I intended to follow my father, a professor of business law in Karachi, into teaching. But after graduating, I discovered a passion for accounting. I used to spend many hours solving accounting problems – it’s an interest that led me to ACCA.
ACCA transformed the way I viewed accounting by combining technical knowledge with real-world business scenarios. The case study approach encouraged me to think like a finance professional. While still part-qualified in 2002, I joined an audit firm in Karachi.
My career has been very rewarding. In 2004, I moved to the UAE to continue my career in audit and was promoted to risk manager. Three years later I joined a construction company as an internal auditor. I’m still here at ECC nearly 20 years later, as group chief accountant. The organisation has expanded and I now lead a team of 45 accountants across 13 group entities.
Growth begins when comfort ends
I believe AI will have a positive impact on both audit firms and corporate finance. It improves data accuracy, predictive analytics and the efficiency of routine processes, which allows finance professionals to focus on analysis and strategic decision-making. But there are challenges. Overreliance on AI may reduce professional scepticism and critical thinking, while data security is another concern, particularly where cloud-based platforms are used. AI should be viewed as a tool that complements, rather than replaces, professional judgment.
After 18 years with the same company, I realised I had become too comfortable in my finance role. To broaden my strategic perspective, I enrolled in a CFO programme at the MECA CFO Academy. I followed up by taking Imperial College London’s Emerging CFO course, during which, I was told, ‘If you feel uncomfortable while discussing a topic, it means you are learning.’ Growth begins when comfort ends. Branching out in this way has expanded my knowledge, strengthened my professional network and improved my leadership and strategic thinking.
Mentoring my team is the most enjoyable part of my job. We come from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds, and I find it rewarding to help colleagues develop their careers by sharing my experience. Seeing them succeed gives me great satisfaction.
Schools should teach students entrepreneurship
My biggest achievement has been leading a large finance team across multiple entities. My commitment to continuous learning has been just as important, as has maintaining a healthy lifestyle while balancing the demands of a challenging career. My doctor advised me to make significant lifestyle changes a few years ago after I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. I started exercising regularly, lost weight and followed a strict diet, which has enabled me to manage my health without medication.
I think business education should be a core subject from an early stage in school. Developing financial literacy, entrepreneurship and business awareness at a young age would better prepare students for their future careers and help them make informed financial decisions.
If I weren’t in finance, I would probably still work in accounting – as an educator. I would enjoy teaching accountancy through practical methods that inspire students to see it as an exciting career rather than just another academic subject.
Outside work, I enjoy listening to finance podcasts and audiobooks. I also enjoy networking with fellow professionals, particularly within the ACCA community.
