1. Let’s start with your early life and what inspired you to pursue a career in accounting and social responsibility, how did your educational journey shape your career path?

I have always been interested in business economics, but given the context in Bangladesh, accounting and finance are considered the safest professional paths within this field. Despite this, I never envisioned myself working as an accountant; my true passion was in teaching. I began my academic journey studying accounting at the University of Dhaka, soon after completing both my honors and master’s degrees. Driven by my desire to teach, I joined the University of Dhaka as a lecturer shortly after graduation. In 2002, I received a Commonwealth Scholarship, which allowed me to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Manchester. After completing my studies, I returned to a teaching role at Dhaka University.

My academic path took another fortunate turn when I received a second Commonwealth Scholarship to pursue a PhD at the University of Manchester, where I focused on the political economy of accounting regulations, particularly in the context of developing countries. I completed my PhD in 2008, and soon after, I joined the University of Manchester as a lecturer, where I have been ever since.

My journey has been one of blending my passion for teaching with my interest in accounting, particularly in exploring how accounting, auditing, and corporate governance policies impact developing countries. This focus has shaped my research and academic career, driving my commitment to contribute to the field through both teaching and scholarship.

2. As the Professor of Accounting and Director of Social Responsibility at Alliance Manchester Business School, what key lessons and values do you aim to impart to your students? What vision do you hope they will carry forward into their careers, particularly regarding the role of accounting and social responsibility?

As educators, we have the incredible opportunity to shape the minds of young people, guiding them to think critically and see beyond the surface of their chosen fields. In professional areas like accounting, many students often view the discipline as narrow and procedural. However, my aim is to encourage my students to look at the bigger picture, to question why things are done in a particular way, and to explore whether there are better alternatives.

It is crucial for students to pause, reflect, and consider the broader rationale behind accounting practices, especially in the context of developing countries like Bangladesh. Too often, policymakers adopt standards that are prevalent in the West without considering their suitability for our local context. I want my students to understand the importance of contextual thinking—developing solutions and career paths that align with the specific needs of our environment.

Cultivating a culture of questioning and critical analysis is essential. Unfortunately, in many educational settings, including lecture rooms, students are not always encouraged or allowed to speak up and ask questions. If we do not foster this culture of inquiry, it will be challenging to build an accountable and reflective society. 

This ability to question, analyze, and consider the broader implications of decisions is vital, particularly in fields like accounting, business, and beyond. Developing this mindset in our students will empower them to not just accept norms but to challenge them, leading to more thoughtful, relevant, and impactful contributions to their professions and society.

3. Shed some light on some of your most significant research projects and publications that have contributed to this recognition.

I prefer not to call it recognition; for me, it’s about passion. My research focus has always been on policy, particularly how policies function in different countries, with a strong emphasis on Bangladesh. This is the context I know best, and it shapes my work. My research revolves around the development of auditing policies, corporate governance, and social responsibility policies, examining whether these frameworks align with the unique cultural and socio-economic landscape of Bangladesh.

This expertise has led me to be involved in various significant forums and discussions. For example, in 2022, I was invited by the House of Commons in the UK Parliament to provide expert evidence corporate governance and auditing issues in the UK steel industry. This opportunity underscored how academic expertise can directly contribute to addressing real-world policy challenges—something that is often underutilized in the context of developing countries.

I have also been involved in critical issues like the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh, where my work examined the certification processes in the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry. My research continually questions and seeks to improve policies, and this critical approach often draws the attention of policymakers. For instance, I served on the corporate governance committee of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission, where I contributed to proposing policy changes tailored to Bangladesh’s needs. Currently, I am a member of the Researcher Advisory Board of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), allowing me to express my views on issues that would shape the future of the public accountancy profession in the UK.

I firmly believe that academics have a valuable role in influencing policy, especially in developing countries where this potential is often overlooked. My work aims to bridge that gap, ensuring that policies are not only theoretically sound but also contextually relevant, driving meaningful change. This intersection of research and policy is where I find my passion, and it’s the area where I hope to make a lasting impact.

4. You’ve performed consultancy for prominent organizations like the World Bank, UNCTAD, and Big Four accountancy firms. How have these experiences influenced your academic and professional perspectives?

My projects primarily focus on the UK, where I conduct research for specific firms and organizations, particularly around policy analysis and recommendations. In the UK, when the government proposes a policy, it seeks feedback from various stakeholders, including major companies like the Big Four accountancy firms. My role involves helping these firms produce reports that evaluate whether they should support a proposed policy. This includes providing evidence to support or oppose the policy, ensuring their responses are well-informed and backed by data.

