Tell us about yourself
I’m Yazan Al-Shweiki, I started my journey with Baker Tilly in Jordan immediately after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. I worked in the accounting function helping our clients with their accounting tasks where we become their full outsourced financial department. I am currently a Senior Accounting Specialist working on the accounts of various clients, locally and regionally.
Outside of work, what keeps you busy?
I come from a large family where I am the seventh son. For most days after work, I try to spend some quality time with them, and being part of large family, they do keep me busy. However, when I am not involved in family activities, I go into nature walks to clear my mind from the issues we face on daily basis with our clients and to plan my tasks for the upcoming days. I am also an avid supporter of traveling and experiencing the yesteryears by visiting historical places and reading history books.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career in accounting?
There is a notion that accounting is a boring function. People believe that all you do is record transactions into computerized accounting software. Joining a Firm like Baker Tilly in Jordan has proved me wrong. Accounting turned out to be a very interesting career, though it all depends on your initiatives, drive, and willingness to learn. I guess my advice to someone starting in accounting would be to never be stuck into a daily routine and turn yourself into a machine. Accounting offers the opportunity for creativity if you choose to excel in what you do.
What inspires you day to day?
I love what I do, and I am inspired day in day out to be creative. I know what I want to achieve at Baker Tilly and what it takes to excel. My self-competition is what drives me forward and keeps me going.
How do you think the pandemic has changed the way we work?
The world experienced two tough years where normal became abnormal. This is not only true for personal lives, but also for our work lives. I choose to see the positive in any hardship. The pandemic pushed businesses to adapt to remote work, and I strongly believe that this has brought business- people closer together. It became much easier to meet with clients quickly and efficiently through virtual means. It also added unlimited opportunities to support clients globally, not only in Jordan, while you are sitting in front of your laptop.
What opportunities are there for your firm in the next few years?
Baker Tilly is now for tomorrow. This means we work today for a better tomorrow, ceasing today’s opportunities and challenges, to benefit clients for a brighter future tomorrow.
I see a future full of success for Baker Tilly, as our partners keep us involved in the Firm’s growth plans and continuous investments to improve and grow. I am optimistic with that vision, which I saw first-hand how we survived the pandemic. Baker Tilly rode its growth vision and invested heavily in upgrading its infrastructure and digital presence. When companies were laying off employees, we were hiring more. We clearly believed in tomorrow.