In a groundbreaking achievement, Ayla Majid has been appointed as the first Pakistani and South Asian to serve as the President of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). This momentous appointment marks a significant milestone not only for Majid but also for the entire accounting community globally, as she takes on a pivotal role at a time when the profession is evolving rapidly with a focus on sustainability, technology, and social value.

As the newly appointed President, Ayla Majid will lead over 252,000 members and 526,000 future members from across 180 countries during her year-long tenure. This responsibility comes during the 120th anniversary of the ACCA, an organization that has played a crucial role in shaping the future of accountancy worldwide.

Ayla Majid’s Vision for the Future of Accountancy

Majid, an accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience in energy, sustainability, governance, and corporate advisory, takes on this prestigious role with a clear vision. She aims to redefine the accountancy profession, making it more dynamic and purposeful by embracing technology, sustainability, and social impact. Her leadership comes at a time when the accountancy profession is experiencing rapid transformation, driven by the increasing role of technology and the importance of sustainability.

In a statement, Majid expressed her commitment to evolving the profession, saying, “The accountancy profession is dynamic and evolving, and we are working to make it an exciting, purposeful career choice, embracing sustainability and social value.” Her focus will be on promoting accountancy as a career choice that not only provides financial expertise but also contributes positively to the environment and society.

Breaking Barriers for Women in Leadership

Ayla Majid’s appointment also marks a historic achievement for women in leadership roles within ACCA. She joins Melanie Proffitt (Deputy President) and Datuk Zaiton Mohd Hassan (Vice President), making this the first time in ACCA’s history that all three officer positions are held by women. This significant milestone highlights the growing representation of women in leadership roles and sets a powerful example for women aspiring to break barriers in the corporate world.

Ayla Majid’s Accomplishments

Apart from her role at ACCA, Ayla Majid is a distinguished international speaker in energy, decarbonisation, and climate technology, particularly focusing on emerging markets. She is the founder of Planetive Middle East and Planetive Pakistan, organizations that specialize in sustainability and energy solutions.

Majid’s impressive academic background includes an MBA from Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), an LLB (Hons) from the University of London, and leadership training from top universities such as Harvard, Oxford, and Princeton. She is also a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Energy and an Eisenhower Fellow.

A New Era for Accountancy

Under Ayla Majid’s leadership, ACCA is set to usher in a new era for the accountancy profession, one that integrates technology, sustainability, and strategic planning. She aims to reshape the future of accountancy, making it an exciting and impactful career choice for young professionals worldwide.