For women, the ability to provide for themselves financially is of paramount importance, and you have the power to do this through your education”, says Syeda Faiza Batool, the Finance and Commercial Director of AFKAR Ventures & OPUS DigiTech.mSyeda is a committed finance expert who has substantial work experience in areas such as financial reporting, compliance, commercial finance, taxation, and Investment appraisals. As a bonus, Syeda is a diligent worker who is always looking for ways to enhance procedures and infrastructure to speed up the company's development. Syeda has excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation abilities, which make her a valuable asset in her role as a financial leader. In addition, Syeda has a background in accounting from her time spent at Ernst & Young, where she completed her Chartered Accountant qualification. Syeda has extensive experience in a wide range of fields, including the oil and gas sector, the telecom sector, nonprofit organizations, and the real estate industry.

In an exclusive interview with Women Entrepreneur magazine, Syeda Faiza Batool discussed her professional experience so far and the challenges she had to overcome to achieve success.

What are some important features of your expertise as a finance leader?

At present, I serve as the Finance & Commercial director for both AFKAR Ventures and Opus DigiTech. Technology has transformed the operating landscape in today’s world. Digital transformation in Oil & Gas sector promises improved productivity, increased efficiency and reduced costs, making it a necessity for the region. AFKAR Ventures is investing in and promoting innovations from across the globe to help expedite that transition. Our sister company Opus DigiTech, is a leading digital supply chain solution provider, revolutionizing the space with increased agility, higher margins and lower costs.

When we believe a technology has the potential to offer significantly improved and efficient business operations and can help reduce operating costs, we invest in it. Investment appraisals and managing our investment portfolio are among the areas where I have expertise. AFKAR Ventures and Opus DigiTech have just been around for two years, making them technically start-ups. However, in the last two years, we have expanded our footprint beyond Dubai and Abu Dhabi, into neighbouring countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, and we plan to expand to Oman and Bahrain in near future.

Tell us about the different responsibilities you shoulder as the Finance & Commercial Director of OPUS DigiTech and AFKAR Ventures. What are your primary focus areas in your current role?

Financial strategy, financial reporting, budgeting and analysis, identifying and addressing potential financial risks and effective oversight of all financial matters, are some of the key responsibilities I shoulder at both companies. In addition, I am responsible for tasks like performing market research and analysis to generate comprehensive business plans for potential new ventures (expansion, business development, and many more). Helping out with the monetary and legal details of joint ventures, partnerships, and collaborations. Lastly, developing and implementing strategies and systems to improve financial performance and devising effective ways to reduce costs.

challenges that you encounter as a finance professional? How do you successfully mitigate these challenges?

A finance professional's duties will always include a higher level of accountability due to gravity of the information they provide. Therefore, a person working in key financial position is expected to provide accurate and timely information and comply with all applicable rules and regulations. Instilling a financial approach and mindset throughout the organization and helping other parts of the business perform better is paramount for finance leaders. And I believe that being structured and disciplined, paying attention to detail and working hand in hand with business units helps you navigate through these challenges.

"All that I have achieved, I owe to my parent’s determination. They taught me my first lesson in leadership; “Empathy, Integrity & hard work"

In your opinion what are some of the most significant milestones that you have achieved throughout your professional journey? What has been the driving force behind your success as a professional?

When I first began studying for my chartered accountant's exam, the percentage of students who ultimately passed the examination and the percentage of female students were both in the single digits. But I never let the thought that I couldn't accomplish it, stop me. The desire to achieve difficult targets has always been a primary motivation for me. Therefore, I can say that completing the CA qualification and making a name for myself in the field is something I am proud of. In addition, I believe that my purpose is rooted in my desire to be a part of something bigger than myself. My ability to prioritize organizational goals over personal ones and my capacity to assist in various jobs across the organization, beyond just the financial ones, contributes the most to my success.

How do you foresee the financial landscape in the UAE evolving going forward? What trends do you see developing in the industry in the near future?

The economic future of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is bright. In terms of planned spending, UAE has set the bar very high for the years ahead. There will be a need for financial experts to facilitate the massive infusion of capital into fintech, digital businesses, and alternative energy solutions.

The UAE has become a flourishing economic powerhouse because of its leadership and the international and local policies it has implemented, to encourage development and foreign investment Sustainability and environmental protection aims in the UAE are driving the development of cuttingedge technology and effective approaches. In these rapidly evolving times, the finance function is crucial.

Drawing from your experience as a business leader, what would your advice be to young women and girls who also aspire to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?

When it comes to getting things done, nothing beats putting in the time and effort. Put up your very best effort in all you do, and success will come your way. Some of the most significant characteristics of successful people are their level of education, self-discipline, tenacity, and honesty.

Every experience may teach us something. If you want to succeed, you need to have a positive outlook, have faith in yourself, and put in plenty of effort. Consult those who have gone through the process successfully. There are many examples of triumph that you may learn from. For women, the ability to provide for themselves financially is of paramount importance, and you have the power to do this through your education.

There is still a great deal for me to do in my chosen field; fresh opportunities arise on a daily basis, and I want to pursue nothing less than perfection at every turn. Never stop growing, both intellectually and personally; education is a lifelong pursuit. The deep learning that occurs from facing new problems and circumstances is unparalleled and complements the theoretical learning that is already there.

Syeda Faiza Batool, Finance & Commercial Director, Companies: AFKAR Ventures & OPUS DigiTech

In 2004, Syeda completed her Chartered Accountant qualification at The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan. She then began her professional journey working with Ernst & Young, and so far, Syeda has been part of Schlumberger, PIFRA, Meraas, and Excella MENA DMCC. Syeda is currently the Finance and Commercial Director of AFKAR Ventures and OPUS DigiTech.