Profile evaluation- 25M - ACCA - Pakistani - big4 Audit : INSEAD

25 M, Pakistani national.

Assistant Manager Audit @big4

5 years experience in Assurance Audit in big4.

I’m an ACCA ( UK equivalent of US CPA) with a BSc in applied accounting and finance (lower second class) (lower second because of exemption obtained for the bachelors based on my ACCA) with a gmat of 715+ ( to be given) wondering if I can get into M7. Working as an assistant manager in audit in big4 in the middle east.

YOE:
1.5 years in big4 audit

2 years in a T2 audit

2 years in a T2 consulting firm

EC
- Have been awarded the tech lead award at my firm (automated several hectic reports at national level).

- Team lead for my firm (15+ employees).

- Coaching new joiners regarding their careers.

- Founder of an ecommerce store for local region (raised round 1 investment)

- Started my own ecommerce journey during covid employing more than 10 people.

- Have organized a group of 50+ finance professionals from ACCA background in Saudi Arabia to hold qurterly meetings regarding finance updates, economic upates etc.

- Acted as ACCA student lead in Saudi Arabia to help new joiners and fresh interns and set a career/path for them.

I’m looking to get into Management consulting or IB/PE

Posted from my mobile device

chaliasif wrote:25 M, Pakistani national.

Assistant Manager Audit @big4

5 years experience in Assurance Audit in big4.

I’m an ACCA ( UK equivalent of US CPA) with a BSc in applied accounting and finance (lower second class) (lower second because of exemption obtained for the bachelors based on my ACCA) with a gmat of 715+ ( to be given) wondering if I can get into M7. Working as an assistant manager in audit in big4 in the middle east.

YOE:
1.5 years in big4 audit

2 years in a T2 audit

2 years in a T2 consulting firm

EC
- Have been awarded the tech lead award at my firm (automated several hectic reports at national level).

- Team lead for my firm (15+ employees).

- Coaching new joiners regarding their careers.

- Founder of an ecommerce store for local region (raised round 1 investment)

- Started my own ecommerce journey during covid employing more than 10 people.

- Have organized a group of 50+ finance professionals from ACCA background in Saudi Arabia to hold qurterly meetings regarding finance updates, economic upates etc.

- Acted as ACCA student lead in Saudi Arabia to help new joiners and fresh interns and set a career/path for them.

I’m looking to get into Management consulting or IB/PE

Posted from my mobile device

chaliasif hope this finds you well

Your career demonstrates a solid foundation and consistent growth trajectory. Your academic record isn't entirely clear (for example your GPA, college pedigree), highlighting your high academic potential will undoubtedly strengthen your case. The audit sector and audit functions in general aren't primary feeders for top MBA programs due to the highly competitive nature of the industry. It is therefore, I see a lot of potential in shedding more light on the type of consulting projects you were involved with during your last job.

GMAT
Given your demographic, your projected GMAT score seems relatively low for an M7 school. Competition will be fierce, so a high GMAT score will be necessary to compete.

Now about your goals:
While your focus during your recent consulting projects isn't obvious, if private equity or venture capital is a new area for you, here is my perspective. You can demonstrate your motivation to grow professionally by, for example, interning, participating in projects, or shadowing industry leaders in entry-level positions within PE /VC (having some prior experience adds a lot of value). Even if you don't have much experience in this area, showcasing your willingness to go the extra mile significantly bolsters the credibility of your aspirations.

At the same time, practicality is important. For example, let's say you're aiming for PE. In this case, it's imperative that you demonstrate your intimate knowledge of the current state of the PE industry in the geographic region you're targeting and, if applicable, present your network in this area. To illustrate, recent shifts in deal-making and fundraising due to interest rate increases, inflation, and geopolitical events, including the conflict in Ukraine, have had a significant impact on the PE industry, affecting both recruitment and funding of leveraged transactions. As a result, business schools expect a realistic assessment of how your background can strategically position you in the PE industry, specifically for a particular sector or region.

In addition, transitioning into a Tier 1 consulting role can serve as a viable path for eventual entry into IB/PE, especially after you have established solid credibility in a new region.

Thorough research and a well-structured plan outlining your path to achieving your goals will undoubtedly prove critical to standing out from the crowd and ensuring your success.

Your ECs are good.

Overall, I see much potential in your profile, but you must connect the dots to present a strong case to the top B Schools.

You are also a strong candidate for Top European/EU schools such as INSEAD , HEC and LBS.

Best wishes

Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, ex INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

Hello chaliasif,

Your profile looks quite strong and showcases a diverse range of experiences and accomplishments. A GMAT score of 715+ is generally competitive for INSEAD's MBA program. However, keep in mind that INSEAD places a strong emphasis on overall profile assessment, and while a good GMAT score is important, it's only one component of your application. While your professional experience is strong, your academic background (lower second class in BSc) might be considered a minor challenge. However, your ACCA qualification and strong work experience can offset this to a certain extent.

Speaking about your work experience, your five years of experience in Assurance Audit, particularly at reputable firms like Big 4 and T2 audit, is impressive. This experience provides you with a strong foundation in business and financial analysis. Your achievements as a tech lead and team lead, coaching new joiners, and founding an e-commerce store demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to make a tangible impact. While your engagement in founding an e-commerce store and starting your own e-commerce journey, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, speaks to your initiative and adaptability.

Your involvement in organizing meetings for finance professionals and helping ACCA students shows your commitment to giving back to the community and sharing knowledge. Working in the Middle East and being involved in various initiatives shows your exposure to diverse cultures and markets, aligning well with INSEAD's international focus.

Speaking about your goals, transitioning from Assurance Audit to Management Consulting or Investment Banking/Private Equity might require a clear narrative in your application explaining how your skills and experiences align with these fields. Highlight the different aspects of your experience, especially your leadership roles and entrepreneurial endeavors. Demonstrate how these experiences have shaped your skills and perspectives.

Your profile presents a strong candidacy for the INSEAD MBA program. With your diverse experience, leadership roles, and entrepreneurial spirit, you align well with INSEAD's values and global focus. Focus on crafting compelling essays, highlighting your achievements and the unique perspective you bring to the classroom, and addressing any challenges or transitions in your application.

Good luck!

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chaliasif wrote:25 M, Pakistani national.

Assistant Manager Audit @big4

5 years experience in Assurance Audit in big4.

I’m an ACCA ( UK equivalent of US CPA) with a BSc in applied accounting and finance (lower second class) (lower second because of exemption obtained for the bachelors based on my ACCA) with a gmat of 715+ ( to be given) wondering if I can get into M7. Working as an assistant manager in audit in big4 in the middle east.

YOE:
1.5 years in big4 audit

2 years in a T2 audit

2 years in a T2 consulting firm

EC
- Have been awarded the tech lead award at my firm (automated several hectic reports at national level).

- Team lead for my firm (15+ employees).

- Coaching new joiners regarding their careers.

- Founder of an ecommerce store for local region (raised round 1 investment)

- Started my own ecommerce journey during covid employing more than 10 people.

- Have organized a group of 50+ finance professionals from ACCA background in Saudi Arabia to hold qurterly meetings regarding finance updates, economic upates etc.

- Acted as ACCA student lead in Saudi Arabia to help new joiners and fresh interns and set a career/path for them.

I’m looking to get into Management consulting or IB/PE

Posted from my mobile device

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