I didn’t originally plan to become an accountant. A teacher in Pakistan recommended ACCA to me so in 2008 I decided to pursue my qualification. I had passed nine ACCA exams by the time I moved to the UK in 2011. When I returned to Pakistan I had to pause my studies while working in accounting.
My biggest inspiration came after the birth of my son. I resumed my ACCA studies, then moved to Dubai in 2023, qualifying in 2024.
I had to rebuild my confidence, stay disciplined and keep going despite setbacks
Restarting my ACCA journey after an eight-year break was a major challenge. I had very limited financial resources, a full-time job, and the responsibilities of being a husband and father. I understood the opportunities ACCA would bring but paying for my studies while supporting my family was difficult. I had to rebuild my confidence, stay disciplined and keep going despite setbacks. Growth comes from embracing challenges and believing that persistence can overcome difficult circumstances.
Moving to Dubai was a step outside my comfort zone. I was starting a new job in a new country while continuing to study and having to manage my finances carefully.
Accountants in the Gulf are playing a key role in helping businesses make informed decisions during these challenging times. They provide accurate financial information, improve cashflow management, strengthen internal controls, and support budgeting and forecasting.
With the introduction of UAE corporate tax, accountants are also helping their clients with regulations, maintaining proper records and managing their obligations efficiently. By combining financial expertise with regulatory knowledge, accountants enable businesses to remain compliant, resilient and prepared for future growth.
Accounting firms are becoming trusted business advisers
AI is transforming accounting firms by automating their routine tasks such as data entry and transaction analysis. This allows accountants to spend less time on manual work and more time providing strategic advice, risk management and business insights. AI also improves the accuracy and speed of financial reporting, auditing and fraud detection. As a result, accounting firms are shifting their focus away from traditional bookkeeping to becoming trusted business advisers who deliver greater value to clients through technology and professional judgment.
What I enjoy most about my job is helping others. I enjoy it when colleagues come to me with questions as I find it rewarding to share my knowledge, solve problems and help my team work more efficiently. Seeing others learn and succeed because of my support gives me great satisfaction.
I say this a lot: ‘Don't worry, everything will be fine. I am here to handle this.’
If I had law-making powers, I would focus on creating practical policies that improve people's quality of life. I would legislate in areas such as healthcare, education, law and order, social welfare, water management and economic governance. These laws will promote fairness, accountability and equal opportunities. I would ensure they are practical, transparent and effectively implemented.
In an alternative career, I think I would have been in politics. I enjoy thinking about public policy, governance and how better decisions can improve people's lives. I have a strong interest in areas such as education, healthcare, economics and social welfare, so I would like creating positive change through effective leadership and policymaking.
I enjoy listening to debates and learning from some of the world's best debaters. I find it fascinating to hear different perspectives and improve my own critical thinking.
