Daniyal Syed
Daniyal Syed is a senior manager at Deloitte UK
I grew up in Hyderabad, Pakistan, and had to make the two-hour drive to Karachi to do my exams. Ever since I was a student I had an ambition to work with a Big Four firm in the UK, and the ACCA Qualification supported my ambition. At the time of my studies, there were no ACCA tuition providers in Hyderabad, so I had to self-study.
I started my career with KPMG Pakistan and was then offered a role at Deloitte UK. I now work in the private capital department. We audit some of the largest private equity-backed groups in the UK.
"No two audits are the same; that is its uniqueness"
One of the attractions for me is the variety and geographic scale of the clients we work with. I have worked with clients across a number of sectors, including finance, manufacturing and charities. No two audits are the same; that is its uniqueness. What I love about my job is the opportunity it gives me for dealing with complicated accounting issues and meeting different people every day.
When I look back on my first day in audit, I see just how much the technology has changed. Accountants need to be flexible in learning, adopting and implementing technology, whether it’s in the finance function or implementing technological change in audit.
"Getting to net zero will require a major commitment from governments, businesses and accountants"
Climate change remains the most pressing issue for accountants today. Getting to net zero will require a major commitment from governments, businesses and accountants to report and account accurately for the human activities that cause carbon emissions.
My biggest achievement so far is being elected to ACCA’s financial services sector network panel. I have also served as its chair.
Outside of work, I really like cycling. It helps me to keep exploring new places.