Naeema Joji CA

Audit Assistant Manager, National Markets Audit, KPMG LLP

What attracted you to your current role?
The potential for career progression and the extensive opportunities for professional development. Having studied accounting at university, I was inspired by one of my lecturers who described her experience in audit as the best she had outside of academia, emphasising the dynamic and impactful nature of the work.

In a Big Four firm, there are numerous pathways for growth, whether it’s advancing to senior roles, exploring specialised areas or different service lines. The emphasis on mentorship and structured training programmes further enhances my development, allowing me to gain insights from experienced professionals. The collaborative environment and diverse range of clients provide a great platform to learn and contribute meaningfully.

What part of your training with ICAS has helped you most in your career to date?
The emphasis on time management and the ability to work effectively under tight deadlines. The rigorous nature of the programme taught me how to prioritise tasks and manage my time efficiently, which is essential in the fast-paced environment of audit.

Additionally, my training provided me with a solid understanding of accounting standards and a baseline for their application in real-world scenarios. This foundational knowledge has been invaluable in my current role.

What do you hope to achieve and learn in that role over the next year or so?
I really hope to get a better grasp of how our profession is changing, especially with things like AI becoming more common. There’s so much to learn, and I know the accounting field is always evolving, which brings both challenges and exciting opportunities.

I want to stay on top of these changes and build my skills in areas like data analytics and using technology in our audit processes. It’s an exciting time to be in this field, and I’m looking forward to diving into it.

What do you enjoy most about working at your company?
The incredible people and the opportunities available to me. Regardless of the role, the people and the company culture significantly shape one’s experience. I feel fortunate that my first job out of university is with a large firm that fosters such a positive and supportive environment. This culture has not only enhanced my professional development but has also made the transition to the workplace much smoother. I appreciate the collaborative spirit and the encouragement I receive from my colleagues.

What would you say to anyone else thinking about studying to become a CA?
Just do it! My experience has been far beyond what I initially imagined. It has been incredibly rewarding. The last four years of my career have profoundly shaped my life for the better, both professionally and personally.

The journey has offered me valuable insights, a strong network and diverse opportunities to develop my skills. I’ve found that the challenges are not only manageable but also enriching, and the support from peers and mentors along the way has made a significant difference. If you’re passionate about the field, I wholeheartedly encourage you to pursue this path – you won’t regret it.

Are you a recently qualified CA, interested in appearing in this column? Email us at camagazine@therivergroup.co.uk