I saw an opportunity to work alongside some of the industry's brightest minds, continuously learn and grow, and make a meaningful impact in helping clients achieve their goals.
Muhammad Khan, Public Sector Audit Director
What attracted you to Bishop Fleming?
It has been approximately 5 months since I joined Bishop Fleming as an Audit Director in their Worcester office. I joined the firm because of its reputation for fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. From my first interactions with the team, I was impressed by their dedication to client success and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in our field of audit.
I saw an opportunity to work alongside some of the industry's brightest minds, continuously learn and grow, and make a meaningful impact in helping clients achieve their goals.
When the news from the Public Sector Audit Appointments came out that Bishop Fleming will be one of the new entrants to the Public Sector audit, I was excited to become part of the team, which will bring a fresh perspective to this sector and grow with the firm.
Can you share with us your career journey and role at Bishop Fleming?
Before Bishop Fleming, I worked for various firms, including Big 4. My main area of expertise was delivering external and internal audit and advisory services within corporate, public sector and health sector economies. I have significant experience in project management and client expectation management while delivering a wide variety of major projects from inception to completion in challenging environments and circumstances. I've been providing audit services to the public sector since 2012.
Since joining the firm in October 2023, it has been a smooth journey, ignoring one or two bumps due to busy seasons in November, December and January. From day one my colleagues and leadership have been very supportive.
There are many opportunities to diversify your skill set at Bishop Fleming, which is one of the best-selling points to my friends and colleagues. I am excited to be part of such a dynamic and forward-thinking organization, and I look forward to contributing my skills and expertise to drive our collective success.
What have been your most significant achievements so far?
One of my biggest achievements is winning a new, good-sized NHS audit client in my first week. I prepared for the tender and pitch before joining the firm. Craig Sullivan, Audit Partner at Bishop Fleming, was supportive and guided me on how we would approach and deliver our pitch to the client.
The second achievement is that me and my team were able to deliver all the audits on time during the Academy season. I was still very new at the time, but the leadership and my team supported me during the busy Academy season.
Lastly, my other significant achievement is developing good relationships with my office colleagues. We now work as one unit, looking after and supporting each other.
What's on the horizon for the future?
As an Audit Director, it will likely be dynamic and multifaceted, requiring adaptability, agility, and a proactive approach to navigating the evolving auditing and accounting services landscape.
Continuous improvement in audit quality is a key goal for Audit Directors. This involves implementing best practices, staying updated on regulatory changes, leveraging technology for more effective audits, and fostering a culture of excellence within the audit team.
Developing and retaining top talent within the Audit Team is crucial for long-term success. I will focus on mentoring and coaching junior staff, providing opportunities for professional growth and development, and implementing succession planning strategies to ensure a smooth transition of leadership roles within the firm.
Embracing technological advancements is also essential for staying competitive in the audit industry. Audit Directors may set goals for adopting advanced audit tools and technologies, such as data analytics, to enhance audit efficiency, effectiveness, and insights.
And lastly, playing a role in driving strategic growth and expansion initiatives for the firm. This could involve identifying new market opportunities, expanding service lines or geographic reach, and developing strategic partnerships to enhance the firm's competitive position and market presence.
Do you have any advice for others thinking about starting a career in accountancy?
A career in accountancy can offer a rewarding and fulfilling path for individuals passionate about numbers, analysis, and financial management. By gaining relevant education and practical experience, developing skills, networking, and staying updated on industry trends, you can build a successful career in accounting.
Accountancy offers various career paths and specialisms, including audit, tax, advisory, management accounting, forensic accounting, and more. This versatility allows individuals to tailor their career paths to their interests, skills, and goals.
A career in accountancy, like some other professions, is in high demand, requires continuous learning, good financial rewards, global opportunities, and career advancement and plays a crucial role in helping businesses make informed financial decisions, ensuring compliance with regulations, and driving strategic initiatives.
What are your hobbies after work?
I enjoy cooking in my spare time. I can cook, let's say modestly, almost 20 different dishes. On weekends, my kids usually request chicken biryani, which is one of my favourites and speciality.
I also love watching standup comedies, drama series and cricket. One of my favourite acts is to make puns using famous dialogues from popular movies with my daughters!
Interested in a career in audit? Take a look at our opportunities here!