ASK AN ACCA EXPERT – INTERVIEW WITH YUSRA AYAZ FCCA
Interviewer:
Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Yusra Ayaz, a distinguished ACCA member who has achieved the prestigious FCCA status. Yusra, thank you for joining us and sharing your insights. Please tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to pursue the ACCA qualification.
Yusra Ayaz:
Thank you for having me. I’m thrilled to share my ACCA journey and hopefully inspire others along the way. I’ve always had a strong interest in business and finance, and my decision to pursue the ACCA qualification stemmed from a desire to develop a comprehensive understanding of accounting and enhance my career prospects. I believed that ACCA’s global recognition and strong emphasis on practical skills would open doors to diverse opportunities.
Interviewer:
That’s wonderful. Can you take us through your ACCA journey? What were some of the challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Yusra Ayaz:
Certainly! My ACCA journey was both rewarding and challenging. One of the initial hurdles I encountered was managing my time effectively between work, studies, and personal commitments. I quickly learned the importance of discipline and creating a structured study plan. I also sought support from my peers and mentors, which made a significant difference. Additionally, some exam topics, such as advanced financial reporting and strategic business analysis, required a deep understanding of complex concepts. I overcame this challenge by enrolling in additional courses, attending revision lectures, and practicing past exam questions extensively. The comprehensive study materials provided by ACCA were invaluable during my preparation.
Interviewer:
That’s excellent advice. Many ACCA students face similar challenges. Now, could you share with us some of the benefits you’ve experienced as an ACCA member?
Yusra Ayaz:
Absolutely! One of the most significant benefits of becoming an ACCA member is the global recognition and enhanced career prospects. The qualification is highly regarded by employers worldwide, and it has opened doors to numerous opportunities for me. I’ve had the chance to work with leading organizations across different industries, gaining diverse experiences. Additionally, the practical skills and strategic thinking developed through the ACCA qualification have been invaluable in my professional life. I’ve been able to contribute effectively to decision-making processes, strategic planning, and financial management within my organizations.
Interviewer:
That’s fantastic to hear. It’s encouraging to know that the qualification equips members with such valuable skills. Speaking of skills, ACCA emphasizes a broad range of technical and soft skills. How have these skills contributed to your professional success?
Yusra Ayaz:
Indeed, ACCA places a strong emphasis on developing a well-rounded skill set. The technical skills I acquired, such as financial reporting, tax, and audit, provided a solid foundation for my career in finance and accounting. These skills are highly sought-after by employers and have enabled me to excel in various roles. However, it’s the soft skills that ACCA promotes, such as communication, analytical thinking, and leadership, that have truly set me apart. These skills have empowered me to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, influence stakeholders, and drive initiatives within my organizations. I believe that the combination of technical proficiency and soft skills has been instrumental in my professional success.
Interviewer:
That’s a great insight. It’s interesting to hear how ACCA’s focus on soft skills has made a tangible difference in your career. Now, could you share with us one of the most memorable projects or achievements during your professional journey?
Yusura Ayaz:
Certainly! One of the most memorable achievements was leading a financial transformation project within my previous organization. As the project lead, I had the opportunity to work with a diverse team of finance professionals and implement a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. This project involved streamlining financial processes, enhancing data analytics capabilities, and improving overall operational efficiency. It was a challenging yet immensely rewarding experience. We successfully implemented the new system, and the positive impact on the organization’s financial management was significant. This project not only showcased the practical application of my ACCA skills but also reinforced my belief in the power of effective leadership and collaboration.
Interviewer:
That sounds like a fantastic accomplishment. It’s wonderful to hear how you were able to apply your ACCA skills in a real-world setting. Now, as an FCCA member, what advice would you give to aspiring ACCA students or members who aim to achieve the same status?
Yusra Ayaz:
Achieving FCCA status is a testament to one’s dedication, hard work, and commitment to continuous professional development. My advice to aspiring ACCA students and members is to embrace challenges, be proactive in seeking opportunities, and continuously expand your knowledge and skills. Stay up to date with industry developments, attend networking events, and seek diverse experiences through internships or volunteer work. Additionally, mentorship plays a crucial role in one’s professional journey. I would encourage mentees to seek guidance from FCCA members or experienced professionals who can offer valuable insights and support. Lastly, believe in yourself and your abilities. The ACCA qualification equips you with a robust foundation, and your confidence coupled with continuous learning will take you far.
Interviewer:
Thank you for those insightful words of wisdom. We’re sure they will resonate with many of our readers. Finally, as we wrap up, what are your future plans and goals, and how do you envision your ACCA qualification supporting you in these endeavors?
Yusra Ayaz:
My future plans involve continuing my professional development, exploring new areas of expertise, and seeking leadership roles where I can make a strategic impact. I’m particularly interested in sustainability and corporate social responsibility, and I aim to leverage my ACCA qualification to drive positive change in these areas. The ethical framework and sustainability principles embedded within the ACCA qualification provide a strong foundation for driving responsible business practices. I believe that my ACCA skills, combined with my passion for sustainability, will enable me to contribute to organizations’ environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives and make a meaningful difference.
Interviewer:
Yusra, it has been an absolute pleasure interviewing you. Your insights, experiences, and advice will undoubtedly inspire ACCA students and members worldwide. We wish you continued success in all your future endeavors. Thank you for your time!
Yusra Ayaz:
Thank you so much for having me. It has been a wonderful opportunity to share my story and give back to the ACCA community. I hope that my journey can inspire others to pursue their ACCA qualification and achieve their career aspirations.