Profile: Amir Ghandar – Powerlifter in life and accounting

As a distinguished Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) and the reporting and assurance leader at Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), Amir Ghandar’s journey is not just a tale of numbers and ledgers but a story of tackling challenges, pioneering dialogue, and leaving an indelible mark on the global accountancy landscape.

Quest for collective progress

‘My father was an accountant, and I was attracted to the solid grounding, reputation, and breadth of possibilities of the profession,’ reflects Amir, encapsulating the beginning of his illustrious career.

Starting from the bottom with a trainee role in a local firm, Amir’s career as a chartered accountant has unfolded into a tapestry of rich experiences in business and policy.

Amir’s dedication to upholding the ethos of the profession, characterised by integrity and quality, has led him to traverse the globe, engaging with a breadth of challenges and contributing significantly to the field. His perspective on the profession is shaped by a deep appreciation for its grounding principles and the vast array of opportunities it presents.

Navigating the complex terrain

’Helping to facilitate, encourage, and accurately inform the two-way dialogue between the profession and our stakeholders has been a theme for me,’ notes Amir, portraying a commitment to making a tangible difference in the world of accountancy.

Described as a real difference maker, he has been a pivotal figure in facilitating meaningful dialogue between the accountancy profession and various stakeholders, including regulators, governments, and the wider public.

Amir recognises the importance of fostering a robust and open exchange between professionals and stakeholders to address challenges collectively. His efforts in navigating complex issues such as trust in the profession, sustainability, and the evolving role of chartered accountants in contributing to the economy showcase a visionary approach to leadership.

Safeguarding trust in the profession

‘Chartered accountants have an exciting but also complex and tricky set of roles to play, including aiding companies to meet the fast-moving reporting requirements and lending trust and credibility to reporting through assurance,’ observes Amir, delving into the realm of sustainability reporting and assurance.

The profession, according to him, plays a critical role in instilling trust and credibility through assurance. He reflects on the remarkable progress in sustainability discussions over the past decade, acknowledging pioneers like Mervyn King and the mainstreaming of these critical issues.

Audit quality advocate

‘Audit plays such a vital role in the economy and capital markets, and it really is the personification of society’s trust in our profession,’ states Amir.

With a profound understanding of the significance of audit in ensuring the integrity of financial information, he advocates for young auditors to embrace the opportunity to learn about business, enjoy the collegiate environment, and uphold trust as the cornerstone of their profession. His advice underscores the importance of integrity, ethics, and sound decision-making, emphasising that the trust auditors uphold is integral to the functioning of the economy and capital markets.

Amir’s insights serve as a guiding beacon for young professionals entering the field, encouraging them to approach their roles with a deep sense of responsibility.

Voice at the global level

‘There is a common expression “if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu,” and I had this firmly in mind working at IFAC over several years heading up initiatives on public policy and regulation,’ reveals Amir, highlighting the critical importance of multilateral policy engagement.

Amir’s engagement and partnerships with the G20 policy and business community, OECD, FATF, and other key multilateral institutions stand as a testament to his commitment to ensuring the profession’s representation in crucial policy discussions.

Having actively participated in initiatives on public policy and regulation at the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), he emphasises the need for the profession to have a voice at the global level. His work at IFAC reflects a strategic approach to global advocacy and collaboration, underscoring the significance of partnerships in shaping the profession’s trajectory.

Beyond the numbers

‘I am very much a believer in the concept that we are humans first and so it’s our responsibility to make sure we are tending to this so at work we can contribute as strongly as possible,’ asserts Amir, advocating for the essential balance between work and life. His belief in the inherent humanity of individuals shapes his perspective on maintaining a healthy work/life balance.

Amir’s understanding of the importance of personal well-being aligns with his leadership philosophy, recognising that a balanced and fulfilled individual contributes more effectively to the workplace. His acknowledgement of the need for a steady rhythm, knowing when to ‘de-load’, and prioritising quality rest and other life aspects echoes a holistic approach to professional and personal fulfilment.

Passionate powerlifter

Although he has been described as a powerlifting champion, Amir’s views on his achievements on the sporting field are much more humble.

For Amir, powerlifting provides a tangible and immediate contrast to the ambiguity of achievements in policy and advocacy work.

‘ “Champion” is probably still a bit of a stretch! I have started competing and won my weight class, but overall, it is competing against myself and the barbell,’ shares Amir.

While he modestly downplays his status as a ‘champion powerlifter’, his dedication to the sport reflects a commitment to personal growth and achievement, mirroring his approach to professional endeavours.

Beyond his professional pursuits, he finds joy and satisfaction in strength training, a pursuit that took root, especially during the challenges of the pandemic.

Amir’s journey of self-discovery

‘Being always true to yourself and valuing yourself, understanding your strengths and where your development challenges lie,’ reflects Amir when asked about the most important lessons learned about himself and life thus far. His response captures the essence of his leadership philosophy, emphasising authenticity, self-awareness, and continuous personal development.

Amir’s journey has taught him invaluable lessons about staying true to oneself, understanding personal strengths and development areas, and appreciating the unique contributions and perspectives of others.

• As a leader, he underscores the importance of fostering a collaborative environment that values diverse strengths and perspectives, shaping a culture of mutual appreciation and growth.
• As a pioneer, advocate, and powerlifter, Amir continues to make waves in both the professional and personal spheres, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of accountancy.

Author
Marteli Brewis