AISHAH AKHTAR

An unexpected career path

“I’m a firm believer that the right path found me. My career didn’t start in finance; I originally studied law. But I found myself stepping into a finance role back in 2011, and I’ve never looked back. I’ve always enjoyed working with numbers and understanding how businesses operate behind the scenes. What really drew me in was the problem-solving side, figuring things out, improving processes, and helping organisations run more efficiently.

Before moving into finance, I spent over 20 years in customer service and retail. That experience still shapes how I work today. It’s given me a strong focus on understanding people, responding quickly, and building positive relationships. I know how important it is to be approachable, reliable, and clear in your communication. That’s what helps clients feel supported and confident that they’re in safe hands.”

Finding the right balance

“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how to balance accuracy with tight deadlines. In the hotel world, things move quickly, and financial information is often needed at pace. A challenge we often find in hotel accounting is managing tight deadlines without compromising on quality.

To manage this, I’ve strengthened my organisation and prioritisation skills and put clear processes in place. I’ve also learned the importance of staying calm under pressure and communicating clearly with those around me. Planning ahead and working closely as a team makes all the difference.”

A relationship built on listening and trust

“When I start working with a new client, my focus is simple: listen first. I take the time to understand how they work, what matters most to them, and how they like to communicate. That early effort helps build trust and sets the tone for a strong, long-term relationship.

One relationship that stands out was built during a particularly busy reporting period. The client needed extra support, and I made sure I was consistently available, responsive, and clear in my communication.

By managing expectations and being approachable, we built a level of trust that carried forward into future work. It made everything run more smoothly and created a stronger partnership.”

Making life easier for clients

“The most rewarding part of my role is knowing that what I do makes things easier for my clients.

When they feel confident in their financial information and know they can rely on me for clear answers, that’s when I know I’ve done my job well. It’s about providing reassurance as much as it is about delivering results.”

Going above and beyond together

“What stands out to me most at AAB is the collaborative culture. There’s a real willingness to share knowledge, support each other, and work together to solve problems. That’s both in the hotel accounting team and across AAB as a whole. Even though everyone has their own business unit, we’re all willing to help each other. I know if I have a Tax question, there’s no shortage of people who will take the time to talk the question through with me. Being part of a team like that not only helps us deliver a better service to clients, it also creates an environment where everyone can learn and grow.”