The ones to watch 2008...

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, accounting & business profiles 10 talented finance professionals

Over the past decade, accounting & business has profiled some of the most senior and highly-respected finance professionals in the world, many of whom have commented that persistence, determination, skill and sometimes even luck have got them to where they are today: in leadership roles, working for multinational companies and internationally recognised brands. Such a career depends on knowledge and expertise but also a fast-track approach to success, which is more often than not nurtured in the early years of a career; a key developmental time between qualifying as an accountant and gaining professional recognition from peers and colleagues. With this in mind, and to celebrate 10 years of publication, accounting & business focuses on 10 ambitious members aged 35 and under who, we think, have the potential to rise to the top. Among them is a tax director of a global technology and services brand, a finance director in one of the world's largest real-estate companies, a CFO of a leading creative agency and a trade control analyst for a global energy group. Many have continued to develop their skills and knowledge through further education, while some are members of management teams or corporate networks that assist in the growth of global business. We think these 10 finance professionals will have a great future acquiring the experience and know-how to fill leadership roles worldwide. These, then, are the ones to watch 2008.

• Raymond Wan
• Tamara Singh
• Harry Mafuta
• Tamara Sukhotina
• Laura Iliescu
• Nisreen Rehmanjee
• Salman Sajid
• Forest Yang
• James Pritchard
• Ben Ho

Raymond Wan, 33

Since Raymond joined leading global financial services company Citibank NA, Singapore in 2000, he has been collecting accolades and awards: from the Citibank Quality Excellence Award to the largest number of e-appreciation cards from colleagues during the company's Driving Success and Joy in the Citi sales and marketing campaigns. He puts his success down to the unfailing support of his peers and the opportunities bestowed by senior management, but he also acknowledges that he wouldn't be where he is today without drive or ambition. 'What empowers me are persistence and dedication to follow through and get the job done despite the various obstacles and challenges along the way. I'm not afraid of hard work and go the extra mile, but I also believe in the need to have passion in what I do.' Appointed Assistant Vice President for the Regional Finance Unit of the Global Consumer Group, Asia Pacific business in March 2005, Raymond functions as the financial controller for the regional offices and liaises regularly with colleagues in the Asia Pacific region. 'Being approachable, helpful and positive are key in this role. I spare no effort in assisting my colleagues from the regional office or from our Asia Pacific countries through the many operational, tax, compliance and reporting issues they face, so things can move along and we as a group and as a company can succeed.' He notes that the challenges he faces are typical of the finance function, in addition to maintaining a healthy and active work-life balance, and saying no occasionally. Raymond began his accounting career over a decade ago at the Singapore office of PwC. Selected for a dual audit-tax programme, he gained exposure to both disciplines. 'I was fortunate to work with some very talented seniors, managers and partners who helped me a lot in my professional development during the early stage of my career. The experience and chance to work in an international auditing firm is something I will always cherish. All budding accountants should give it a go!' He left PwC for a chance to work in the banking sector and hasn't looked back. 'I love the dynamism and pace in Citi. I really enjoy the chance and challenge to work with some of the best minds in finance and banking, a highly motivated and dedicated workforce and a very open and focused senior management team.'

