- From standards to skills: ICMA’s commitment to advancing Pakistan’s finance education
- Learning from neighboring successes help elevate local educational outcomes
Interview with Mr. Aamir Ijaz Khan — Executive Director, ICMA Pakistan
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself, please:
Aamir Ijaz Khan:Â I am a Chartered Management Accountant with Fellow Membership of the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan. Currently, I am working as the Executive Director, ICMA Pakistan. Prior to this role, I worked for Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and the World Bank funded project “Project to Improve Financial Reporting & Auditing” (PIFRA). I am an SAP, FI/CO Certified Consultant and Certified Director.
With 25 years of experience in client service, implementation, business restoration, budgeting and compliance, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Throughout my career, I had the opportunity to represent various boards and conferences. I also serve as the founding president of the ICMA Lahore Toastmasters Club and currently serve on the executive committee of the Pakistan Chapter of MENSA International.
In addition, I hold the position of Technical Advisor to the PAIB Advisory Group of ‘International Federation of Accountants’ (IFAC) and Director of the SAFA Foundation.
PAGE: What is your take on the quality of accounting & finance education in Pakistan?
Aamir Ijaz Khan: Accounting and finance education in Pakistan has improved a lot over the years, but it is still far away. Our institutions have made great strides in adopting international standards and best practices, but we must focus on producing graduates who are job-ready and have the skills needed to excel in the industry. ICMA Pakistan is committed to improving the quality of education through its certification, training programmes and collaboration with students.
However, challenges such as outdated curricula, adequate training for the faculty and limited resources still need to be addressed. Additionally, more emphasis should be placed on practical skills, critical thinking and problem solving. ICMA is working closely through its initiative, ICMA Digital Academy to address these issues and ensure that our members are equipped to meet the requirements of the industry.
ICMA encourage research and innovation in accounting and finance education, which is essential to producing a highly qualified workforce. Our aim is to create a skilled workforce that can drive economic growth and development in Pakistan.
PAGE: What is your perspective on interest manifested by students and their future prospects?
Aamir Ijaz Khan: It is encouraging to see an increase in student interest in careers in accounting and finance. The prospects for these students are bright, both locally and internationally. With the increasing demand for skilled workers in these sectors, students can expect to find rewarding careers in sectors such as finance, banking and management.
ICMA Pakistan is dedicated to helping students and professionals achieve their goals through its certifications, mentoring programs and networking opportunities.
We believe that our students have great potential and with the right guidance and support, they can excel in their careers.
The future prospects for accounting and finance professionals in Pakistan are bright, with opportunities for growth and development in various sectors. We are seeing a demand for professionals with expertise in areas such as financial analysis, risk management and forensic accounting.
PAGE: Why is it that our neighbouring country is deemed better in accounting & finance education delivery vis-a-vis us globally?
Aamir Ijaz Khan: Our neighbour has made tremendous progress in the field of accounting and economics and their institutions have gained global recognition. This can be attributed to several factors, including a greater emphasis on research, industry-academic collaboration and more experienced faculty.
In addition, they have invested heavily in its education systems, which has contributed to their success. Their institutions have adopted innovative teaching methods and established strong relationships with industry, enabling them to produce job-ready graduates. Pakistan can learn from its neighbour’s experiences and work to strengthen its education system to be globally competitive. We need to focus on conducting high-quality research, encouraging industry and academic collaboration and investing in our education system.
ICMA Pakistan is committed to supporting the development of accounting and finance education in Pakistan, and we work closely with our stakeholders to achieve this goal.
PAGE: Every citizen is under compulsion to cut corners. Has it taken its toll on education sector?
Aamir Ijaz Khan: Unfortunately, the culture of “cutting corners” has permeated various aspects of Pakistani society, including the education sector. This attitude can lead to a lack of emphasis on quality, honesty and hard work, ultimately leading to the erosion of educational standards.
ICMA Pakistan strongly advocates a culture of excellence, ethics and professionalism in education, and we believe that our institutions and students strive for excellence without taking shortcuts. By promoting a culture of integrity and competence, we can develop highly qualified employees who can make a positive impact on society.
However, a culture of “cutting corners” can have serious consequences, such as producing graduates who are not prepared to meet the demands of industry This can lead to a lack of confidence in our education system in the 1990s, and had a long-term impact on our economy and society.
ICMA Pakistan is committed to fostering a culture of academic excellence and integrity, and we work closely with our stakeholders to achieve this goal. We believe that by working together, we can have the best qualified entrepreneurs who can drive economic growth and development in Pakistan.