Sobiya Vajahat

Published on:
February 2, 2022

Finance – Operation Manager, Mullenlowe Mena 

Inspiration: I was inspired to join ACCA because back in my time, we really didn’t have many options in the Chartered Accountancy courses available in UAE and when I researched about ACCA, I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do. And as my journey progressed, I realized I had made the right decision by choosing ACCA. I have always been a person who learns by experience and little by books, so the entire ACCA journey was very insightful for me. 

ACCA journey: I have been in the industry for 13 years now, 5 years as an External Auditor with E&Y, and 8 years exploring the finance and operation side of the business. As a student highs and lows are all about passing a paper and getting to the next level. The subject that I loved the most as a student was Audit and it was the same subject that made me go crazy! I was a top performer employee at EY (and no I am not bragging about it :D) but this paper was something else…hahahahaha. Alhumdulillah now though. In my professional career, I would say there have been all highs’ after ACCA, Alhamdulillah. 

ACCA Community: I try keeping myself as engaged as possible, but of course these days online networks are the only option 🙂. I was an ACCA brand ambassador in India during 2014-2016 and attended some colleges and universities as an ACCA guest. It was very inspiring and encouraging to see the Indian community become acknowledged with ACCA.  

What makes you proud to be part of the ACCA community: The diversification of its reach, its global presence, the togetherness of this community, and the pace of ‘always’ development is second to none. Back in India, ACCA would have helped me tons, but I can understand that ACCA was still planting its seeds back then and here in UAE, I haven’t reached out to ACCA for help, but I am sure if I ever needed it, it would be the best help that I could get. 

Appreciation: Al Mihad Institute – the place where ACCA started in UAE! Pheonix FT – Some of the best tutors in UAE, EY – my best employer and everybody else here in ACCA UAE and ACCA worldwide! When I had to leave UAE (my home) for good, I was little skeptical and wary about the world. But then when I found that the ACCA community existed there, I felt I was home again 😊