Shadab Sakib Mostafa, ACCA
Head of rPET Business Unit
Bangladesh Petrochemical Company Limited (BPCL)
Shadab Sakib Mostafa is a forward-thinking professional with a proven record of accomplishment in the manufacturing industry. He is an ACCA member and member of the Member Advisory Committee (MAC) of ACCA Bangladesh for the last 1.5+ years. Now, He is working at Bangladesh Petrochemical Company Limited (BPCL) as a Head of rPET Business Unit. Prior to joining BPCL, he worked for Action Group of Industries a leading sports shoe manufacturer in Bangladesh as Chief Operating Officer for almost 1.8 years and also worked there in different capacities in the accounts, audit, and finance for 9.9 years. He began his career with a part-time job in a stock brokerage house.
Let’s learn about his journey.
The InCAP: Mr. Shadab Sakib Mostafa, please share your professional and academic peregrination with our readers.
Mr. Shadab Sakib Mostafa: It gives me the utmost pleasure to share with you my part of the story of my quest in this professional career. Currently, I am working at Bangladesh Petrochemical Company Limited (BPCL) as a Head of rPET Business Unit, joined in June 2021 the first post-consumer PET recycling bottle plant in Bangladesh. Prior to joining BPCL, I worked for Action Group of Industries a leading sports shoe manufacturer in Bangladesh as Chief Operating Officer for almost 1.8 years and also worked there in different capacities in the accounts, audit, and finance for 9.9 years. I began my career with a part-time job in a stock brokerage house. Simultaneously in an audit firm after six months.
I am a forward-thinking professional with a proven record of accomplishment in the manufacturing industry. I am an ACCA member and member of the Member Advisory Committee (MAC) of ACCA Bangladesh for the last 1.5+ years.
After completing my A levels, I wanted to go abroad for my graduation. But my parents were determined not to send me aboard. I like to take challenges and am a thrill seeker in nature. I research what to study that will give me a dynamic edge in my career. I wanted something that will stand out from the crowd, will be distinct, be valued globally, be prestigious, and be well recognized. Thus, I enrolled in ACCA.
How has your professional training and qualification helped you to excel in your career?
Professional training programs provide me with the latest tools and techniques in the field, helping me to stay up-to-date with industry developments by improving my skills. In ACCA it is called Continuous Professional Development (CPD). For each member, it is compulsory to complete 40 Units i.e. 1 hour per unit CPD session annually.
Pursuing professional training means that you are dedicated to your career and are willing to invest time and effort into your professional development. This can be particularly important when applying for new job opportunities.
By obtaining professional qualifications, you are demonstrating a level of expertise and knowledge in your field. This can increase your credibility with colleagues, clients, and employers, helping you to build a strong reputation.
Professional training programs provide opportunities to network with other professionals in your field. This can help you to expand your professional network and make valuable connections that can benefit you in the future.
Furthermore, having professional training and qualifications can increase your earning potential. Employers are often willing to pay a premium for employees who have the skills and knowledge required to excel in their roles.
Mr. Shadab, we are delighted to know that you have been awarded the Advocacy Award of ACCA 2022. We are sure that it is a very prestigious one. As a member of this renowned Chartered Accountancy body, tell us about your professional activities and future planning.
ACCA advocacy award is the highest recognition awarded by its national office to deserving candidates for their outstanding contribution to the community. I am humbled and honored to be awarded Advocate of the Year (Champion in the Develop Category) for supporting and developing members and future members.
Pledge to give back to the finance and accounting profession around the globe and keep a significant contribution to the economic growth of my motherland and keep the flag high.
Mr. Shadab, you are working as a member of the Member Advisory Committee (MAC) of ACCA Bangladesh, too; tell us something regarding your role in this committee.
As a member of the Member Advisory Committee (MAC), I unlatched the window of opportunities for me. It gave me the scope not only to represent the local community but also the regional APAC and global community. My role on the advisory committee is to advise the council, the Chief Executive, and the Country Manager of Bangladesh on matters relating to strategic development, current and future issues affecting networking members, new ideas, and topics that may be addressed through courses of time, helping in publications and other services that include taking part in annual/special events. Assisting with technical issues and consultative documents.
