4. 50s
Haryane Mustajab FCPA
Chief operating officer and head of finance, Bird & Bird ATMD
Singapore
The future of accounting is promising for Haryane Mustajab, but she advises younger accountants to stay alert and “on their toes” in this fast-evolving field.
What first drew you to accounting or finance?
I began my accounting career in the 1990s during the Asian financial crisis. There were abundant opportunities to work in finance, and it seemed like a logical and viable career decision.
How has your view of the profession changed over time?
Accounting has evolved from being quite transactional to being more focused on interpreting data, making judgement calls, modelling for the future, and drawing on both quantitative and qualitative insights.
It has become more satisfying as a career, and I think the future of our profession has never been more inspiring.
What is the biggest challenge facing accountants right now?
The dynamism of the profession is a huge challenge. It is changing so quickly, and it demands an element of curiosity. You cannot just say, “Well, I’ve qualified as a CPA, so I can stop learning now”.
We need to keep learning — and look for new opportunities to learn — especially given the impact of technology.
How do you see technology shaping the next decade?
The next decade? I feel like it will continue to reshape within the next two years and beyond! Technology is advancing so quickly, and we cannot ignore the impact it will continue to have. We need to step-up with a positive attitude and with agility, so we continue to thrive.
But overall, I feel that technology will be an enabler, rather than a hindrance, for the accountant of the future.
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
Accounting requires a level of resilience and a desire to learn and relearn, so always stay “on your toes”. Your career journey may not be linear. There are numerous opportunities for accountants to adapt and shift within the profession, especially as the business environment continues to evolve.
Despite these changes, one constant remains: the ongoing demand for trustworthy accountants. The reliability and integrity that accountants bring to their roles is more vital than ever.
The world continues to rely on skilled professionals in this field to provide stability and assurance amid uncertainty.
