Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) marked a significant milestone with the grand celebration of the 10th National Finance Olympiad (NFO). This landmark event, a decade-long tradition of recognizing financial brilliance, innovation, and leadership, continues to serve as a beacon of excellence for Pakistan’s financial community.
Since its inception, the National Finance Olympiad has been a flagship initiative of ICAP’s Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee. Over the past ten years, it has evolved into a premier platform for finance professionals to demonstrate their expertise. This year, 52 teams representing various sectors competed in two rigorous rounds, with six teams advancing to the Grand Finale. The finalists included Unilever, Lipton Teas & Infusions, Engro Fertilizers, KPMG, KnS School of Business Studies, and K-Electric, all vying for the coveted title of “National Finance Champion 2024.”
The competition featured an innovative simulation-based assessment evaluated by industry leaders, alongside traditional case studies, boardroom challenges, and interactive sessions such as the exciting “Spin the Wheel” activity. The dynamic structure provided participants with opportunities to tackle real-world scenarios, enhancing their financial and strategic thinking skills.
The event began with a networking session, followed by a welcome address from Mr. Samiullah Siddiqui FCA, Chairman of the PAIB Committee and Council Member of ICAP. Mr. Farrukh Rehman FCA, President of ICAP, highlighted the critical role of finance professionals in Pakistan’s socioeconomic development and praised the participants for their exceptional performance. He emphasized that platforms like NFO serve as catalysts for nurturing future finance leaders and fostering excellence, resilience, and innovation in the field.
A panel discussion enriched the evening, featuring prominent industry leaders including Mr. Shakaib Arif FCA, CEO of Naymat Collateral Management Company Limited; Mr. Ali Tariq, CEO of Unilever Sri Lanka (and former CFO of Unilever Pakistan); and Mr. Khalilullah Shaikh FCA, Board Member of IFAC. Moderated by Mr. Samiullah Siddiqui FCA, the panelists reflected on NFO’s decade-long journey and its impact on Pakistan’s financial landscape.
Mr. Aijaz Haq, Head of Growth & External Linkages at Karachi School of Business & Leadership (KSBL), also addressed the audience, lauding the NFO as a platform that celebrates financial expertise while cultivating strategic thinking and leadership among professionals.
During the Grand Finale, the six finalist teams participated in an intense Board Room challenge, presenting proposals on diverse scenarios such as ESG, CSR, geopolitical conflicts, business sustainability, export potential, strategic investment evaluations, and supply chain management. The esteemed jury, comprising Ms. Gulzar Khoja FCA (CFO of PSO), Mr. Khalid Zaman Khan (Group Head of HR at Meezan Bank Ltd), and Mr. Rayomond Kotwal (CFO of HBL), evaluated the presentations.
The finale’s three rounds tested participants’ financial acumen and strategic thinking through qualifying assessments, simulation-based challenges, rapid-fire sessions, and the thrilling “Spin the Wheel” round. After a rigorous competition, the KnS School of Business Studies emerged as the National Finance Olympiad Champion 2024, with K-Electric and KPMG securing the titles of 1st and 2nd Runners-up, respectively.
Mr. Samiullah Siddiqui FCA expressed gratitude to the NFO organizing team, collaborators Unilever Pakistan Limited, learning partner KSBL, and technical partners A.F. Fergusons and EY Ford Rhodes. He also acknowledged the efforts of ICAP’s Examination, IT, MARCOM, and Administration departments in making NFO 2024 a grand success.
The evening concluded with the distribution of mementos, group photos, and a celebratory dinner. The National Finance Olympiad continues to inspire finance professionals to lead confidently, adapt to challenges, and excel on both national and global stages. Attendees included students, finance leaders, ICAP members, past presidents, Southern Regional Committee members, and professionals from prominent companies across Pakistan.
Source: propakistani.pk