I have also collaborated with international organizations such as UNCTAD and worked with the World Bank on projects like the Financial Reporting Council in Bangladesh. These experiences have given me deep insights into how governments interact with policymakers, highlighting both the strengths and gaps in policy-making processes. It has underscored the crucial role that academics can play in shaping policies, provided that governments are open to engaging with them.

For policies to be robust and widely accepted, it is essential to include diverse stakeholders from various backgrounds. In Bangladesh, there is often a gap when formulating policies, especially in areas like corporate governance and business regulation. It’s important to involve not just government officials but also voices from the business sector, such as large companies and banks, who would be implementing the reforms. Their insights are invaluable in crafting policies that are practical and effective.

Academics have a unique opportunity to bridge this gap by bringing evidence-based research and critical analysis to the table. Forming partnerships between academia, government, and the private sector can lead to more holistic and effective policy outcomes. This collaborative approach is vital, especially in developing countries like Bangladesh, where inclusive policymaking can drive meaningful change.

5. What do you see as the most significant challenges in auditing, corporate governance, and CSR reporting today? How do you think these challenges can be effectively addressed both in Bangladesh and internationally?

Globally, one of the main challenges facing the accountancy profession is attracting top-quality students while mitigating the impacts of artificial intelligence on the field. With numerous alternative career paths and training opportunities available, the profession is struggling to maintain its appeal among the brightest talents. 

In Bangladesh, the issues are similar but distinct in some ways. While the profession also struggles to attract students, it is not primarily because accounting is seen as uninteresting or because there are better opportunities elsewhere. Instead, many students are drawn to government jobs, viewing them as lucrative options that require less struggle or specialized training. In Bangladesh, government positions are often associated with power, prestige, and stability, making them attractive even to professional accountants. This perception poses a significant challenge to the accountancy profession, which must find ways to compete for talent or risk a declining supply of capable professionals.

Additionally, policymakers in Bangladesh must be acutely aware of the evolving landscape of financial reporting. The ongoing crises, such as collapsing banks and financial institutions, highlight a critical lack of accountability and corporate governance. Auditors play a significant role in these companies, yet there is little public discourse around their responsibilities or failures. In many countries, major corporate collapses lead to intense scrutiny of auditors, but in Bangladesh, this conversation seems notably absent—a telling indicator of the profession’s current state.

To sustain its relevance, the accounting profession in Bangladesh needs to be seen as socially valuable, accountable, and capable of providing essential services to society. It is currently perceived as somewhat detached, and this disconnect must be addressed. Policymakers and the profession itself must work together to reshape public perception, ensuring that accounting is viewed as a dynamic and impactful field. Without this shift, the profession will continue to struggle to attract and retain the talent it needs to thrive.

6. In your opinion, how can accounting practices contribute to broader social responsibility initiatives? What role do you see accountants playing in promoting ethical standards and sustainable practices?

The challenges within the audit field in Bangladesh are multifaceted, primarily driven by the undervaluation of the auditor’s role. Audit fees in Bangladesh are among the lowest, especially within large companies. This lack of adequate compensation creates unrealistic expectations for high-quality professional work. Auditing is often viewed merely as a mandatory requirement rather than a valuable service, leading companies to undervalue and underpay for proper auditing. In any other sector, it is expected that higher payment attracts top talent; however, in auditing, this principle is largely ignored, leading to compromised service quality. 

To address this issue, the government must take the lead by establishing minimum audit fees that reflect the value and professionalism required in the field. Creating an environment where auditors and accountants can perform their roles effectively is essential, and government intervention could help set a standard that ensures quality work and accountability.

On a broader scale, the global accounting landscape is evolving, with accountants increasingly expected to be socially aware and engaged in areas such as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting. By 2030, ESG is anticipated to become the primary form of corporate reporting in many parts of the world, including the US. This shift requires accountants and auditors to look beyond profit margins and assess companies’ overall impact on society, including environmental responsibility, emissions, and governance structures.

In Bangladesh, the perception that auditing is ineffective often prevails, but notable exceptions exist. For instance, following the Rana Plaza disaster in 2013, the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector underwent significant reforms, introducing multiple certification regimes and rigorous safety standards. Within a decade, substantial improvements in fire and building safety have demonstrated that auditing can indeed be effective in Bangladesh when appropriately structured and supported by societal demand.

