I initially had plans to work for my family’s textile business in Dubai. A year into working there, though, my friend asked if I’d be interested in working for EY Dubai in accounting, compliance and reporting. I made the move and was so glad I did as it taught me a lot about finance, teamwork and general communication skills. My parents were initially reluctant but later realised it was a good decision, as the family business was unfortunately liquidated before I moved to Australia. It’s difficult sometimes to understand in the moment why things happen the way they do, but that’s the beauty of perspective and hindsight.
One of my biggest achievements has been moving to Australia after having called Dubai home for so long. I’m originally from India, but I moved to Dubai at a very young age and lived there most of my life. It’s not an easy decision to leave your life, friends, a stable career and all the creature comforts that come with that, but I decided to move for my kids. A lot of credit goes to my wife Ritika for supporting the decision.
It’s not an easy decision to leave your life, friends, a stable career and all the creature comforts that come with that
As to be expected, it wasn’t an entirely seamless move. I faced many rejections looking for work and had expected it to be easier given my experience in the Middle East. Thankfully, everything turned out perfectly, as after four weeks I landed a job at JP Morgan Chase. I truly believe there’s so much to gain from pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. I recommend anyone moving to Australia or anywhere else to be patient and persistent; my experiences have so far taught me that everything seems to work out in the end.
My current role is finance manager at leading foreign exchange and global payments provider OFX. I’m part of group finance, where I’m involved in exciting projects aimed at improving and optimising our processes, along with supporting the financial control team on various other tasks. The finance team at OFX is very collaborative and that same dynamic stretches to functional teams across the business.
OFX has a really great culture. There’s a genuine and consistent focus by senior management to ensure it’s a positive environment, and that everyone is easily accessible to ask a question or have a conversation with, regardless of their role. I joined OFX in 2020 and it’s easily one of the best cultures I have come across.
I’m blessed with two amazing (and cheeky) kids. My son Abhir and daughter Shanaya are my number one priority. They also both love cricket, which means we don’t have to fight for the remote. I had different aspirations before the pandemic, but having spent so much time at home with my kids, it’s become really apparent what’s important in life. They are growing up so quickly, and for now I really want to make sure I’m able to spend as much quality time as I can with them.
If I weren’t an accountant? I dreamt of being a cricketer and playing internationally. I probably would have continued chasing that dream until I was 80.
