UAE Finance Leader Emphasises Communication, Continuous Learning, and Global Experience for Career Success…

Tauseef is an accomplished CIMA-qualified finance professional based in the UAE, specialising in providing strategic insights and analysis and partnering with fellow executives to drive business forward. 

As a Head of Finance, he has a proven track record of streamlining operations, enhancing financial management, coaching financial professionals and developing high-performing teams. He is a strong advocate for aligning accounting solutions with business objectives and is recognised for his effective communication skills. His varied and international experience gives him a unique perspective and puts him in a position to share his knowledge and expertise with fellow experienced professionals and those starting out their career in finance.

He shared with us his insights in to the accounting profession.

Given your experience in leading finance teams, what are some of the key skills, beyond technical accounting knowledge, that you look for in potential candidates?

For me, the key thing is a willingness to learn and be a team player.  I don't mind mistakes - we all make them.  But having an open mind and being willing to learn will set you up for success in your new role.

Another very important aspect is the ability to hold conversations - this not only goes for business-facing roles but also the analyst positions where you wouldn't ordinarily move away from behind excel models and Power BI dashboards. Being able to build rapport quickly amongst your business colleagues is a skill that is priceless.

How important is effective communication for finance professionals operating in a globalised business environment like the UAE? Can you share a specific example of when strong English skills were crucial in your career? What opportunities have they opened up?

Clear, concise communication is of paramount importance. When working in a truly international team I could be in a room with people from several different countries and cultures. How you navigate the conversations will determine success.  You need to be fully aware of how certain comments or phrases may come across and need to ensure you don't say something that could be seen as an insult.  At the same time, being open and honest is crucial.

As we know, English is an international language.  Being able to speak it fluently has made my life a lot easier than it could have been! Not only has it helped me to progress and move halfway across the world, but it has also opened up opportunities outside of the workplace where I am able to collaborate on projects with other business leaders. 

What advice would you give to young finance professionals who aspire to work in international settings or multinational companies?

Build up your experience in the comfort of your home country first.  Over the past year, I have been approached by several hundred individuals looking to move to the Middle East. Many of these have been fresh out of University and have aspirations of securing a role abroad.  We need to be honest here - employers firstly seek experience.  If you don't have that experience then you won't be considered in a market as fiercely competitive as the UAE. Gain your experience and your qualifications in familiar surroundings and then look to build your network in your target destination.

Obtaining your professional qualification is difficult - especially as you would usually be working a full time job at the same time. In my team I have junior staff currently studying and working very hard. The difference is that they have lived here all of their life so they did not have to overcome the challenge of relocation into a new environment.  When you think about it, relocating to a new country, working in a different culture, and trying to study and obtain your qualification - it is a lot of stress!

Try to secure a position in a large MNC in your home country and seek out mentors and coaches who can guide you on your journey.

What are some of the biggest challenges and opportunities you see for the finance profession in the coming years, particularly with the increasing role of technology and data analytics?

I only see opportunity. The advent of Artificial Intelligence should make transactional activity such as processing and posting invoices, and undertaking bank reconciliations a thing of the past for humans.  If a robot can do these things daily without needing manual input then it can only be a good thing.

I like to refer to AI as 'Assistive intelligence' - there will always be a need for a human at the end of the process.  Whether it is to tell the story the numbers are portraying, or to work with the Leadership teams on the strategic aspects. Also, as much as AI has progressed, it still isn't perfect so there is still a need for 'review' and 'Human Intelligence' - something that cannot be replaced.

In your LinkedIn articles, you discuss the importance of understanding assets, liabilities, and cash flow. How can professionals in non-finance roles benefit from understanding these basic financial concepts?

Basic financial principles are not just for accountants.  By understanding some finance basics individuals outside of finance can contribute significantly to an organisation's success. For example, for strategic planning, by understanding the concepts project managers can plan budgets more effectively and justify resource allocations; having a grasp of cashflow ensures projects remain financially sustainable by balancing income and expenses efficiently. It also helps with better collaboration with finance teams through better communication.

On the personal side, understanding these concepts is critical in enabling individuals to manage their personal finances. Understanding their personal budgets - what money is coming in versus what is going out - allows individuals to review where they can turn the dial to save more (and as a result look at investing).

How has your CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) qualification helped you in your career progression and what are the benefits of having internationally recognized professional qualifications?

Being CIMA-qualified has opened doors for me - that cannot be argued. My move to the UAE would have been more difficult to secure had I not had a globally recognised qualification backing me.

Having a professional qualification isn't just a set of letters - it gives confidence to employers, clients, business partners of your ability to add value and contribute to driving change.

CIMA in particular has prepared me with a more strategic outlook.  My skillset has arisen from a more forward-looking mindset as opposed to the traditional financial accounting and controls aspect.

What are some cultural nuances related to business communication and finance that professionals should be aware of when working in the UAE or other international contexts?

In the UAE - where 95% of the population are expats - companies are made up of truly international teams.  This means you have professionals from a variety of backgrounds and cultures.  It is extremely important to be aware of this and ensure that your language and behaviour does not upset/insult others.  What may seem as friendly 'banter' amongst colleagues from one part of the world, could be seen as insulting to a colleague from somewhere else.

This also applies to the way we approach our colleagues and also the way we dress.  For example, in the UAE it is generally a requirement for men and women to dress conservatively (i.e. not show too much skin). There are also other nuances when it comes to greetings where some feel it inappropriate to shake hands with the opposite sex. So you don't want to go into meetings with your hand charging forward(!). It is better to let the other party take the lead to be safe.

What are some of the ways that finance professionals can stay up-to-date with industry trends and developments, and how important is continuous professional development in this field?

These days there are so many avenues to explore and stay up to date. From email articles, to online webinars, to in-person events. The advent of webinars over the past few years has been a real game-changer as it has given professionals greater flexibility - I can log on to an event from the comfort of my home, without having to worry about arranging travel and adding stress to my diary.

Another way I generally keep informed is through my circle of friends and my professional network on LinkedIn. I am fortunate to be connected with some extremely knowledgeable professionals who are always happy to provide advice and guidance.

I am passionate about helping others to achieve their potential and, as somebody who has benefitted from mentorship and coaching throughout my career, I have witnessed the impact first hand. So I am now in the fortunate position to be able to coach others and help them to work towards their goals. I have a blend of clients that I am currently working with, some are outside of finance and want to move into finance, others are in finance and want to progress up the ladder, others are non-finance who want career clarity. I work in a way that ensures each individual is accountable for their own outcomes and takes ownership of their plan. I work with clients from all over the world and it is fascinating listening to the stories of how they have got to where they are!