Page 15 - KZN Top Business LEADERS-eBook

NAEEM ASVAT

aeem Asvat CA(SA) joined South African profession, and is the most important aspect that Establishing the first independent SAICA office
Institute of Chartered Accountants I have learned. Second, my passion, for without in KwaZulu-Natal, and helping to build the SAICA
(SAICA) in 2007 as the regional executive it, you cannot succeed. And third, I am willing to and the CA(SA) brand to be a premier recognised
N for SAICA Eastern Region, based in step out of my comfort zone in order to attain the business designation, have been highlights of
Durban. He is responsible for all SAICA’s activities unattainable.” his career.
in the region, which comprises primarily KwaZulu-
He added that he is absolutely dedicated and In addition, Naeem has spearheaded a significant
Natal.
committed to the work that he does, has an transformation project with the KZN Treasury and
Prior to joining SAICA, he held the position as immense passion for work and a great desire for guided them to becoming a SAICA accredited
senior manager in the Accounting Advisory making a difference to society within his sphere of training office. A major forthcoming project for
Services division at KPMG, where he worked for influence. Naeem says that his inspiration comes him is to see SAICA playing a more significant role
ten years, and trained and qualified as a chartered from: “Savouring the sweetness of success of in shaping economic policies within KwaZulu-
accountant. someone whom I have helped and inspired, be it Natal.
a member, a stakeholder, a university student or
Naeem’s experience includes external and internal EXCELLENT RESULTS
a learner.”
audit, forensic investigations, tax compliance
and tax consulting as well as various consulting PROVE ONESELF During the Covid-19 pandemic, Naeem developed
assignments. a pilot programme which was designed to
During his professional journey and in the early demonstrate practical thought leadership by
His career has included a short-term assignment in stages of South African democracy, he, as with getting the chartered accountant profession to
KPMG’s Manchester office in the external audit di- other previously disadvantaged individuals found assist businesses in distress on a pro bono basis.
vision, which comprised conversions from United climbing the corporate ladder a serious challenge, The programme, which he counts among his
Kingdom GAAP to United States GAAP (Generally having to constantly prove oneself beyond achievements, was aptly entitled “SAICA Business
Accepted Accounting Practice). He has undertaken reproach. He commented: “I thrive on challenges Emergency Room” (BER) which yielded excellent
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and making the impossible possible.” results to the extent that managed the roll out of
conversions in South Africa and Namibia. During the BER across South Africa.
his career, he was appointed as a curators’ agent of However, having made his way to senior manager,
a transport business, which was seized by the Asset Naeem was head hunted and joined SAICA. Naeem comes from a family of five siblings and is
Forfeiture Unit (Scorpions) and was appointed as This was challenging in the sense that he was happily married and the father of three sons. He
a chief financial officer for an associate of a listed catapulted into a leadership position. He was the credits much of his success to his wife, Fatima, and
cellular company. first non-white person to be appointed in the 99- his mother, who have played very supportive roles
year history of the Institute, which also had its own in his career. In his free time, he says: “I enjoy the
A MARK OF A MAN set of challenges. adrenaline stuff – I have gone skydiving (jumping
out of a plane at 12 000 feet) and did the highest
Naeem believes that his career is successful “Suddenly, I was thrust in front of 2 200 members,
commercial bungee jump in the world at the
because of three things: integrity, passion and business and government stakeholders with
Blaukrans river.”
stepping out of his comfort zone. “To me, integrity whom I started engaging. We now have more than
is a mark of a man; without it, one’s character is 4 700 members.” In this regard Naeem says, “My He concludes: “Regardless of where you come
left undefined. In light of the changes in the personality profile has been somewhat defined from, hard work and perseverance will bring you
profession, I am going to have to say that integrity as a catalyst and I am driven to achieve and success. I believe that if you knock at the door long
holds true for me, as it should for every other persevere.” enough the door is bound to open.”

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