- High-demand profession is accounting; ICAP sets the standard for accounting in Pakistan
- IBA and LUMS leading the way in higher education, preparing students for the workforce
Interview with Mr. Adnan Saeed — an educator
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself.
Adnan Saeed: I am (MBA Finance & MS Management Sciences) an educator and passionate advocate for accounting education with over 25 years of experience across Pakistan’s most prestigious institutions. My journey in academia has been shaped by a dedication to empowering students with solid, standards-driven knowledge, particularly in International Accounting Standards, IFRS, and GAAP. I’ve had the privilege of guiding numerous students through the complexities of financial accounting, cost accounting, and public sector accounting, for which I’ve also conducted 50+ professional workshops.
Currently, I serve as the Manager of Academics at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan. Previously, as a faculty member at the Institute of Cost & Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMAP), I was honored with multiple Faculty Roll of Honor awards, a reflection of my commitment to excellence in teaching and mentorship. I’ve also been fortunate to lead Saeed Academy of Commerce & Economics (SACE) which was founded by my late father, Mr. Anwer Saeed Khan for over two decades, supporting underprivileged students through affordable, quality education.
My teaching journey has also included positions at SZABIST, IoBM, and Federal Urdu University, where I developed programs in both introductory and advanced accounting, incorporating real-world applications and critical thinking into every lesson. I have also worked with Mr. Mark S Bettner, former head of Management Science at Bucknell University on his book, Accounting the basis of business decisions, originally authored by Mr. Walter B. Meigs (Late); I have reviewed book on financial accounting compiled by Kaplan for ICMAP and I have written chapter on Consignment accounting, published in Advanced Accounting for graduate students written by Uzair Hassan (late). Beyond teaching, my expertise includes curriculum development, academic research, and career advising. I am driven by a lifelong commitment to student success and continuous learning, which fuels my ambition to contribute meaningfully to the global educational landscape.
PAGE: Could you give your standpoint on the knowledge and skills of Pakistani graduates?
Adnan Saeed: Pakistani graduates are full of potential. They have thirst and desire, work hard to acquire the skills and education needed to become competent professionals and are eager to make their mark in practical life. Most of Pakistani graduates are unemployed as lack of alignment of their degree programmes with the changing needs of the job market and subsequent failure to cater to the employers’ expectations. Most of these degree programmes focus on academic knowledge without a clear link with the job market and impart limited practical skills, which are insufficient for the job market. In short, Pakistani graduates are well-prepared and highly motivated. With just a bit more emphasis on practical exposure and soft skills, they have all it takes to thrive and grow as professionals on a global scale.
PAGE: What are your views about accountancy education in Pakistan?
Adnan Saeed: Accounting is considered one of Pakistan’s most demanded professions, with unlimited opportunities. Accounting is a field that’s always changing around the world, so it’s essential for accountants to keep up with new developments and trends. In Pakistan, the top accountancy institutes support their members by offering many ways to continue learning, like training sessions, seminars, workshops, and conferences. As we shift further into the digital age, accountants are becoming more important in the global economy. They help companies manage their money, give financial advice for different situations, and ensure that companies follow important regulations. These institutes are crucial in preparing accountants for their roles and shaping the future of the profession.
In Pakistan, the main accounting institute is the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP). ICAP sets the syllabus, exam pattern, and accounting standards across the country.
PAGE: What is your perspective about the quality of products produced by the Pakistani universities?
Adnan Saeed: In Pakistan, two universities stand out when it comes to higher education: the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) in Karachi and the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). Both schools provide high-quality education and open doors to great career opportunities. However, many other universities in Pakistan also offer a range of programs for students. I believe that, for students to succeed in their careers, universities in Pakistan need to align their courses more closely with market demands. Adding internships as part of the curriculum would be valuable, as would inviting industry professionals each month to speak with students. These sessions would give students a clear idea of what the job market is looking for, and it would be beneficial for faculty and staff to attend as well to stay updated on industry needs.
Additionally, I suggest that, in a four-year programme, students should start engaging with the job market after the first year. This could involve preparing resumes and visiting financial institutions, banks, and multinational companies to understand the kinds of questions asked by HR departments. This experience would help students see where they might need to improve and what skills and knowledge are necessary for securing well-paying jobs.