Tamara Singh, 27

Although Tamara read law at a UK university and went on to do the Legal Practice Course, she realised early on that she wanted to be actively involved in business, so a career gear-change was needed. She joined Centrica's finance management scheme where she quickly established herself as a go-getter despite her lack of experience. Her investigation into payments made to third parties for project changes led to the discovery of overpayments; the Internal Audit department took note and offered a placement. By the time the three-year scheme ended, Tamara was looking for a new challenge but was keen to develop her knowledge of the energy sector. 'I've always been wary of the ethical minefield surrounding commodities and wanted to be sure that I was working for an organisation whose business model I could believe in.' Tamara joined global energy group, BP, in 2006 as a trade control analyst. 'The role wasn't one I'd ever been exposed to and I knew very little of direct relevance. This only served as an incentive though, as the environment can be unforgiving and I would have an exceptionally steep learning curve where autonomy and the associated accountability would be granted very quickly. Plus, I would be able to work with very skilled and exceptional characters. The role ticked all the right boxes and I was eager to take up the challenge.' Working in a close-knit team of four analysts in a highly pressured environment, involving regular contact with traders and strict daily reporting requirements, can put some strain on time management and planning, acknowledges Tamara. Emotions can occasionally run high but she reserves high praise for her employer and her colleagues. 'I enjoy the challenge of working with strong-minded individuals. The work I do involves a lot of interaction and interpersonal skills, which I relish. The work itself is interesting as we get involved in most areas of the deal lifecycle. As the “go-to” people for resolving issues, we get to work with all areas of the business, which develops our knowledge and experience. I also enjoy the sense of accountability and ownership over my work, as well as the pleasure of resolving complex issues.' Not one to rest on her laurels, Tamara is due to complete her ACT next year and has begun studying the PMBOK certification in project management. She is also a member of ACCA's Leaders of Tomorrow network.

Harry Mafuta, 33

If Harry had followed his family's advice, he would have become a scientist rather than an accountant. Now that he is a senior finance professional in Zambia's banking industry, he is thankful for his steadfast resolve as a teenager. 'Most of my classmates found book-keeping a nightmare but I progressed with no difficulty at all. I was also very good at science at school and this put me in a difficult position to decide which way to go. When I applied for a university place, I chose accountancy but my family advised me to change to science. I tried to heed their advice but I didn't succeed; I went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Accountancy.' Fresh out of university, he took the Big Four route to a finance career, joining PwC as an audit assistant. His break with public practice came in 2004 when he was appointed chief accountant/head of finance at Investrust Bank, a local and indigenous bank with seven branches throughout Zambia. 'I decided to change my career direction from audit to mainstream accounting; seven years of audit was long enough and I thought I was ready to go into industry and apply my knowledge.' More recently, Harry was appointed financial controller at the Bank, although he is named chief financial officer for statutory reporting purposes. He is responsible for the overall finance function of the Bank, from focusing on the day-to-day management of financial information to implementing long-term strategic plans. It is a varied and demanding role but Harry notes that, on a more general level, there are demands on his skills as a manager working in a developing country. 'My biggest challenges are managing time, people and resources. Time never seems to be there at all. It has to be created and used effectively and efficiently. I also find it challenging to keep abreast of international reporting and financial developments. Communication is slower in this part of the world.' Harry has no regrets that he chose to become an accountant but he acknowledges that he needed determination and motivation to succeed. 'Becoming a qualified accountant in Zambia is not easy but my ACCA qualification has helped me gain high recognition in the accountancy profession here. Add in my experience and knowledge and I have a powerful career toolkit, which means I am only limited by my own ambitions. I can achieve anything I want in the financial world.' Earlier this year, Harry completed an MBA with Oxford Brookes University.

Tamara Sukhotina, 33

Working in an ideas industry was a lucky break for Tamara, chief financial officer, Leo Burnett Group Russia, the creative agency owned by Publicis Groupe, one of the largest marketing communications companies in the world. 'I knew about advertising and creative companies before I joined Leo Burnett but when I went for the first interview I was very excited by the office, the atmosphere and the people. I thought it would be a very interesting business in which to work, and it is. It's a very inspirational and dynamic environment. I am a person who is very communicative; I don't see myself sitting in an office doing Excel spreadsheets all day. Here I really do much more.' With a solid accounting background, including a five-year stint at KPMG in Moscow and three years as finance controller/director of Geneva-based Richemont Luxury Group in Russia, Tamara found an opportunity to develop her finance skills when she joined Leo Burnett in March 2004 as finance director. She was appointed CFO in 2006 following a restructuring of the Publicis Groupe in Russia, which saw Leo Burnett join forces with two related agencies. At that time, she was asked to take on the responsibilities of managing director while a candidate was being sought for the role. 'From my perspective, it was a real achievement to take on the role of managing director, which was new and challenging. I had to go to production meetings and understand details of the creative process, which was quite removed from my role as CFO. It was a useful experience, stepping into those shoes and gaining a different perspective on the business, which I have found of great benefit as CFO. But what I took from that experience is that I understood it wasn't really my destiny to be managing director in this particular industry. To do that, you really need to be an experienced professional with the right background who has started from the bottom and worked their way up through the industry. It was tough but it helped me realise that I'm very happy being a CFO. This is where I can add value.' Last October, Tamara became responsible for the financial performance of two additional markets that are important for the NYSE-listed group: Ukraine and Kazakhstan. Together with Russia, she now reports directly to the worldwide CFO for these three countries. Tamara is a member of Leo Burnett's emerging markets committee and sits on the finance committee of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia.

