`Interview with Mr. Sijin K. Ravi - Program Emarati 2

Summary

In this insightful interview, Sujin Susan, founder of RBS Accounting and Consultancy, shares his entrepreneurial journey from his early days in the UAE, his experiences in auditing, and the strategic vision behind building a successful multi-service consultancy. He discusses the unique investment opportunities in the UAE, the importance of trust and quality in business, and the role of his team in ensuring top-tier service. Reflecting on the country's growth and supportive business environment, he highlights the significance of family support and references in his success, emphasizing how RBS continues to expand and cater to both local and international clients.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sujin Susan, originally from Kerala, India, started his business journey in 2014 after moving to the UAE in 2007, where he initially worked at KPMG and then explored the SME sector.
• 😀 The UAE is considered one of the best countries for investors, ranking #19 globally and #1 in the MENA region, with numerous incentives such as the Golden Visa to attract foreign investors.
• 😀 Sujin initially started RBS Accounting with just a single part-time employee and earned his first contract for 900 Dirhams for accounting services.
• 😀 RBS Accounting evolved from a basic accounting firm to a full-fledged consultancy offering services in accounting, auditing, tax, AML, ESR, CBC, liquidation, and more, under one umbrella.
• 😀 The company's approach focuses on trust and quality, with clients returning and referring RBS due to the high-quality service provided, even with lower fees.
• 😀 Building a team at RBS involves hiring professionals with strong backgrounds, either fully qualified or semi-qualified, ensuring the highest standards of service and quality control.
• 😀 RBS Accounting serves over 100 clients, ranging from SMEs to larger international businesses, and has even received referrals from Big Four firms.
• 😀 The company has high-profile clients, including online insurance companies, but confidentiality agreements prevent further disclosure of many clients' names.
• 😀 The leadership of the UAE, including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, has been crucial in fostering a stable environment that supports business growth and attracts investors, with security being a major advantage for expatriates and businesses alike.
• 😀 Sujin’s future plans include expanding RBS Accounting into all Emirates, starting with Abu Dhabi, and exploring opportunities across the GCC to provide more accessible services to clients.
• 😀 Sujin credits the support of his family, especially his wife, for his success, highlighting how a strong support system and client referrals were key to his initial growth and ongoing success in the business world.

Q & A

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you started your business?

My name is Sujin Susan, and I'm from Kerala, India. I started my business in 2014 after working for KPMG in the UAE, where I gained experience in auditing and later worked with a local firm focusing on SMEs. I decided to venture into business to serve this sector better and provide accounting, auditing, and consultancy services under one roof.

Why did you choose the UAE as the place to establish your business?

The UAE is one of the best countries for investors, ranking 19th globally and 1st in the MENA region. It has a strong investment-friendly environment, with recent amendments like the Golden Visa that make it attractive for businesses to grow and flourish.

How did you start your company, and what challenges did you face initially?

I started with just one part-time employee and a small contract worth 900 Dirhams for basic accounting work. Initially, I was focused on managing company expenses, and over time, I expanded into full-fledged consultancy, offering services like auditing and taxation.

What makes your company stand out in a competitive market like the UAE?

Our success is built on trust and quality. We focus on providing top-notch service, even at lower fees when necessary. Our clients often come back through word-of-mouth recommendations because we never compromise on quality.

What is the key factor in building a successful team at your company?

The key is professional experience and education. All our team members are either fully qualified or semi-qualified professionals. This ensures that the quality of our work remains consistent across all levels.

How do you balance quality and quantity in the services you offer?

We manage a wide range of clients, from SMEs to large multinational corporations, but we never compromise on quality. Even when handling large volumes of clients, each assignment is approached with thoroughness and attention to detail.

Can you share some notable clients that your company serves?

We serve a range of clients, including online insurance companies and other businesses across various sectors. Due to confidentiality agreements, some clients can't be named, but we've been recommended by big firms as well, which shows the trust we have earned.

How do you plan to expand your business in the coming years?

Our short-term goal is to expand within the UAE, specifically to cities like Abu Dhabi and others in the Emirates. Long-term, we aim to expand throughout the GCC region to provide services in even more areas.

What role did your family play in your business journey?

My family was incredibly supportive. When I resigned from my last job, my wife encouraged me to start my own business. This support was crucial in giving me the confidence to take the leap and pursue my entrepreneurial dreams.

What are your thoughts on the leadership and vision of the UAE government?

The leadership, especially His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, has created an environment conducive to business growth. The safety, security, and investor-friendly policies in the UAE make it an ideal place to live and work, attracting a diverse group of people and businesses from around the world.