I grew up in Ahmedabad, in Gujarat. Families in India are very involved in their children’s studies and future. My father and mother both worked in banking, and they, along with my older brother and my wife, encouraged me to become an accountant, as I’d always been good with numbers and problem-solving.
After graduating from university in India, I moved to the UK in 2008 to pursue my dream to become an accountant. I started working in practice in London, then moved to an IT company while pursuing my ACCA Qualification. I went back to India with a UK-based outsourcing company, and then got an opportunity to work in transfer pricing with Deloitte. I moved to Canada with my family in 2019, and work for BDO in Ontario.
When I moved to Canada, it was very challenging – a totally new country, company and people
Most of my career I have been in practice, but with some time in industry. Based on my experience, the major difference between the corporate sector and practice is the nature of the work, career growth possibilities and the clientele. I am a people person and always enjoy interacting with people. Practice has allowed me to enhance my professional knowledge along with gaining job satisfaction.
Every time I have moved into a different job, I have stepped out of my comfort zone. However, when I moved to Canada and started with BDO, it was very challenging as it was a totally new country, company and people. I feel fortunate in having had great support from my family, friends and BDO in this transition.
The Canadian economy is mainly made up of small and medium-sized businesses, which are facing a variety of challenges. There is a shortage of skilled labour, issues around adopting new technology, and wider economic and market uncertainty.
Because it is open to immigration, Canada has an edge in terms of the different skillsets available in the market. Considering the country’s abundant natural resources and great tourist destinations, there is huge potential to grow manufacturing and services in Canada. Its positive trade policies will also bring more investment and job opportunities for Canadians.
Every time I hear a client’s positive feedback, that is my biggest achievement
I belong to a business family, so if I had law-making powers, I would develop even more open and friendly trade policies in Canada. I strongly believe that Canada has great potential to attract ever more entrepreneurs, who will shape the next decade of the Canadian market.
What I like most about my job is helping people. I have an opportunity to serve my clients and help them comply with regulations, and at the same time advise them on how to save on their taxes. Seeing their satisfaction motivates me every day. Every time I hear a client’s positive feedback, it gives me a great feeling of accomplishment. I believe that is my biggest achievement.
If I weren’t an accountant, I’d have been a computer engineer. I am tech-savvy and love to update myself about new and upcoming technology in the market.
When I am not at work, I am passionate about helping people. I do lot of career mentoring for many new students all over the world about opportunities and career growth in the current market. As I also enjoy tech, I spend a few hours every week developing my knowledge of it.
