My father wanted me to pursue a career in accounting. His aspirations for me, along with the prestige associated with the profession, led me to pursue a career in finance. I began my working life with a renowned audit firm in Dubai, where I gained valuable experience and began studying with ACCA, qualifying in 2009.
I am currently group finance controller at Precision Group, a conglomerate in Saudi Arabia. I am proud of my progress and the opportunities I have had to collaborate with diverse teams and industries.
Becoming group financial controller took me outside of my comfort zone. It meant leading a team and making strategic decisions. I had to shift my focus from operational to strategic issues and develop new skills. I prioritised building relationships and understanding the business, adding value where possible. The experience taught me adaptability, resilience and the value of embracing challenges, which drive growth and development.
When I joined four years ago the business consisted of two companies, but we’ve since expanded to 10. I’ve led the finance team through this major transformation, streamlining financial processes and improving efficiency across the organisation, while always focused on the company’s strategic goals. It has allowed me to make a significant impact on the business. It’s been incredibly rewarding and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to contribute to the company’s success.
I’d make paper trails a thing of the past
AI is revolutionising financial strategy. Its ability to provide real-time insights and automate routine tasks frees finance teams to focus on strategy and analysis. I’ve seen how automation can boost efficiency, while predictive analytics help identify risks and opportunities and inform proactive measures. Using AI will allow finance teams to become strategic partners who drive business success.
My favourite saying is this: ‘Excellence is not a destination, it’s a journey.’ It resonates with me as it emphasises the importance of excellence in all aspects of one’s work. I believe that this mindset is essential to maintain the highest standards of accuracy, attention to detail and quality in financial management and reporting. I strive to apply this principle every day.
I love the variety and challenges that my job brings. I find it very rewarding to work on projects that impact the business’s strategic direction. I also enjoy the problem-solving aspect; I love to analyse complex financial data and provide insights that inform decisions. It’s fulfilling to see the impact my work has on our company’s financial performance.
If I had law-making powers, I’d force banks to use simpler language. There would be no more confusing financial jargon, just plain language. Businesses would love this and financial institutions would have to improve their game. I’d also make digital accounting mandatory and make paper trails a thing of the past – bringing efficiency, transparency and fewer headaches for everyone involved.
If I weren’t in finance, I’d be living my dream as a travel and food blogger. Being paid to travel the world, devour local dishes and soak up cultures would be a dream job. Who needs spreadsheets when you can have sunsets, endless adventures and street-food stalls?
My social life is everything. I love relaxing with friends, discovering hidden gems in the city and playing board games. There’s nothing like just sipping a cup of tea and having random conversations that go nowhere but everywhere.
