My career journey began with EY, where I was exposed to world-renowned organizations including the World Bank, Citibank, and UN agencies. Here, I also developed a deep interest in enterprise risk management. I wanted a more in-depth understanding of companies’ operations and a more hands-on role in implementing risk management frameworks. After completing my ACCA qualification, I transitioned to working in the banking and insurance industries.
Relocating to a new country presented challenges such as adapting to cultural norms
I currently work as an operational risk manager for a Canadian property and accident insurance company. In this role, I enjoy working with many different departments and stakeholders and I get to experience these different flavours by managing operational risks for my organization.
Stepping out of my comfort zone has been essential to both my personal life and career. In 2016, I migrated to Canada from Pakistan. Relocating to a new country presented numerous challenges, such as adapting to cultural norms and adjusting to different workplace dynamics.
I joined a public speaking programme to develop an essential soft skill for leadership
I have also challenged myself with public speaking, as this is an essential soft skill for leadership positions. Earlier in my career, I joined a public speaking programme to develop confidence in this area. I still volunteer for opportunities to present and speak in public or professional settings. Continuing to enhance this skill has helped me cultivate self-confidence and an openness to change.
The property and accident insurance industry faces significant challenges from climate change. The greater incidence of natural disasters leads to a rise in claims and risks for insurers. The industry must adapt by assessing climate-related risks more accurately, developing innovative products and integrating climate risk management into underwriting and risk mitigation. Leveraging data analytics can help insurers to predict and manage these risks better.
I am inherently a risk-averse individual, and the nature of my role plays into this. I enjoy being exposed to many departments and stakeholders, and I get to experience these different flavours by managing operational risks for my organisation.
I would offer financial incentives to businesses that demonstrate strong ESG performance
If I had law-making powers, I would focus on promoting corporate social responsibility in organisations. I would require companies to disclose their environmental, social and governance practices and performance transparently. I would also offer financial incentives, tax breaks or subsidies to businesses that could demonstrate strong ESG performance.
Becoming an ACCA member, and subsequently a CPA member in Canada, was one of my most significant achievements. I remember the date of the ACCA exam results coincided with Eid. I anxiously clicked on the result portal, and on discovering I had passed the last professional exam, I was extremely pleased with myself, especially as I had been working full-time. I was then able to leverage my ACCA membership to obtain the CPA designation in Canada through the mutual recognition agreement.
I like the stability and versatility that the accounting profession offers. I also enjoy problem solving and have an analytical mindset – essential skills for a successful accountant.
If I weren’t a qualified accountant, I would have become a software engineer as this role also requires problem-solving and analytical skills, which I enjoy.
When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and taking long walks in the countryside. I am also interested in reading about interior decoration trends. Recently I have been designing and decorating my new house; it has been an exciting and rewarding challenge to balance style with cost.
