I built the internal audit function at Taleem Finance from scratch. It is the first institution in Pakistan dedicated to financing access to education, and I had to wear many hats in building the entire function independently. I developed the internal audit charter and manual, designed risk-based audit plans, executed branch and management audits, and presented insights to the board. It was a challenge but one that strengthened my leadership, resilience and judgment.
I chose to work in internal audit because I wanted a role that gave a holistic understanding of an organisation. Internal audit interacts with every part of the business, from finance and IT to HR and administration, making the internal auditor a true jack of all trades.
A good mentor helps leaders distinguish between noise and insight
What I enjoy most about my job is engaging with all the different business functions. It keeps the work intellectually stimulating and dynamic. I especially like helping senior management make informed decisions and knowing that my work is improving governance and long-term resilience.
I took the Institute of Internal Auditors’ emerging leaders mentorship programme, and it has been one of the best things I have done for my professional development. Helping others to build their confidence, develop ethical judgment and grow in leadership has been incredibly rewarding. My ACCA qualification has also played a significant role in shaping my perspective as a finance leader. Beyond technical expertise, it has given me a broader understanding of governance, risk, strategy, and business sustainability, enabling me to view challenges through a financial and organisational lens.
Mentoring plays a vital role in our industry, not least in supporting managers who feel overwhelmed by the impact of AI on their day-to-day work. A good mentor helps leaders distinguish between noise and insight, encouraging them to ask the right questions rather than simply rely on automated outputs. Mentoring also helps develop soft skills such as critical thinking, professional scepticism and responsible decision-making – all qualities that technology cannot replicate.
My personal mantra is to always listen to my heart and follow my conscience. A clear conscience will rarely lead you astray. Even if things do not turn out as expected, there is peace in knowing that a decision was made with sincerity and a true heart.
Choosing accountancy allowed me to pursue a career that aligned with my interests and strengths
I think we should have strictly enforced laws to protect the most vulnerable in our society. No child should be deprived of their education, safety and dignity for economic gain. And I am proud of the fact that I work for an organisation that is creating this social impact and making access to education easier by financing low-cost, private middle schools.
Protecting the environment – in particular, curbing deforestation – should also be a priority. Forests are vital for biodiversity, climate stability and protecting future generations. There should also be humane laws for stray animals, with better control measures and animal welfare systems.
If I hadn’t become an accountant, I would probably have ended up in the medical field, because that was my mother’s dream for me. Given my strong academic performance and aptitude for science, many expected me to pursue a medical degree. The interesting thing though is that despite having the grades, I didn’t want to study medicine because my heart wasn’t in it. I wanted to carve my own path, and choosing accountancy allowed me to pursue a career that aligned with my interests and strengths. I have no regrets about following my dream.
In my own time, I have recently taken up lessons in classic contemporary dance. Dance is a beautiful form of art that helps me embrace my femininity and grace. I enjoy reading, which lets me unwind while exploring new ideas. I like a good TV series, particularly thrillers, and watching movies that explore meaningful social issues. I also find cooking relaxing and rewarding.
