Name: Priti Khandelwal
Title: Budgeting and Reporting Specialist
Company: Etihad Rail Infrastructure, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Qualifications: CA from ICAI, CPA Ireland, BCO
Why did you decide to start out in a career in accountancy?
During my early high school years, I was always fond of data analytics and working with numbers. I learnt that gaining indept knowledge in accountancy would not only provide me with a sound and stable career but would also increase my business acumen.
Please provide a brief history of your career.
I started my career as an accounting, tax and audit consultant for 5 years.
I am currently, working in a rail and logistics industry as a budgeting and reporting specialist in UAE. Some of my past experiences also include working in managerial roles under the finance division across different industry segments which include retail, banking, healthcare and cyber security.
My roles and responsibilities across the last 15 years with different industry sectors has given me the opportunity to gain stronger analytical and reporting skills. I have gained expertise on different finance softwares like SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics etc.
Why did you decide to become a member of CPA Ireland?
Learning is always the key to grow in our profession. Being an existing member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), CPA Ireland is an excellent recognition to add to one’s profile through the mutual recognition pathway.
What one word describes what your CPA membership has given you?
It is difficult to describe one word however it is a prestigious qualification and highly recognised across the world.
What has been your biggest career achievement?
There have been many achievements in my career including:
- Instrumental in IPO issue for one of the healthcare companys.
- Led through VAT tax implementation for the entire healthcare group.
- Automating business processes, reports through introduction of dashboards.
What or who inspires you most in business?
I’m highly inspired by my father in business. He always preachs that whatever the situation may be ‘Never Give Up, Keep Going and you will achieve the desired results’.
What advice would you give to those recently qualified or currently studying for their accountancy qualification?
I would advise that accountancy as a profession will open gates to a lot of wonderful opportunities across the globe.
What traits do you admire in others?
I admire one’s compassion towards their life. With compassion comes respect, love, understanding and trust. Once you have compassion for everything you do and have, everyone simply starts to admire you for your true personality.