Spearheading a prodigious ‘CA’ empire – Mr. James Mathew

Through our interview segment, we attempt to help our leaders get familiarise with exceptional professionals and business personalities from almost all walks of life. It is an honour to introduce a man, who is an excellent professional and an extra-ordinary businessman, in this edition.

Mr. James Mathew is the Group Chief Executive Officer of Crowe Horwath in UAE and Oman and also serves in the Global Board of the organisation, which possesses nearly 105 year’s experience in the Accounting and Audit sector.
It is to be noted that the organisation, which he leads, holds 8th rank globally and 6th rank in the MENA region.
A well-educated person, Mr. James Mathew is the Administrative Board Member of the Dubai Indian Business and Professional Council, the organisation in which he once served as Secretary General.
Let’s go through what he has to say about his business, professional and personal life, and, particularly, his economic views.

• What is it that motivated you to take up the challenging career of Chartered Accountant?
I loved Mathematics as a subject since my school days, unlike my other classmates. In fact, I was the only student to score full marks in the mathematics and was a topper in my college. But, it was my professor in college who suggested me to pursue a career in accountancy.
• Say a few words about the institutions which helped you to achieve the skills that you have extensively used to create such a vast empire
I have been fortunate to receive education from good schools and ICAI which, in my view, is one of the best professional education bodies of global standards. But, I feel the foremost institution is the school of values and experience which we learn from our family and life in general, wherein every day should be a lesson learned.
• How does it feel sitting at the helm of an organisation which is ranked eighth globally and sixth in the MENA region?
It’s a responsibility. I feel highly responsible for taking care of the interests of our employees and stakeholders. I feel taking care of your people within the organisation and all other associated is critical on a leadership position. The right approach, skills and hard work can result in reaching professional heights, but what would keep you there is your values and work ethics.
• What are those things which have been contributed by you to Crowe Horwath to make it a quintessential organisation?
Crowe Horwath is one of the leading accounting and professional services firms in the region and globally. The scope and the environment, in which we operate today, are very competitive and dynamic. Technology has become indispensable. My focus has been integrating technology into our practice and diversifying into the non-audit services which are indeed the need of the hour. Clients today demand holistic solutions.

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