Alongside I am also the Secretary of the future member development and networking subcommittee of MAC. The subcommittee is working for the welfare of students and/or affiliates, on their journey to membership in the form of – arranging training for future members on developing skills to secure job and training opportunities. Developing a comprehensive annual training calendar for future members, sourcing trainers, and organizing events through ACCA Bangladesh. Offering employability support to future members. Mentoring future members using the ACCA global mentorship program. Networking with part-qualified students and facilitating access to practical training support. Conducting an awareness campaign amongst young affiliates and students to curb the expectation gap, possibly in collaboration with tuition providers.
On the occasion of International Accounting Day, ACCA Bangladesh organized an event powered by its MAC & Sub-Committee, where ACCA members, affiliates, and future members joined in with colorful jerseys marked in IAS/IFRS international accounting standard in the remembrance of the accounting principles in order to dedicate the Accounting Day. The event wouldn’t have been possible without the persistent help of the ACCA Bangladesh team and the dynamic core committee. I gave a lead as a core committee member of the event.
Following it ACCA Advocates of 2022 successfully completed Winter Football Fest 2023, the event was organized to raise awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and to encourage knowledge sharing and networking among ACCA Members, Affiliates, and Future Members. As a result of the tournament, several Future Members were offered job placements on the spot. The initiative was taken by the ACCA Advocates who were awarded in 2022, and the tournament was a huge success, contributing to the development of the ACCA community and to the growth of Accounting and Finance Professionals as a whole.
Furthermore, helped to arrange a “Future Ready Today – A Career & Skill Development Session” a short interactive session with ACCA Approved Employers & ACCA Members. The target audiences were the students who are currently pursuing their ACCA qualification. They got career insights from the Approved Employers which allowed them to learn and hear from the industry bests.
Your company recycles 10,000 tonnes of PET bottles annually – this is a very impressive amount. Given that PET can take 450 years to break down naturally. Does it give you particular satisfaction to work in this sector because of the environmental benefits of recycling?
Plastic wastage is increasing day by day and practically there is no immediate substitute for plastic because it is cheap, mobile, and become part of our daily life. We must therefore reduce, reuse and recycle that plastic rather than dumping it on the lands, rivers, and seas. Recycling of plastic can be pushed to the pinnacle if people are socially aware by segregating the recyclable waste from non-recyclable once and people acceptance towards using more are more recycling products.
Third-world countries are mostly aware of recycling plastic but South Asian countries are less conscious about plastic usage and recycling because of the lack of knowledge and proper campaign on the use of plastic around the country. People need to be aware of their usage and take responsibility as consumers and push manufacturers to reuse plastic that they disburse to the market every day. European Union already imposing a tax on carbon emissions.
As the wind of change has blown in western countries. Many multinational companies in Bangladesh have already started the leap of change to reduce, reuse or recycle the plastic they produce due to global pressure and a circular economy. And here my company stands, established itself as the first post-consumer PET recycling bottle plant in Bangladesh.
Obviously, it gives me satisfaction to work in this sector because of the environmental benefits of recycling. At the end of the day, I feel like a warrior who is helping to fight the war to save the planet earth by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change by removing plastic waste from the environment and keeping the ecosystem intact. At the core of our Sustainability strategy, my company made a concerted effort to integrate the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (UN SDGs) into their business decisions.
As a Head of Business, what challenges do you face while playing your role?
I took up a new challenge by stepping up in a different industry back in 2021. Being at the peak position of a known industry, I came out to explore the work of a whole new industry of renewable energy. My job is unpredictable due to different assignments and dynamics of it and is filled with lots of learning. I execute different engagements and discover various types of solutions to the same problem. It wouldn’t have been possible without the persistent help of my honorable Managing Director Khadem Mahmud Yusuf (Bangladesh Petrochemical Company-BPCL) the visioner and dreamer to bring worth to waste and give a solution to the biggest problem by recycling PET plastic. Our company is the 1st company in Indian Subcontinent to receive European Food and Safety Association (EFSA) recognition opinion following other distinctive certifications like US FDA, ISO 9001:2015, and Global Recycling Standard (GRS).
What traits do you cherish, and why do you think these are perfect for success in your fields?
