Issue 9 2024, Acquisition International | 13 What advice would you give to a budding CFO? My advice for aspiring CFOs is to develop strong foundations in finance and accounting. Be a T-shaped business partner with an M-shaped skillset in finance, having the ability and knowledge to zoom in and fix the micro aspects. Be handson, learn the intricacies of the business, and fully understand the unit economics. Having a first principles approach goes a long way in making informed decisions. Stay informed about industry trends and continuously seek opportunities for professional development. Focus on networking, but remember that success breeds network and persistence breeds success. Embrace technology and innovation, maintain a strategic mindset, and always look for ways to add value to the lives of people around you. What does the future look like for your business? Looking ahead, our focus is on expanding our diagnostic and healthcare services across new regions, enhancing our technological capabilities, and forming strategic partnerships to drive growth. We are working on several exciting projects, including the development of new healthcare facilities and the implementation of advanced diagnostic technologies. The rest of 2024 and beyond will see us continuing to innovate and expand, with a commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services to more communities. What are your plans to build upon your own success? I plan to continue leveraging my expertise in finance and strategy to drive growth and innovation. I am committed to continuous learning and professional development, staying abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies. Additionally, I will continue to mentor and support startups at various stages of their development, as well as the next generation of finance professionals, ensuring they are well-equipped to lead in an increasingly complex and dynamic business environment. Contact Details Contact: Bilal Aslam Qureshi Email: [email protected] Website: www.linkedin.com/in/bilal-aslam-qureshi-69652521 Private Equity CFO of the Year 2024 (Pakistan): Bilal Aslam Qureshi alk us through your previous roles and how those experiences and skillset contribute to your success as CFO? What would you consider as vital skills in the role of a CFO? My career began with apprenticeships, leading to roles in academia, consulting, and assurance services, where I developed a strong foundation in financial reporting and compliance. I then transitioned to the telecom sector, gaining expertise in financial tracking and analysis. Afterward, I moved into the energy and manufacturing sectors, where I focused on FP&A, reporting, budgeting, and internal controls. For the past decade, I’ve been in the healthcare space, currently serving as the CFO of a private equity-backed healthcare business, while also advising various VC/PE, multilateral, and sovereign-funded entities. These diverse experiences have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of various industries and the financial complexities inherent to each. In my current role, I leverage this extensive background to navigate complex financial landscapes, craft innovative financial strategies, and lead transformative business initiatives. I believe the vital skills for a CFO include strategic vision, financial acumen, the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, effective communication, and leadership to ensure the organization aligns with its financial goals and strategic objectives. Additionally, I hold an MBA from an FT Top 10 ranked programme in the UK and am a chartered certified accountant, as well as a member of the Harvard Business Review advisory council and the Forbes Finance Council. What techniques do you employ to achieve your ongoing business strategy? Our business strategy centres on expansion through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. We prioritise delivering quality while enhancing operational efficiencies, leveraging data to optimise capital allocations, and ensuring robust governance mechanisms. To achieve these objectives, we implement comprehensive budgetary controls, develop detailed financial models, and maintain strict regulatory compliance. Additionally, we harness technology to streamline operations and improve service delivery, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the healthcare industry. Please tell us about your leadership style. My leadership style is collaborative, transparent, and inclusive, with clearly defined rules of play. I believe in empowering my team by providing them with the necessary resources and support to achieve their goals. Clear communication is essential; I ensure that our vision and strategic objectives are communicated effectively throughout the organisation. Regular meetings, performance reviews, and open forums for feedback help align everyone with our goals and foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Islamabad Diagnostic Centre Pvt. Ltd. (IDC) specialises in providing comprehensive diagnostic services across Pakistan. It works to deliver accurate and timely diagnostic services, which are critical for effective healthcare management, for clients ranging from individual patients to large healthcare providers, government institutions, and insurance providers. CFO Bilal Aslam Qureshi has been integral in the firm’s significant growth from a mid-sized player to leading the holistic medical diagnostics space in only a few years. We speak to him to learn more about the company and his successful career to date. T Jul24220
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