We recently had the opportunity to interview Muhammad Akram, Founding Member of The Accountant. With a love to create and implement processes, reconcile complex transactions, follow up to report zero bad debts, and convert the data to useful reporting, Akram strives to emerge as an ethical, trustworthy, and professional accountant. At The Accountant, Akram majorly leads the Managing Operations, Sales, and Marketing sectors.
The Accountant is a trusted and established business, managing accounts of startups, and small and medium-sized businesses using the latest software. By reducing accounting costs, the firm works to increase business efficiency. In this insightful interview, Muhammad Akram shares his journey behind starting the business, his challenges, and his vision for the industry.
Spark Behind Starting The Business
We first asked, “What inspired you to start or lead this business, and how has the journey surprised you?”
Muhammad Akram shared, “After spending over 15 years working a 12-hour job and realizing I am going nowhere, it started with the determination that a better environment could bring about better results, not necessarily putting yourself and people around you under immense pressure.
As a result of our well-designed process, at ‘The Accountant,’ we recognized that many small and mid-sized businesses in Dubai struggled with managing their finances efficiently while staying compliant with ever-evolving regulations. We saw an opportunity to provide timely, cost-effective, and technology-driven accounting solutions that simplify financial management. The journey has been surprising in many ways, especially witnessing how outsourcing has empowered businesses to focus on growth while we handle their financial processes seamlessly.”
Advice To Younger Self
We also asked, “If you could go back to your first year in this role, what advice would you give yourself?”
“I would advise myself to embrace adaptability and stay ahead of financial technology trends. In the first year, I focused primarily on accuracy and compliance, but over time, I learned that automation and strategic insights add even greater value for clients. Also, I would emphasize building strong client relationships—trust is the foundation of any financial service.” He added.
Navigating Through Uncertain Times
As a business, facing tough times can be a common phenomenon. To learn how Muhammad Akram overcame such phases for his business, we asked, “How do you approach solving problems that don’t have clear solutions?”
Muhammad Akram explained, “We take a data-driven, analytical, and client-centric approach to problem-solving. When faced with unclear solutions, we break down the issue, analyze financial data, consult industry best practices, and collaborate with experts to find the most effective path forward. Our experience in tax compliance, bookkeeping, and financial advisory helps us make informed decisions even in uncertain situations.”
Career-Defining Experiences
We were interested to learn more about the events that shaped the current position of Akram’s business. So, we asked, “Can you share a unique experience that shaped the way you run your business today?”
Muhammad Akram shared, “There are quite a few, for example, a client of a well-known brand, who had tried so many alternatives was not in control of finances. From receivables to knowing cash position all was a mess with no solution in sight. We took a step-by-step approach and now he has grown to 5 countries and things are running smoothly without having to wake up at midnight. Another similar experience was working with a small business that had big junk of money stuck as VAT credit with tax authorities.
Again, we applied our basic approach and managed to get the refund in no time. There are so many in particular newly set up and small businesses with limited resources who struggle to keep up with regulations. We, by streamlining their accounting, automating tax reporting, and ensuring full compliance, not only can save them from penalties but also optimize their cash flow. These experiences reinforced our belief that proactive financial management is a game-changer for businesses.”
Breaking The Mold
Eager to learn more about the unconventional ideas that turned out to be successful for The Accountant, we asked, “What’s the most unconventional idea you’ve implemented, and how did it turn out?”
“We introduced cloud-based accounting at the time people were attached to their desktops and would not want to keep their data out of sight. It was hard to convince anyone to use cloud accounting, but we were committed and we continued enforcing fully digital bookkeeping and AI-powered financial tracking before it became an industry norm. Initially, some clients were hesitant to move away from traditional methods, but once they saw the efficiency, accuracy, and cost savings it provided, adoption skyrocketed. Today, digital accounting is a key part of our services, helping businesses save time, reduce errors, and improve decision-making.” Akram mentioned.
Staying Ahead Of The Curve
To grow as a business, staying updated with the latest market trends is crucial. So, we asked, “How do you identify and seize new opportunities in your industry?”
Muhammad Akram reflected, “By staying updated with UAE financial regulations, tax laws, and technology trends. We closely monitor market demands, emerging compliance requirements, and advancements in accounting software. Additionally, client feedback plays a crucial role—we tailor our services based on real-world business challenges and opportunities. Referrals from our existing clients are our major source of growth.”
Empowering The Team And Clients: Akram’s Leadership Approach
To understand Akram’s style of leading his business, we asked, “If you had to describe your leadership style in one word, what would it be, and why?”
“Empowering. Because at The Accountant, we believe in empowering both our clients and our team. For clients, we provide financial clarity and stress-free accounting, allowing them to focus on business growth. Internally, we foster a collaborative and innovation-driven culture to ensure we deliver the best services.” He added.
Turning The Challenges Into Opportunities
We further asked, “What’s a challenge you faced that turned into an unexpected opportunity?”
Muhammad Akram responded, “A major challenge was helping businesses transition to VAT compliance when it was introduced in the UAE. Many businesses were overwhelmed, but we saw it as an opportunity to provide expert guidance, training, and seamless VAT filing services. This not only helped clients avoid penalties but also positioned The Accountant as a trusted leader in compliance and tax advisory.”
A Wave Of Transformation
We ended the session by asking, “If you could change one thing about the industry you work in, what would it be?”
“I would make financial literacy more accessible for businesses of all sizes. Many small businesses still believe that a long bank balance is healthy, accounting or compliance doesn’t matter. This is because they don’t fully understand accounting, VAT, or compliance requirements. We have shown people the magic of the dashboard, automation of invoices, and payment follow-up. It has worked beyond our expectations. If more businesses were equipped with financial knowledge and digital tools, they would make smarter decisions and avoid costly mistakes.” Akram concluded.
Follow Muhammad Akram on LinkedIn.
Find The Accountant on LinkedIn and visit their website https://theaccountant.ae/
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