ineffective without rigorous enforcement, governance and active monitoring.
If I wasn’t an accountant I would probably have become a chemical engineer. I always loved chemistry and had a lot of fun experimenting and problem‑solving in the lab. I studied engineering at college but, after thoughtful career counselling and advice from family, I chose accounting.
I have been a Tottenham Hotspur fan for more than a decade. I love football, and watching Spurs helps me unwind after a long day at work. I also enjoy playing Football Manager, a strategy game in which you act as a club manager. I handle player transfers, training, tactics and club finances, including staff and player contracts. It’s fun, but it has also helped me apply different strategic approaches in my professional life.