This example underscores the potential for policymakers to create a conducive environment where auditors can contribute meaningfully to societal well-being. Moreover, universities have a critical role to play in shaping the next generation of socially responsible accountants. In many Western countries, universities emphasize social responsibility within their curricula, fostering a culture of accountability and ethics. This focus is often missing in Bangladesh, where universities, despite their informal influence, lack structured programs that promote social responsibility.

By integrating social awareness into academic curricula and highlighting the broader role of auditing and accounting, educational institutions can prepare students to understand and engage with the social impacts of their profession. Such efforts are crucial for fostering a culture where auditing is valued not just as a regulatory necessity but as a vital component of business integrity and societal progress.

7. What opportunities do you see emerging in the fields of auditing, corporate governance, and CSR? How can upcoming professionals leverage these opportunities to create meaningful impact?

I briefly mentioned ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) governance, which is becoming increasingly significant in the global auditing landscape. The Big Four firms are leading the way worldwide, providing assurance services for non-financial information, such as sustainability and ESG reporting. However, in Bangladesh, local audit firms are not yet fully engaged in this rapidly growing area. Instead, non-financial assurance services are often provided by other companies, leaving local audit firms largely disconnected from this emerging market.

This gap presents a tremendous opportunity for the auditing profession in Bangladesh. Over the next 20 years, non-financial assurance is expected to dominate the auditing industry, and those who position themselves as leaders in this field will be at the forefront of the profession. Local firms must develop expertise in ESG assurance and related areas, as these are competitive and relatively new for Bangladesh. 

Currently, companies looking for non-financial assurance often have to hire professionals from outside the country, such as Dubai or Singapore, because local firms lack the necessary skills and experience. This highlights a significant scope for growth and professional development within Bangladesh’s auditing industry. 

For anyone aspiring to enter the auditing profession, there is a unique opportunity to specialize in providing assurance for non-financial information, a field that is increasingly relevant and sought after. By embracing and developing expertise in ESG governance, local firms can expand their services, reduce dependence on foreign professionals, and contribute to the overall growth and modernization of the profession in Bangladesh.

8. How do you envision the accounting and corporate governance landscape in Bangladesh evolving in the coming years? What changes or developments would you like to see in the country in terms of social responsibility and governance?

The transformation of the accountancy landscape in Bangladesh hinges significantly on the actions of policymakers. The Financial Reporting Council of Bangladesh, established in 2015, is the primary body overseeing financial reporting standards. However, its impact on reshaping the landscape has been limited. Policymakers need to take a proactive role in driving the changes that our society needs, especially in the context of evolving global standards and expectations.

One of the most dynamic forces for change in the country is the younger generation, whose energy and demand for reform present an opportunity that the accounting profession must embrace. To truly evolve, policymakers must consider how to better support and guide the development of the sector to meet these emerging challenges.

India, for instance, has made significant strides in ESG governance, making sustainability reporting mandatory and demonstrating how policy can drive positive change. Bangladesh is currently lagging behind in many areas, but there is a sense of optimism that we are moving in the right direction.

This is an exciting time for Bangladesh, with potential reforms on the horizon that could redefine the profession. It’s crucial that we remain aware of the need to rebuild and reform our practices, aligning them with both global standards and the specific needs of our society. The role of policymakers is pivotal in this journey, and their leadership will be key to ensuring that the profession evolves to better serve the future.

9. What advice would you give to students aspiring to pursue careers in accounting, corporate governance, or social responsibility? How can they best prepare themselves for future challenges and opportunities in these fields?

It’s crucial for anyone, especially in the context of Bangladesh, to always consider the bigger picture before embarking on any endeavor. Before taking action, reflect on what you are trying to achieve and understand the rationale behind it. This is particularly important in the accounting profession, where the focus often tends to be narrow and confined to technical standards. 

Accountants in Bangladesh need to move beyond simply adhering to rules and engaging in discussions within their own circles. It is essential to connect with a broader group of stakeholders, including businesses, policymakers, and society at large, to communicate effectively and make meaningful contributions.

Develop yourself to be analytical, not just rule-following. Cultivate a diverse skill set, including a deep understanding of the socio-economic and political landscape of the country. Communication skills are equally important—being able to interact effectively with the government, policymakers, companies, and individuals will enable you to drive positive change.

By embracing these broader perspectives and skills, accountants can position themselves to make significant contributions, and hopefully, we will witness transformative changes in the profession in the near future.