Laura Iliescu, 31

Laura was 12-years-old when the revolution took place in Romania in 1989; an event, she says, that made a lasting impression. 'In this new demanding and competitive society, you have to be informed, aware of your abilities and limitations, and realistic about your goals. Above all, you need the courage never to give up on your dream.' After finishing high school, Laura left her home town of Ploiesti and enrolled in the Faculty of Finance at the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest. To get a head start in her wished-for career in banking, she took a three-year intensive programme offered by the Romanian Banking Institute; a decision that was rewarded on graduation with a training contract in Romania's largest and state-owned bank. She stayed a year, not because she disliked banking but because Big Four firm PwC offered her a challenging job. 'PwC would provide me with a professional education, a diversity of experience and contact with companies flourishing in different industries. I joined as a junior auditor along with 15 new employees in their largest office in Romania. You really have to make your own opportunities.' In 2005, Laura took time out from work to enjoy motherhood; it was also a time to reassess her career aspirations and work-life balance. 'I decided that I could not excel in two areas which demanded my full commitment: audit work and my family.' Putting her daughter first, she quit public practice and PwC, which she describes as a 'fantastic working place', to go freelance as an audit and internal control consultant. By the time she felt ready to return to full-time work, a position arose as a senior lending and structured finance specialist at ING Romania, part of ING Group, a global financial institution and one of the most recognised and respected financial services brands in Romania. The role developed the skills she learnt at PwC and also introduced her to investment projects. 'Due to my experience at PwC, I became the undeclared source of advice on accounting, reporting and tax issues. And the fact that the department's work quality and level of knowledge increased as a result of my involvement filled me with pride.' In early 2007, Laura was appointed head of financial reporting and control, which sees her fulfil a senior reporting role and play a part in strategic decision-making at ING Romania. 'I was given this opportunity as a reward for my commitment, achieved results and knowledge of ING business but also as recognition of my finance expertise, qualifications and potential.' Although in her early 30s, Laura says she has achieved her dream of a career in banking and finance. 'Life is too short to do something I don't like or undertake a job which doesn't send me home satisfied. And satisfaction wins over money.' Laura is also a member of the ACCA Romania Steering Committee and the Chamber of Financial Auditors of Romania.

