Finance and Accounts offer a host of opportunities for women in Pakistan. Starting from initial steps into the corporate world to consultancy firms.
The Financial sector of Pakistan witnessed a period of unprecedented boom during the past few years. The sector has evolved as one of the best in the region. From the recent global meltdown, it seems, by comparison the local Pakistani banks have been on a more sound footing than the US or EU banks.
In the services industry many women opt for MBA, CA, CFA, ACMA ACCA and similar professional qualifications. Most of these high caliber professionals are immediately absorbed in the corporate set-ups while some choose to establish private practices as consultants. The field being of a highly sensitive nature is very time consuming should it be opted for as a profession. As such independent professionals are not as many as needed.
Although the number of females graduating or qualifying as finance professionals is quite high in the international markets, the number is no less in the local market. However, the ratio of women making to the top slots remains much lower than the potential. At times this is due to the demands on women with respect to the home-life balance.
Educational Institutions for Finance
There are more reputable educational institutions imparting education in the various disciplines of this segment than any other. The most prestigious ones include
Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) Institute for Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMAP) College of Business Management (CBM) SZABIST and many many more.......
Women in Finance
Pakistan's Central Bank - the State Bank of Pakistan - had a female governor till December 2008. She was the 14th Governor of the State Bank and the first woman to have the honor of this prestigious position.
A number of Asset Management companies have female Chief Executives as well as an Investment Company and a Leasing Company.
A dedicated Commercial Bank for women was established in Pakistan in the early '90s, that is essentially headed by a female due to the niche that it caters to.
In multi-national companies and well reputed corporate entities women are engaged as finance professionals at many tiers going up to senior levels. In insurance companies there are female actuaries that outperform even the best international talents in the field.
The first Private Equity advisory firm in Pakistan was established by a female in collaboration with a global business services provider with presence around the globe.
Women by nature being risk averse have a more good corporate governance-oriented approach.
As we add the profiles of these dynamic ladies, you will see how far the women of Pakistan have made their mark in this segment.
