My career has taken me through public practice, corporate leadership and entrepreneurship. I was drawn to accounting because I enjoyed understanding businesses and how financial information can support better decision-making, while also making a meaningful contribution to society.
I began my professional journey with a leading accountancy firm as an audit trainee, where I built a strong foundation in audit, assurance, and professional practice. I later joined the country’s largest steel structure manufacturer, before taking the role of Group CFO at Hosaf Group, where I worked closely with senior leadership on financial strategy. Following my corporate career, I founded Executive Business Advisory & Consultants (EBAC) and subsequently established Sohel Rasel & Co, where I am managing partner.
My challenges increased when I established two separate ventures
I stepped out of my comfort zone when I left a senior corporate role to start my own business. Moving from my secure job to go into entrepreneurship was exciting and challenging. My challenges increased when I established two separate ventures, a business consulting firm and a chartered accountancy practice. Doing this from scratch during the significant political and economic uncertainty that Bangladesh faced throughout 2024 and 2025 was not easy. I developed a strong client base and soon created sustainable growth. This experience strengthened my resilience and confidence in navigating uncertainty while delivering for clients.
I believe accounting firms need to do more than simply provide assurance and compliance services. Businesses today are facing economic uncertainty, changing regulations and increasing competition; professional firms can support their clients by providing expert guidance in every aspect of business, helping companies make informed decisions and achieve sustainable long-term growth.
AI is changing the way accounting firms operate by automating routine tasks and improving access to data and insights. Professionals can spend more time helping clients solve business problems, but technology cannot replace professional judgment, ethical decision-making or strong client relationships. The firms that will benefit most from AI are those that embrace technology while continuing to invest in people and professional development.
If I had law-making powers, I would closely align education with professional and vocational development. I believe every student should receive professional training or recognised qualifications alongside their academic education. This would help bridge the gap between education and employment, create a more skilled workforce and better prepare young people for the modern economy.
My guiding mantra is something I call the ‘3D model’: determination, dedication and discipline
The most rewarding part of my work is helping businesses and people achieve their goals. I enjoy solving problems, advising clients and contributing to their growth and success. It is also very satisfying to mentor young professionals, as seeing others develop their careers and achieve their ambitions is something I genuinely enjoy.
My guiding mantra is something I call the ‘3D model’: determination, dedication and discipline. While talent and opportunity are important, I believe it is determination to overcome challenges, dedication to continuous improvement, and discipline in execution that ultimately drive long-term success.
If I wasn’t an accountant I would have liked a career in diplomacy. I have always been fascinated by international relations, negotiation and the role diplomats play in resolving complex challenges. I would enjoy the opportunity to represent my country, build relationships, and contribute to economic and social development on a broader scale.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also like meeting people from different industries and learning from their experiences. I spend much of my time participating in professional events and networking activities, as continuous learning and building meaningful professional relationships are important parts to my personal and professional growth.