Nisreen Rehmanjee, 35

As a young professional embarking on a finance career, Nisreen was keen to pursue a role in corporate finance, but when an opportunity arose in the tax division at KPMG Sri Lanka, she felt compelled to take it. 'Initially, tax seemed off my radar, but I thought there would be nothing to lose in trying it out, at least temporarily. I certainly didn't bank on acquiring a passion for the field, but I have. I thoroughly enjoyed working in the tax division of KPMG Sri Lanka. It was a challenging and enriching experience, particularly working with the partner, Ms Premila Perera, who guided me in the art of looking beyond the obvious.' What began as a temporary position became a career choice; at the age of 28, Nisreen was appointed director - tax at the firm. In 2005, she decided it was time for a change. She was appointed Assistant Vice President - head of tax strategy at John Keells Holdings Plc, Sri Lanka's largest listed conglomerate. 'After having worked for KPMG for nearly 10 years, mostly in a consultative capacity for a database of over 500 corporate clients, it was time for me to move out of a consulting mind frame and get hands-on with how businesses actually operate. John Keells has business interests that are almost as diverse as my former corporate database, taken collectively. It was a tremendous opportunity and a challenge I could not resist.' In 2007, Nisreen was appointed Vice President - head of group tax, a strategic role which allows her to influence business decisions across the organisation and work with multidisciplinary teams. She acknowledges that complex and ever-changing tax law means that she has to be alert and ready to respond to issues. 'In an environment where tax laws are subject to sporadic change, it is challenging not only to keep up with these changes but also to be able to proactively influence policy-makers by lobbying against changes that would be detrimental to industry.' Nisreen also relishes the particular challenges of working for the first Sri Lankan company to be listed overseas with a growing regional presence, where structuring cross-border investments requires precision and a strong attention to detail. Her career milestones - from being appointed assistant manager within a year of joining KPMG to rising to the position of head of group tax at JKH - have, she says, been the most encouraging events in her working life.

Salman Sajid, 31

With accountancy in the family - Salman's father is a chartered accountant - and an interest in number-crunching, Salman was always destined to become a finance professional. But he claims he has another motive: 'My ambition has always been to reach the top and I think that the finance department of any company forms the nerve centre of the business. It gives you a unique opportunity to understand and drive the whole organisation. With that in mind, I chose to work in the accounting and finance profession, which will empower me to achieve my goal of being a CEO of a leading multinational company.' He is on the right track. A training contract with Big Four firm KPMG gave him exposure to a variety of industries and countries, including Pakistan and Singapore. A career in industry swiftly followed at Pacific Internet Limited in Singapore, where he was hired in 2005 as enterprise risk manager looking after Sarbox and internal controls compliance. Within three months he took over as head of corporate reporting and controls. In 2007, he moved to Dubai to join Emaar Properties PJSC, one of the world's largest real-estate development companies which is listed on the Dubai Financial Market and recorded a record growth of 35% in annual profits in FY2006. Emaar is responsible for developing Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building and free-standing structure, and the Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping and entertainment destinations. Salman took up the position of director of finance in March and heads a team of 60 in Emaar Dubai's finance department. Working in a bustling metropolis, which is constantly evolving and attracting the interest of international business, is a huge draw. 'Dubai is one of the fastest growing economies of the world and real-estate development plays a major part in this growth. I joined Emaar because I was very impressed with its track record and its development in such a short span of time; I get an opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of the company. The dynamic real-estate environment is an exciting one in which to work.' Although in a respected financial leadership role, Salman still has his eye on a chief executive position, but he recognises that time and experience will bring him closer to the ultimate prize. 'I believe that whereas my hard work and perseverance have greatly paved the way for where I am today, I still have a long way to go before I really reach the top. I still have a lot to achieve.'

Forest Yang, 34

Forest began her finance career in Beijing where she was recruited in 1996 by PwC. She joined the tax department - a small team of 10 staff - where she developed skills in her chosen field over five years. By the time she left the firm, she was a senior tax consultant in a department that had grown in stature and number with 200 staff. 'Working for PwC was a good learning experience and an opportunity to grow. I learned how to be a qualified professional in PwC and how to study while managing pressure and a heavy workload.' Her move to Shell as a China tax manager offered a broader view of national tax issues. 'Being an in-house tax adviser is more interesting than working in a Big Four firm because you see the consequences of your advice, get in-depth information and data from your own business, and make decisions that influence corporate strategy.' Although valuing her experience at Shell, Forest was keen to work for a larger organisation. That opportunity arose in 2006 when she was appointed Vice President and tax director at Siemens Limited, China. 'The company wanted a strong tax director to set up a new tax department, covering all aspects of tax management. I thought it was a good opportunity for me to develop my leadership skills and also develop my knowledge.' As director of one of the key corporate departments of Siemens, Forest heads a team of 16 - one of the largest in-house tax teams in China - which reports directly to the Senior Executive Vice President and CFO. Her expertise means that she has a significant role to play in the global tax community; as a member of the global tax management team, she meets with fellow tax professionals throughout the year to implement tax management strategy worldwide. Closer to home, she is a member of the Siemens China senior management team. Although Forest notes that grappling with different Chinese tax authorities is a daily challenge, she also acknowledges the demands of working for a brand leader. 'Co-ordination and co-operation are always a challenge to managers working in large companies. You can never do a project by yourself. In most cases, almost all departments should be involved. How to co-ordinate these departments and make the project move is an art.' If that wasn't enough to keep her busy, Forest is also studying for an Executive MBA at China Europe International Business School.

