RAFIQ GAZI

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS FIRST

“For me, building strong relationships starts with being personable. Before getting into the financial detail, I always want to understand the person in front of me. That means asking about their interests, their family life, what matters to them outside of work. Those conversations help build trust early and create a more natural working relationship, which makes everything else easier.”

TRUST THAT LASTS

“One of the things I’ve valued most in my career is when relationships continue beyond a single project or year-end cycle. During my time in audit, I worked with clients who specifically asked for me to return to their assignments the following year because they had enjoyed working with me the first time. That kind of feedback tells you that consistency, communication and approachability matter just as much as technical delivery.”

SOLVING PROBLEMS WITH PERSPECTIVE

“The most satisfying part of working with clients is being able to solve an issue and provide a solution that genuinely helps. Often, clients are dealing with competing priorities and need someone who can cut through complexity. My role is to bring calm, clarity and practical thinking so they can move forward with confidence.

My experience across small firms, global practice and industry gives me a distinctive advantage when tackling client challenges. I understand how financial information is prepared, reviewed and used operationally, and I try to bring that perspective into every engagement. Whether reviewing management accounts or preparing for strategic conversations, I focus on making financial information meaningful and relevant to each of my clients’ circumstances.”

SEEING THE BIGGER PICTURE

“One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is not to get too caught up in the detail at the expense of the bigger picture. During my ACA studies there were definitely times when the pressure felt a bit overwhelming, but learning to stay focused on the end goal made a huge difference. I still apply that mindset now – stay calm, keep perspective and remember there will be a positive outcome if you work through the challenge properly.”

A WELL-ROUNDED VIEW OF FINANCE

“As I mentioned above, I believe one of my biggest strengths is that I’ve worked in a small firm, a large firm and in industry. That means I’ve seen finance from different sides and understand what clients need at different stages. It helps give me a broader perspective and helps me adapt my approach depending on who I’m working with.”

KEEPING PACE WITH CHANGE

“The biggest challenge in finance is that the goalposts are always moving. Standards evolve, expectations change, and there’s always something new to understand. For me, the key is staying up to date through regular training and relevant CPD so that clients know they’re getting advice that reflects the latest thinking.”

LOOKING AHEAD

“I’m always looking to deepen my accounting knowledge and continue developing how technology supports the role. Finance is changing quickly, and there’s real opportunity in using better systems and smarter tools to improve how we work and how clients receive information.”