I was inspired to join our profession by my uncle, the only chartered accountant in the family. I began my career at EY Ford Rhodes in Pakistan, before moving into audit at AF Ferguson & Co, part of PwC’s network, where I progressed rapidly. In 2025 I relocated to Oman to join Moore Stephens as an audit senior, where I now lead a portfolio of audits across sectors including oil and gas, hospitality, manufacturing and construction.
Relocating from Pakistan to Oman was challenging. I left behind the structure and scale of a Big Four network to take on a portfolio of clients in a different country, with a new market and regulatory environment. I briefed partners directly and built client relationships from scratch without the safety net of a familiar team around me. I had to grow quickly, but it remains one of the best decisions of my career.
Accounting firms are well placed to be more than compliance providers
Oman’s economy is going through a genuine period of transition. Diversification under Vision 2040 is opening real opportunities, but many businesses still face cashflow pressures and increasingly complex regulatory requirements. As accounting firms, we are well placed to be more than compliance providers, helping businesses strengthen their financial records and internal controls, which directly improves their ability to secure financing. We offer proactive advice on managing risk and navigating regulations, rather than simply reporting on issues after they have already happened.
I plan to stay in audit for another decade. I see real value in pushing myself further, as the breadth of experience across sectors and clients is something I could not develop as quickly in the corporate world. Practice has also allowed me to mentor junior team members, something I genuinely enjoy.
If I had the power, I would make CPD a legal requirement for anyone signing off on financial statements, including directors and finance teams. In audit, we frequently see gaps in the understanding of evolving standards, rather than deliberate wrongdoing. If directors and preparers were held to the same standard of continuous learning as auditors, the quality of financial reporting would significantly improve.
As long as I keep showing up, I have not lost
What I enjoy most about my job is the exposure I get to different sectors. Auditing multiple industries at the same time means no two days are the same, whether deep in an oil and gas client’s operations, or working with hospitality, manufacturing or construction clients. This variety means constant learning, and I enjoy passing that experience on to junior staff.
‘The fight is in the mind; you only lose when you give up.’ This is what I tell myself when the going gets tough. Whether a demanding audit deadline or a personal challenge, it reminds me that resilience is a choice and as long as I keep showing up, I have not lost. I try to pass this mindset on to the juniors I supervise, especially when audit deadlines feel overwhelming.
If I weren’t a professional accountant, I would have pursued cricket. When I was growing up it was something I really wanted to do. I still play and the sport remains a big part of my life; it’s the one thing that completely switches my mind away from audit deadlines. I also enjoy travelling and am particularly drawn to mountainous regions. I like to stay active; it’s a good balance to desk-bound audit work and it helps keep me energised.