James Pritchard, 28

A graduate with a masters in economics and finance, James enrolled on a three-year finance management scheme in 2003 with British energy giant Centrica, rapidly working his way through myriad roles within the group that gave him a firm understanding of the energy business. But it was his stint in M&A that gave him a taste of project-based work closely aligned with the group's business strategy. 'Having found an area I enjoyed, I focused on commercial finance roles working closely with the business. One of these involved monitoring and forecasting the business performance for Centrica's power station fleet, while another allowed me to work with the British Gas marketing teams to analyse business profitability and viability for new product and customer retention propositions.' Keen to broaden his knowledge of commercial finance, he moved on to Lloyds TSB - one of the main four banks in the UK - in 2006, joining the Corporate Banking Division as an analyst in the finance business partner team for two of the London-based relationship lending businesses; a dynamic, fast-paced environment where James instantly felt at home. 'Gone are the days of being locked away in a finance department. Working alongside teams originating the business was a real buzz and allowed me to understand the transactions and daily issues faced by the division.' Appointed finance business partner - asset management, products and markets finance in October 2007, James' new role will see him work in partnership with the managers and heads of the asset management business to develop and deliver value-added management information. It is a position that builds on the knowledge he has gained as an analyst, allowing him to develop a greater understanding of strategy for forecasting business performance, as well as his skills to unravel and communicate complex financial information for decision-making. 'What I enjoy most about my work is the variety: project-based assignments give me the opportunity to learn about new products and engage with different individuals and personalities.' James is studying for an Association of Corporate Treasurers diploma. He is also a member of ACCA's Leaders of Tomorrow network and has recently been appointed to the ACCA Financial Services Network Panel, which will see him develop the events and support ACCA members receive.

Ben Ho, 34

It has been seven years since Ben joined TNS, one of Hong Kong's leading consultative market research companies and the Asia Pacific arm of the London-listed group. In that time, Ben has travelled extensively in the region to China, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia and Australia, assisting local finance teams and fulfilling his role as regional financial controller - Asia Pacific. His experience within the audit department of PwC Hong Kong had already given him some exposure to working in China during his five-year tenure with the firm, but his horizons and his international accounting and tax knowledge have broadened tremendously in the years that he has spent with TNS. 'I think that once you have been with a company for a number of years, and you reach a senior role, you are respected and appreciated. You know a great deal about the organisation you work for and your colleagues trust your judgement.' Since 2003, Ben has spent more time in his base of Hong Kong, which is the central hub of the survey industry in the region and the key provider of custom research and analysis. He oversees the financial performance of TNS 6th dimension, a new methodology for market research pioneered by TNS, which has the only fully managed online consumer access panel in Hong Kong. Panels also operate throughout the region. 'Traditionally, market research is conducted via phone or face to face but 6th dimension means that we can use online technology for research. It's the future of business in this industry and it's very exciting.' Ben is also a member of the management team in Hong Kong, which discusses industry issues in addition to the professional development of the 170 staff and 350 interviewers working in Hong Kong. 'Over the years my role has developed; finance is still key but I also have an opportunity to tap into my soft skills, dealing with issues like people management. I have accumulated experience and knowledge which have given me a bigger picture of the market research industry and the ability to work in a general management role in the future.'