This video is an interview with Basanta Pandey, a fellow member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and a CFO in the fintech industry. The interview discusses his journey from ACCA to CFO, his experiences in the accounting and finance industry, and his insights on the future of the profession.
Important points:
- Early interest in accounting: Basanta developed an early interest in accounting and was good at solving accounting problems.
- Practical experience before formal qualification: He gained practical experience by preparing financial statements for a local shopkeeper, which sparked his interest in pursuing a formal accounting qualification.
- The importance of understanding the business context: Basanta emphasizes the importance of understanding the business context, not just the numbers. He learned this from his mother, who explained the manufacturing process of clothing to him.
- The value of curiosity and continuous learning: Curiosity and a desire to learn are essential for success in the accounting profession. Basanta encourages accountants to be curious and to explore new areas of knowledge.
- The impact of technology on the accounting profession: Technology, such as AI, is changing the way accountants work. However, human judgment and interpretation will still be essential.
- The importance of soft skills: Soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking, are equally important as technical skills.
- The future of the accounting profession: Accountants need to adapt to the changing landscape and develop new skills, such as data analysis and digital transformation.
- The role of mentorship and networking: Mentorship and networking can help accountants advance their careers and stay up-to-date with industry trends.