Accounting, managing taxes and finances are likely the most time-consuming and challenging aspect of any organization, while being the most crucial aspect as well. To take businesses to the next level, it is critical to hire professionals with the knowledge, abilities and experience needed to complete accurate tax returns, keep organized books and help with the dreaded audits. Shristi Rajak is the Founder and Managing Director of Top Accounts, a firm which is established with an aim to assist clients with all their accounting needs and provide solutions that can illuminate the path to business growth. Shristi brings to the table over a decade of experience working in UAE where she specialized in performing audits, accounting, tax, business process designing, financial and MIS reports and more.

In an in-depth conversation with Women Entrepreneur magazine, Shristi shares with us her professional journey and the various lessons she has gathered on the way. Here is an excerpt from the interview.

What inspired you to establish Top Accounts? What are some of the services you offer that differentiates you from other players in the market?

Before I forayed into entrepreneurship, I have worked in UAE for ten years in accounting, auditing and finance which enabled me to understand the market needs and the challenges faced by businesses. Top Accounts was established to help organizations from various industries attain their goals of accounting function as well as add value in order to achieve best operating model for their business.

Top Accounts helps organizations to achieve efficiencies for business by developing efficient reporting that leads to better decision making. We also assist them in developing innovations and an overall system within their business that can act in best interest for the organization and help them perform better. In the last few years, UAE landscape, in terms of tax systems, has evolved. The existing tax regimes have been changing rapidly and new tax systems have also been introduced in the market. We assist businesses to comply with such legislations on a timely basis.

What are some of the responsibilities that you shoulder as the Founder and Managing Director of Top Accounts? What is the prime area of focus to lead the firm to growth?

As an entrepreneur, one has to shoulder several responsibilities to ensure that the company is headed towards the right direction. As the Founder and Managing Director, I deal with the legal, commercial, financial, business and technical aspects.

Primary focus to drive growth is the quality of service we cater to our clients. Top Accounts strives to provide professional, flexible, skillful and on time service without compromising the quality. For this, we pay utmost attention to the clients’ needs and tailor solutions according to their needs. I believe that if you keep your clients happy and satisfied, you eventually develop a stable and sustainable business that leads to growth.

What are some of the challenges that you encounter as a business leader? How do you overcome these roadblocks?

UAE market is very supportive of the start-ups in terms of ease of processes and legality. One of the challenges is the competition in the market. We provide accounting services to vast client base, from different industries, with their own operational model and design the best solutions for clients to ensure excellent service. Since, we serve clients with different businesses and models, it is challenging yet very interesting to learn and grow.

Second major concern is the technology advancement, especially the metaverse. Technology drives much of the progress that occurs in business today and companies should remain on top of the ever-evolving world of technology. To stay competent, one needs to stay aware of the technological advancements relevant to the industry and adapt to it for best possible results.

"Top accounts is here to manage all your accounting & tax needs through professional & extensive industry experience"

What are some of the key milestones that you have achieved throughout your professional journey? What has been your success mantra?

The biggest milestone that I have achieved through Top Accounts is customer satisfaction to the clients. As a business, delivering good value to the client is very important and we have been fortunate at having gained the clients’ trust. For growth of the business, building trust is essential as it makes the firms more reliable in the market.

My success mantra has been courage, thinking out of the box, creativity, hard work and patience. These are some of the most essential requirements to not just succeed in business but in any sphere of life.

What advice would you give to other young women and budding entrepreneurs who also aspire to become business leader in the future?

If you have a dream, then have the courage to take big decisions. When you start something new, don’t think about the results in terms of success or failures. Let life give you the answer at the right time. So, aspire to learn and grow along this journey and experience life and its various dimensions and not live within society mindset. Results follow eventually.

Shristi Rajak, Founder & Managing Director, Top Accounts

Shristi Rajak is a member of FCCA and UAECA with more than ten years of experience working in the UAE and specializing in various industries. Through Top Accounts, she aims to deliver services such as audit and assurance, accounting, tax, financial reporting, CFO outsourcing services and consultancy services.