James Mathew – Spearheading a ‘CA’ Empire as Group CEO, Crowe Horwath, UAE and Oman
• How your life at Sainik School, Trivandrum helped you to mould your character and physical, numeric abilities?
I cherish my salad days at Sainik School. The formative years in school shape up a person future and how he or she will grow up to be. The discipline, sportsmen spirit and multi-tasking that I learned during my school life has helped me immensely in my professional career and building my business.
• What are the prime future expansion plans of Crowe Horwath?
As I said earlier, we are focusing on building our capabilities in the tax and technology practice and diversifying into the non-audit professional services.
• Why should a businessman approach Crowe Horwath?
Crowe Horwath has been in existence for more than 103 years now and we celebrated 35 years in the country last year. We carry forward a tradition and legacy of practice build on strong values and work ethics. Our motto has been global exposure, local expertise. We facilitate our clients with making smart decision creating lasting values. Our services include audit, tax, company formation and corporate advisory. I would proudly say that if you conceive a business idea, we can make a reality from start to end.
• Who is your role model?
My role models are my parents. I owe my achievements to none but my parents.
• What will be your message to CA aspirants?
“Never ignore technology and never stop learning”. Success in accounting profession is not only confined to your number crunching abilities, but also knowledge and understanding of relevant industries and economic scenario in general.
• How important it is to be a socially committed businessman?
We derive our riches from the society we grew up and live in. It’s imperative to value your people and count your blessings. We cannot separate business from society today. Some assume that charity is the prerogative of the rich, but I believe irrespective of which stage you are in your life one should devote a portion of their time and money to societal welfare.
• Say few words about the awards and honours bestowed on you during your professional career ?
It’s encouraging to be recognised for your work. It was humbling being included among the top 100 businessmen of Indian origin in the region from being awarded in the financial services arena by the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Conference last month at Bahrain.
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