My father always wanted me to become a professional accountant. It is one of the most reputable professions in Pakistan and in the early 90s there were very few qualified ACCAs. His belief in the profession’s prestige and future potential motivated me to build a career in accounting and finance.
ENGIE is a global leader in energy and services. I have held various positions at the company and gained expertise in many aspects of finance, from financial statements to internal controls and tax compliance. I am currently working as a senior finance manager at ENGIE, responsible for the finance function of two water desalination plants in Saudi Arabia, with a total capacity of over one million cubic metres and a combined value of US$1.58bn.
I had to quickly understand complex financial models, far beyond routine accounting
The renewable energy sector face challenges. Sources like solar and wind are variable and require major investment in energy storage and smarter grid systems to ensure reliability. There are also frequent changes in government policies, with changing subsidies and tariffs and environmental challenges to address. And there is a shortage of specialised professionals in renewable technologies, grid management and finance.
The best opportunities for renewable energy lie in advancements in battery technology and green hydrogen. These offer considerable growth potential for renewable supply and industrial decarbonisation. Further digitalisation and smart grids, which use AI for predictive maintenance, demand forecasting and energy trading, will also increase efficiency across the sector.
Moving from a traditional accounting role into project finance and taxation within the energy sector was challenging. I had to quickly understand complex financial models, lender requirements and large-scale project structures, which were far beyond routine accounting.
Taking on a challenge accelerates professional and personal growth
Being seconded to project companies pushed me even further. I had to manage cross-functional teams, deal with international lenders, and ensure compliance with IFRS and local tax regulations. It was difficult, but this role helped me really see how finance supports strategic decision-making and project success. It also taught me that taking on a challenge accelerates professional and personal growth.
This is my favourite saying: ‘Growth begins at the end of your comfort zone.’ I strongly believe in this as every major step forward in my career came from following this advice.
I enjoy the strategic side of finance, turning numbers into insights that support key business decisions. I also like the variety in my role, from financial reporting and project finance to tax and compliance, and seeing how effective financial management contributes to the success of major projects.
My biggest achievement has been successfully leading the financial management for a large-scale water project. It involved coordinating with multiple stakeholders, managing project financing and audits, and securing VAT refunds while meeting strict deadlines. I also had to be sure we were fully compliant with IFRS, lender requirements and Zatak, Tax and Customs Authority regulations. The experience showed I could handle complex financial operations that directly contributed to the success of a major project.
If I had law-making powers, I would strengthen financial transparency and corporate governance. Timely reporting, audit quality and compliance builds trust, attracts investment and supports sustainable business growth.
If I weren’t in finance, I would have been interested in software engineering. I’ve always been fascinated by technology, problem-solving and developing solutions that can make processes more efficient. It is similar to how I optimise financial systems in my current role, something I’ve always enjoyed.
I love playing cricket in my spare time. I like to stay fit and eat healthily; it helps me maintain energy and focus.
