Role: professional accountant
Location: Iran
Highlights: driving business
Ladan Nasiri has always been a self starter. At the age of 12, she knew she wanted to be a businesswoman, and developed a fascination for computers.
Today, she is working full time and studying for her CIMA qualification under her own steam.
Her dream is to combine her IT and management accountancy skills to raise the profile of the accountancy profession in Iran.
Starting early
After leaving school, Ladan sat for the university exam and was admitted in accountancy.
‘I thought it would be a good way to learn about the business world. There was a computer college opposite my university so I did that in my spare time.
Now, as a professional accountant, she’s aiming to make waves.
‘In Iran accountants aren’t valued as much as in many other countries. It’s mainly engineers who run businesses. It’s not really appreciated how much value management accountants can add to a business, but I’d like to change that perception.’
Impressive history
After leaving university, Ladan honed her business skills working for several state sponsored development projects before landing a job with engineering consultants Zayandab Consulting Engineers, a firm specialising in dam construction and irrigation techniques.
She is midway through her CIMA qualification.
‘A friend of my sister recommended CIMA, because she knew I was interested in developing my career opportunities. I looked at CIMA and ACCA, but I liked the idea of CIMA, because it’s more business focused. I thought it would be really useful because it’s very practical.
Based in Isfahan, Iran’s third largest city, Ladan works in the company’s finance function and studies for several hours at home each evening.
'CIMA has given me the skills to analyse the figures I’m working with and use this knowledge to help the company function more effectively. When I have a problem, CIMA helps me find a solution.’
Ladan’s studies have broadened her view of the business world. ‘I have a much more international perspective and the syllabus has opened my eyes to the dynamics of the global marketplace.’
Ladan is confident her studies will help to develop her career and promote the virtues of management accountancy to the Iranian business sector.
‘The number of women accountants in Iran has increased a lot. When I was at university, women became the majority in the accountancy classes and I think this is a very encouraging sign.
Ladan feels that once she has qualified, her prospects as a businesswoman in Iran are good. ‘Generally, women are free to do what they want here. ‘Some women don’t like to wear a head scarf and that‘s an issue, but we’re free to do what we like: to work, to study and go out with friends.’
Going global
‘Everything has changed in the last ten years. Now, everyone knows how to use computers, everyone has cellphones and the internet is becoming more important. The access to computers also means that CIMA is now available to us and we can study in virtual universities based on the other side of the world!’
The international focus of the CIMA qualification is particularly attractive to the larger businesses in Iran. ‘In Isfahan, CIMA is now known at the universities and business schools. The qualification is particularly attractive to the bigger companies who are looking for accountants who have a good understanding of international accounting regulations and practices.’
Where does she see herself in five years? ‘I’d like to do an MBA. I’d like to use my knowledge of computers to become an analyst and perhaps work on management information systems for the finance function and HR.'
In the meantime, Ladan is busy working towards her next CIMA exams - and practicing her English in her spare time. ‘I love watching English movies, especially the comedies. They make me laugh and they help improve my English accent.’