Shehzaad Ali, Director
Director
Current Experience:
Director: Analytics and Internal Audit Lead at GRIPP Advisory · Full-time Jul 2021 - Present · (4 yrs 5 mos)
Past Experiences:
Internal Audit Manager at KPMG South Africa · Full-time Oct 2014 - Apr 2018 · (3 yrs 7 mos)
Internal Audit Supervisor at KPMG · Full-time Jul 2012 - Sep 2014 · (2 yrs 3 mos)
External Audit Trainee at KPMG · Internship Jan 2009 - Mar 2012 · (3 yrs 3 mos)
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Accountancy, Financial Accountant
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
From High School Hustle to the Executive Table: Shehzaad Ali’s Journey Isn’t Your Typical CA Story
He didn’t wait for a big firm to validate him. Shehzaad Ali co-founded GRIPP Advisory and built its data analytics function from scratch, not because he had all the funding, but because he had the fire. Today, he’s not just leading internal audit and analytics; he’s mentoring teams, renegotiating contracts, and turning financial strategy into a competitive edge.
No fancy corporate parachute. Just grit, vision, and a killer instinct for efficiency.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
08:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I usually start my morning by checking and responding to emails.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
I developed an interest in accounting back in high school when I realised how much I enjoyed the subject.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
I was one of the founding members of GRIPP and also established the company’s data analytics function.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I serve as the Engagement Director overseeing Internal Audit and Data Analytics.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I support the company’s financial strategy by driving cost-saving initiatives, such as improving internal processes, renegotiating supplier contracts, and planning staff allocation and budgets. Additionally, I contribute to business development by helping bring services and products to market and supporting sales efforts.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is operating within a small firm where resources for R&D and skills development are limited. This means we don’t always have the cash available to drive growth, so we have to be strategic, focusing on internal upskilling, forming partnerships with like-minded firms, and finding smarter ways to work.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I led the implementation of our Xero accounting platform, which has significantly improved our financial operations. As a result, Exco now receives reports much faster, giving them timely access to financial information and enabling quicker, more informed decision-making.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
I make sure to prioritise my health by going to the gym twice a week and playing tennis or padel occasionally, which keeps me focused and ready to support my team. I also maintain clear work boundaries, which has been effective over the years. On top of that, I invest in my team’s growth, empowering managers through development initiatives so they can take on more responsibility, allowing me to focus on strategic business priorities.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
Outside of work, I practice mixed martial arts twice a week, which is a discipline in itself. I also enjoy hiking on Sundays, I’ve even climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and like to play tennis and padel when I can.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
Yes, I currently mentor employees. I focus on identifying their work passions and, where possible, aligning these with company goals. We hold regular sessions to explore new technologies and trends, sometimes having team members present back to me. I also give them opportunities to showcase their achievements to clients. I make a clear distinction between performance management and mentoring; mentoring goes beyond current roles and focuses on supporting their long-term career aspirations.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
I’d advise anyone aspiring to work in a finance department to dive into the details early, get to know the business processes and company culture. Once you understand how the business operates, the numbers start to make sense. Embrace new technologies, as many routine finance tasks can be automated. Focus on building strong skills in Excel, your ERP system, and even basic SQL. This not only sets you apart from your peers but also helps you move beyond data processing to understanding and interpreting the data. By doing so, you can identify key metrics that provide real value to the business and stakeholders.
“Three grand essentials to happiness in this life is something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career
A valuable leadership lesson I’ve learned is to be easy to work with. Building strong relationships with both peers and senior colleagues can take you a long way in your career.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
A fun fact about me is that I’ve hiked Mount Kilimanjaro, and I hope to tackle Everest Base Camp one day, though my body might have other ideas.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
I rely on having the right team around me, but if I could choose a superpower, it would be the ability to read the minds of my clients or potential clients.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
My strategy for staying productive during long workdays is to focus on high-priority tasks first and give them the time they need. I avoid multitasking, as I believe the brain can’t fully commit to multiple things at once.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why? What made that day special?
If I could relive one day in my career, it would be the day I was promoted to Business Director. It was special because it showed that my seniors not only valued my contributions but also believed I was ready to take a seat at the executive table.
Want to lead like Shehzaad?
He didn’t get to the top by playing safe. He learned to master tools like Xero, empower his team, and focus on what actually moves the needle, client results, internal process wins, and business growth.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to lead with impact, even when the odds are stacked against you.
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