What if excelling in accounting wasn’t just about crunching numbers, but telling their story? Meet a Chartered Accountant who’s bridging the gap between spreadsheets and storytelling, audit rooms and YouTube studios.
In this edition of Calculated Conversations, I sat down with Mr. Mohammad Afaq, ACA, former KPMG auditor, and Audit Senior at PKF Al-Bassam, whose journey defies the traditional image of a numbers-only professional.
From managing social media for Pakistan’s top EdTech platform to leading as Vice President of Education at Toastmasters, Mr. Afaq has mastered the art of turning complex financial data into compelling narratives. But how does he balance technical rigor with creative communication? What does it take to stay ahead in auditing while building a digital brand? And why does he believe soft skills might be the hardest currency in accounting’s future?
We unpacked his mindset, the digital tools reshaping the profession, and the lessons every young professional needs to hear.
Here’s what he had to say:
1. As a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in audit and assurance, what do you think are the key factors that set apart top-performing professionals in the field, especially when it comes to handling complex financial data?
As a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in audit and assurance, I believe top-performing professionals stand out through a blend of technical excellence and critical thinking. Handling complex financial data demands a strong grasp of accounting and auditing standards, but just as important is the ability to apply professional skepticism and analytical reasoning. High performers are meticulous yet able to see the bigger picture, using data analytics tools where needed to identify trends and risks efficiently. Ethical integrity, effective communication with stakeholders, and adaptability to evolving financial environments are also key traits that differentiate the best in our profession. Apart from technical competence, communication style also matters, if you have identified key insights, but lack the ability to communicate them effectively, its of no use.
2. What were some of the most valuable lessons you learned from your time at KPMG that you’ve applied in your current role as an Audit Senior?
My time at KPMG was instrumental in shaping my professional approach. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the importance of maintaining effective communication coupled with professional skepticism. Always questioning and validating information rather than accepting it at face value. I also developed strong project management skills, learning how to manage tight deadlines across multiple engagements without compromising quality. KPMG emphasized the value of clear, concise communication, especially when presenting complex findings to clients. Most importantly, the experience instilled in me a commitment to continuous learning and adaptability, which are essential in my current role as an Audit Senior where every client brings unique challenges.
3. Your background includes a blend of technical expertise in accounting and a passion for communication, demonstrated through your role at Toastmasters. How do you balance these two skill sets, and how have they helped you in building relationships with clients or stakeholders?
Balancing technical expertise with strong communication skills has been a conscious effort throughout my career so far. I ensure that while I stay updated on technical standards and deliver precise work, I equally invest time in refining how I explain complex issues in a simple, relatable way. Toastmasters played a major role in helping me develop this balance. I believe that every set of financial statements tells a story — and it’s our job to uncover, understand, and clearly communicate that story to clients. By focusing not just on numbers but on the narrative behind them, I’ve been able to build stronger, trust-based relationships with clients and stakeholders.
4. You’ve also gained valuable experience managing social media for Nearpeer and creating content on YouTube. How do you see the role of digital platforms in shaping the future of the accounting profession, particularly for younger professionals entering the field?
Digital platforms are transforming the accounting profession, especially for younger professionals. My experience managing social media for Nearpeer and creating content on YouTube showed me how powerful these platforms are for learning, networking, and thought leadership. Today, Chartered Accountants are not just expected to be technically sound; they are also expected to communicate insights effectively and stay visible in a digital world. Platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, and even Instagram provide opportunities to share knowledge, build a personal brand, and connect with global audiences. For younger professionals, embracing digital skills alongside technical expertise will be key to staying relevant and growing their careers.
5. As a gold medalist in your articleship and with a strong academic record, what advice would you give to young professionals looking to achieve excellence in their studies or early career, especially in a highly competitive field like accounting?
Achieving excellence in a competitive field like accounting requires a mix of consistency, smart work, and resilience. From my own journey — earning a gold medal during articleship and maintaining a strong academic record — I learned that success isn’t about one big achievement; it’s about showing up every day and giving your best effort, even when results aren’t immediate. I always advise young professionals to focus on building strong fundamentals, seek mentorship, and stay curious. Equally important is managing stress and maintaining a long-term mindset — in accounting, persistence often separates those who succeed from those who give up too early.
6. You’ve had a diverse journey that spans technical accounting, leadership in Toastmasters, and content creation. How do you integrate these experiences into your current work, and do you think these multifaceted roles help shape a more well-rounded professional?
Each part of my journey i.e. technical accounting, leadership at Toastmasters, and content creation has added a different layer to my professional skill set. I integrate these experiences by approaching my work with both technical precision and a strong focus on communication and leadership. For example, while my accounting background ensures accuracy and compliance, my Toastmasters experience helps me lead teams and communicate findings clearly to clients. Content creation taught me how to simplify complex ideas for a broader audience. I firmly believe that these multifaceted roles help shape a more well-rounded professional, one who can adapt, lead, and deliver value beyond just technical expertise.
What an awesome conversation with Mr. Mohammad Afaq, ACA! His blend of technical mastery, Toastmasters-honed communication, and digital savvy proves that today’s top accountants aren’t just number-crunchers, they’re storytellers, educators, and innovators.
Key takeaways from our chat:
- Technical skills + communication = unstoppable. Top auditors don’t just find insights – they make them matter through clear, relatable storytelling.
- Digital platforms are career accelerators. From YouTube tutorials to LinkedIn thought leadership, Mr. Afaq showed how online presence builds trust and opens doors.
- Persistence > perfection. His gold medal wasn’t about genius – it was about daily discipline, stress management, and playing the long game.
- Multifaceted roles create resilient professionals. Audit rooms, Toastmasters stages, and content studios all sharpen different edges of the same blade.
Want to learn from Mr. Afaq’s journey? Connect with him here:
LinkedIn | YouTube
To the aspiring CAs and young professionals listening: What’s one skill beyond technical accounting that you think will be essential in the next decade? Drop it below!
P.S. Loved this episode? Share it with a colleague struggling with work-life balance or a student terrified of public speaking. Sometimes, the right role model changes everything.
Stay curious, stay calculated.
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