In these fields of mine, attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong problem-solving skills are highly essential. Being able to identify patterns and trends in business, as well as analyzing financial statements and reports, is critical to success.
Additionally, excellent communication skills are essential. Being able to effectively communicate complex information to stakeholders, clients, and colleagues is key to building trust and credibility.
Furthermore, integrity and ethical behavior are highly valued in the finance and accountancy fields. Professionals are often entrusted with sensitive financial information, and it’s important that they maintain a high level of ethical standards to protect this trust placed in them.
Finally, adaptability and a willingness to learn are also valuable traits. The finance and accountancy fields are constantly evolving, and it’s essential for professionals in these fields to stay up to date with the latest industry trends, regulations, and technologies.
Overall, possessing these traits can lead to success in this field.
Mr. Shadab, thousands of hearts follow you as their leader. Please say something to them.
It’s hard to believe! Still yet haven’t done anything impeccably to be a leader. But to all those who follow me, I want to say I am grateful for your trust and support. My goal is to empower and uplift each and every one of you to achieve your highest potential. Don’t forget that leadership is not just about me, it’s about us. Together and in unity, we can overcome any obstacle, achieve any goal, and create a better future for ourselves and those around us. Thus, we need to work together, support each other, and continue to strive for excellence. Believe in yourselves and your abilities, and know that I am always here to support you in your journey toward success. Thank you once again for keeping your faith and trust in me, and let’s make great things happen together.
Tell us about how you maintain your work-life balance and what you do in your free time.
I am a movie fanatic. Love to watch movies in the theatre or on Netflix of all genres. My favorite genre is drama, thriller, and mystery. Also, I do follow English Premiere league football. And am a diehard fan of Manchester United Football Club. Though they are struggling currently my love for the club is resolute.
I love traveling. I want to be a globe trotter, want to roam around the world to explore new countries and cities. Been to 4 Continents, 16 Countries, and 40 Cities already. And many more left to explore. The inspiration came from the quote of the Great Ibn Battuta “Travelling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”
I am also involved in some philanthropic activities with my father. Attended a lot of International Conventions of Lions Clubs International for District 315B2. He is a fellow member of the MELVIN W JONES FOUNDATION and Past President and Zone Chairperson, The Lions Club of Dhaka Motijheel.
Quick Chat with Shadab Sakib Mostafa
The most outstanding achievement of your life as of now:
Advocacy Award Winner of 2022
Your Icon:
My beloved Sayyid Al-Mursalin Ahmad Mustafa Muhammed Mustafa (SAW)
Name the most influential books you have read:
Al-Quran
Your greatest fear:
Misuse of Social Media
Best piece of advice you’ve received:
A person cried an ocean of tears, but nobody cared. Then he cried in Sujood and Allah gave him Sabr.
Your one-liner quote to become successful
“A diamond is a piece of coal that never gave up.”
You in only three words:
Risk-Seeker, Altruistic, Philomath
Highlights of Achievements, Merits and Honor
- ACCA Bangladesh Advocacy Award 2022 Issued By ACCA Global-Dec 2022 – On the verge of engaging and highlighting ACCA Bangladesh’s key ACCA members who have been playing active roles as corporate leaders and bringing positive changes in society as change makers.
- Prize Winner of Paper AAA Issued by ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) – The award for attaining the highest mark by a student in Bangladesh in Paper Advanced Audit and Assurance of the ACCA examinations, December 2019 Session of examinations.
Skill Set:
- Hard Skills: Process automation, and simplification, Working Capital Management, Budgeting & forecasting, Risk Management, Business and Financial Analysis, Strategic Planning, Operational Improvement, Operations oversight, Team Management, Business Development and Strategy, Knowledge of ERP
- Soft Skills: Communication, Adaptability, Interpersonal Skills, Emotional intelligence, Professionalism, Problem-solving skills, Time management, Organizational skills, Willingness to adopt new technology and Continuous learning.
Prayer For The Human Civilization: May we have the strength and wisdom to be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem. May we have the courage to speak out against injustice, act with kindness and compassion, and do our part to create a better world.
The InCAP: Thank you, Mr. Shadab! It’s a glittering conversation with you!
Shadab Sakib Mostafa: My pleasure! Wish you all the best! Thank you
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