There’s no escaping the fact that artificial intelligence (AI) stands to revolutionise the audit world. We can expect significant positive changes, yet firms will also face considerable hurdles in adopting the technology. Many are using it to automate repetitive tasks such as data entry, allowing auditors to dedicate their time to more valuable procedures that demand their judgment and strategic thinking. However, firms should also be aware of potential issues with the quality of client data.
I love the fact-finding side of my job. As a team, we develop and maintain policies and procedures, conduct training sessions and come up with new ideas. Building policies from scratch is innovative and interesting, but challenging at times. I would like to gain more experience in audit quality and then aim for a senior position; it would take a very exciting opportunity for me to ever consider a move to the corporate world.
Moving to Kuwait just before lockdown was emotionally challenging
At school I was always fascinated by numbers, so I took the commerce options and soon decided that I wanted to be a qualified accountant. My career started in audit in India with EY, then continued in Singapore where I pursued an MBA alongside my full-time role. Finally, I relocated to Kuwait in 2019.
I stepped out of my comfort zone when I moved to Kuwait. It was just a couple of weeks before the Covid-19 lockdown and I felt very alone, far from my family and unable to travel, which was emotionally challenging. The new working climate was also difficult during initial days, but fortunately my team was extremely supportive.
This is my favourite saying: ‘Everything will be fine at the end; if it is not fine, then it is not the end.’ This keeps me going when I encounter difficulties and struggles in life.
Educated women become powerful catalysts for change
If I had law-making powers, I would ensure educational opportunities for every woman. Educated women tend to live healthier lives, raise smaller families, actively engage in politics and the economy, and significantly boost a nation’s GDP. They become powerful catalysts for change, breaking cycles of poverty and inequality for generations to come. Ultimately, this sort of legal framework isn’t just about education; it’s about building a fairer, more prosperous and more equitable society for everyone.
If I wasn’t a qualified accountant, I would have pursued teaching. Given my passion for my profession, my subject would be accountancy and business studies. I would focus on developing my students’ ethical judgment and critical thinking skills, and not just technical knowledge.
When I am not at work, staying active is important to me. I hit the gym regularly but my real passion is badminton, a sport I’ve loved since childhood; I’m currently taking coaching classes to seriously up my game. There’s real satisfaction in developing my technique, learning new shots and seeing tangible improvements on the court. I thrive on the challenge and am always looking for ways to push myself as a player. Naturally, I love attending live badminton competitions, but I also enjoy watching comedy movies.
