CEO Insights Magazine

Afroz Ahmad, is the astute Finance Director at Zeenah, with an extensive 25-year journey in Finance and Accounts, that spans diverse industries. As the helmsman of Zeenah's financial landscape, Afroz orchestrates an intricate symphony of fiscal prowess. His current role entails crafting and executing financial strategies, policies, and procedural frameworks. This strategic choreography propels the institution toward holistic financial objectives, fortified controls, and unwavering stability.  Below is an excerpt of Afroz Ahmad’s exclusive interaction with CEO Insights ASIA magazine.

How has your professional journey been so far? What is the motivation that fuels your daily routines?

Embarking on my professional odyssey as an Arti­cle Clerk at Ramesh C Agrawal & Co. Chartered Ac­countants in Allahabad (1991-1994), I transitioned to the role of Audit Assistant (1994-1997). The year 1998 beckoned a new chapter in Oman, where I donned the mantle of Senior Accountant at Mustafa Sultan Enterprises (1998-2006). Subsequently, June 2006 marked my immersive journey with Zeenah.

With a robust portfolio encompassing audits of Banks, Insurance Companies, and Public Sector Entities, etched during my Ramesh C. Agrawal & Co. tenure, I wielded influence as an astute surveyor and loss assessor in insurance claim assessments and considerable experience in audits. My professional career resonates with ceaseless diligence and untarnished integrity. A bastion of resilience, I remain attuned to the unrelenting wave of contenders, thwarting complacency to safeguard my standing. The compass of control governs my actions, steering me to channel efforts fruitfully and relinquish concern over the uncontrollable.

You possess over twenty-five years of experience. How has been your path to success and what is your success mantra?

From Article Clerk to Finance Director, my journey embodies the saying that Rome wasn't built in a day. Enduring as Audit Assistant, Accountant, Sen­ior Accountant, and more, I have embraced life's challenges. Resilience against adversity shapes character; gratitude for blessings fuels responsibil­ity. In these times, excellence is paramount; compe­tition is fierce. A limited career span underscores the need to excel. Each day presents fresh trials, testing mettle. We are defined by how we surmount challenges. I live by the creed that our latest perfor­mance is our benchmark. Every day moulds us, pro­fessionally and personally, accentuating the value of commitment amid the ebb and flow of work life.

How would you define Zeenah as an organization and its current position in the market?

We stand as a dynamic force in the realm of strate­gic, creative, and integrated communications. With a seamless fusion of global resources and local­ized expertise, we radiate distinction. Positioned as Oman's pioneering integrated communications services provider, our trajectory intertwines in­novation and connection. Our craft is rooted in the nexus of people, ideas, and excellence, birth­ing impactful communication solutions that reso­nate across local and international landscapes. Amidst the few, if not solitary, agencies based in Muscat, we present a comprehensive 360-de­gree service spectrum. This unique stance em­powers us to provide adept advisory and address the entirety of our client's communication needs.

As the Finance Director of Zeenah, how do you plan to apply your long professional experience in this domain to add more stars to the organization's profile?

My journey with Zeenah spans over 15 enriching years, making it more than a workplace; it's in­grained in my very being. In the ever-fluctuating landscape of a communication agency, I actively engage in shaping our strategic vision. I'm a driv­ing force in the meticulous execution of business plans, steering the ship toward smoother finan­cial management. My forte lies in crafting budgets founded on rock-solid data, painting vivid financial forecasts, and pre-emptively mitigating fiscal risks. I'm an unwavering advocate for our company's best interests in business and financial negotiations. At Zeenah, my dedication transcends the professional realm; it's a testament to my commitment to our shared success.

What advice would you give to the upcoming financial leaders in the industry?

Finance is an uncelebrated realm, thriving when un­noticed. Amid shifting tides and our amplified influ­ence, we embrace challenges beyond our purview, setting ourselves apart. Integrity and dedication underscore every decision; the business's fate hing­es on our acumen. Upholding these values assures holistic success. Perseverance and unwavering com­mitment fuel our journey. Evolving in a dynamic world demands relentless upskilling. In a universe that evolves without pause, our standout prowess secures enduring relevance.