CEO Insights Magazine

The true essence of being multitalented lies not in fame or success but in what multitalented individuals have become because of their experience and talent. One such all-round business entrepreneur is CA. Sheji Valiyakath. He has shown his versatility as a businessman, Chartered accountant, community service provider, film producer, sports team sponsor, and many more. Owing to that he has received many recognitions and accolades in his journey.

Today, we unravel the secret of Sheji’s success and achievement. In this interview with CEO Insights Asia, Sheji shares his valuable insights.

When it comes to his company, Kreston SVP Chartered Accountants is one of the fastest growing accounting and auditing firms in Qatar. The company’s highly qualified and committed team offers a comprehensive and highly adaptable portfolio of professional services to large organizations, SMEs, and individuals. Besides auditing, the company also offers a wide range of consulting and advisory services that would help your business improve its profitability, operational efficiency and grow both horizontally and vertically.

Can you give us a brief about your professional journey?
I began my career as an Accountant in Dubai, from where I moved to Qatar after a year to join with a listed company as a Chief Accountant. Later, joined another listed company as Senior Internal Auditor. Due to my proven performance, I was promoted to different levels such as Operations Manager, Finance Manager and then as Director of Finance and Admin. At the age of 34, I decided to start my own audit practice and becoming an employer by starting audit practice. We gradually transitioned from a local firm to an international firm by affiliating with an international brand BKR International and then moved with the 13th-largest auditing network in the world, Kreston International.

We are a top-tier Auditor and ICV-certifier in Qatar. We provide services for entities operating in numerous sectors with offerings in corporate finance, restructuring, insolvency, and risk management, in addition to auditing, assurance, ICV, accounting and corporate taxation. 

 
How do you manage for community services and family time during this busy schedule as a Chartered Accountant
I started my community service initiative by involving in professional activities with ICAI Qatar Chapter. I served in different capacities and could reach the position as the one of the youngest Chairman of ICAI Doha Chapter at the age of 33. My community service initiatives for general community started through the Apex Bodies of Indian Embassy. I could hold the position of Vice President of IBPC and now serving the community as the Vice President of Indian Sports Centre. I am very proud to know that I am the only CA who has reached the position of Vice President of two apex bodies in Qatar so far. I am also busy with my native community organizations in Kerala to support the needy.

Regarding family, my biggest source of motivation, strength and inspiration is my family. My wife has always been a support for all my new initiatives. I have seen my parents working hard. My life experiences give me the drive to do more with less. My parents are the source of calm confidence. Knowing exactly where to push hard and where to slow down is something I have imbibed from them. I always felt that even after giving so much time for profession and community, we all have enough time to spend with your family, if you really manage your time well.

What motivates you to do multi tasking? Please share some light on recent movie productions.
Getting new experience and learning new things is what inspires me to do different activities. Knowing that hard work and perseverance will help to achieve greater success is what keeps me going. Aligning the company’s and personal visions and values is one way to achieve that. When I know that my efforts are following the correct path, it encourages me to push for more. Motivation comes from seeing your initiatives successful, which ultimately leads to personal satisfaction. There might be instances of failure or stagnation, but it does not demotivate me in any case. On the other hand, I feel re-invigorated to perform even more.

Regarding movie, I believe that there is an artist within each of us. Getting new experience is what motivates each one of us. I have approached movie as the fulfillment of a hidden passion. When I got a good content with lots of social relevance, I decided to produce the movie and became a part of script writing as well. The movie performed well financially as it was a low budget movie. As you know, Film industry is one that brings happiness to the lives of people and is a big source of joy and entertainment. I wanted to contribute and be a part of this industry.

Coming back to your practice, going forward, what are the changes in market behavior that you anticipate, and what are the opportunities that you foresee?
Technological development is the major challenge that we always face. Everyone learned to adapt to the new method of conferencing and working. Furthermore, many new laws and regulations are coming globally. Hence, the changes in all these areas - technological changes and regulatory changes are going to be the major challenges we will be facing in the coming years.  

Sheji Valiyakath, Founder & Managing Partner, Kreston SVP Chartered Accountants
Sheji has more than 20 years of work experience and been based in the Middle East for over 18 years. Previously employed as the Finance & Administration Director of a public listed company in Qatar, later he started his own practice in Qatar. He is a Chartered Accountant from India and having many professional qualifications including CPA, CIA, CPA, CAMS and M.Com. He was one of the youngest Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Qatar Chapter and was the winner of young business achiever award from CM of Kerala in 2016 and winner of CA Dilip Thakkar professional achievers award. He is the Vice President of Indian Sports Center and is the immediate past Vice President of Indian Business and Professional Council. Sheji is also the director more than 10 family owned businesses.