Research has consistently demonstrated that CEOs play a pivotal role in shaping the direction and success of the companies they lead. Their decisions and leadership style directly influence corporate strategy, overall performance, and public perception. In recent decades, the impact of CEOs on business outcomes has grown significantly, alongside increased public scrutiny of their leadership. Now, imagine gaining insights and guidance from one of the world’s top CEOs—leaders who draw from their vast experience to support your personal and professional growth.
James Mathew exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional CEO & Managing Partner in the field of audit, advisory & consulting. As the CEO & Managing Partner of UHY James (Chartered Accountants LLC & Advisory LLC) he is serving as an inspiration to the next generation of CEOs. A distinguished Chartered Accountant with over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience in the UAE, James began his career in 1992.
Recognizing the immense potential of the UAE’s evolving economy, he made a bold decision to embark on his entrepreneurial journey. In 1997, driven by vision and determination, he took a “leap of faith” to establish his own business, laying the foundation for a remarkable career in leadership and innovation.
According to James, the UAE’s economy was rapidly advancing in the 1990s creating abundant opportunities within the financial sector. As a seasoned Chartered Accountant, he recognized the potential and seized the moment to make his mark. This pivotal experience fueled his passion for entrepreneurship, setting him on a path to handhold diverse business ventures on the path of sustained financial success.
Rising to New Horizons
Over the past 30 years, James has cultivated extensive expertise in building high-performing teams and driving audit and advisory services toward sustainable growth in the UAE and across the region. His leadership journey is an ongoing evolution, continually adapting to align with organizational goals. One of the most valuable lessons he has learned is that purpose-driven leadership is the cornerstone of long-term success, benefiting both individuals and the broader community.
At the helm of affairs in UHY James, he collaborates with top family businesses, multinational corporations, and both public and private sector organizations across the UAE. Backed by deep industry knowledge James is well poised to support businesses in aligning their financial ascension by proactively identifying gaps that could pose risks.
Legacy of Leadership and Visionary Growth
James’ 25-year tenure within the upper echelons of the top 10 networks is a testament to his exceptional financial acumen and enduring commitment to driving business growth. His humble beginning as an entrepreneur was marked by a progressive ascent from Partner to Senior Partner, culminating in his role as Group CEO – UAE & Oman. This meteoric rise reflects not only his professional accomplishments but reinforces a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of organizational growth. His subsequent election to the Global Board of the Top 10 audit/ accounting network in 2017 and 2018 further underscores his strategic insight and global influence. In 2019, James transitioned to join forces with UK based global audit network – UHY International – to become UHY James (Chartered Accountants LLC & Advisory LLC), an independent member firm in the UAE.
Recognizing the dynamic shifts in the market, James embarked on a strategic evolution, focusing on independent exploration within the controlled environments of financial-free zones and listed entities. This forward-thinking approach, coupled with his role as an independent member of the global UHY network, has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for a significant expansion within the GCC market. The transition to UHY James catalyzed a transformative phase, enabling the company to broaden its reach and cater to an expansive audience across the UAE and the wider region.
Elevating Compliance and Global Perspectives
James’s tenure on the Global Board of a top 10 audit network in 2017 and 2018 marked a significant milestone in his distinguished 25-year career as the opportunity provided a platform to contribute to the network’s strategic, operational, financial, cultural, innovative, and ethical development.
Serving on the Global Board offered invaluable exposure to diverse perspectives from leading professionals across the globe. This experience fostered a deeper understanding of the strategic approaches employed by top-tier networks and facilitated the exchange of insights regarding firms operating in varied regional contexts.
As an entrepreneur and UAE based expat, James observed a notable acceleration in market evolution and adherence standards, particularly within the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. His tenure on the Global Board enabled a wholesome understanding of compliance best practices prevalent in established markets.
This collective knowledge, gained from interactions with global leaders in finance, offered a unique opportunity to enhance the compliance side within businesses. By leveraging these insights, clients and stakeholders in the UAE can benefit from the best practices aligned with international standards, fostering a more robust and transparent business environment.
Ethical Leadership in the Spotlight
As a Chartered Accountant professional and seasoned entrepreneur, James puts his heart into the work done at UHY James for the UAE business community. He’s built a reputation for sticking to his principles and walking the talk when it comes to aspects of ethics & integrity. He believes, quite simply, that honesty is the bedrock of building robust businesses – especially when dealing with number-crunching in the realm of finance. Cutting corners on matters of compliance, ethics & integrity are non-negotiable as they could impact the overall growth trajectory of an organization.
In a career spanning 30+ years, James has had to make some tough calls to do the right thing for the firm, even if it meant taking the road less travelled to align with his priorities.
James is an emphatic believer in clarity driven communication that ensures the client has clear insight into matters pertaining to the growth of the business. Focused on delivering strategic solutions enables clients to leverage the long-term advantages provided by the firm – building implicit trust over a period.
Eye on Business Excellence
Beyond his established expertise, James wields influence in diverse professional and non- professional organizations across the UAE and India.
He successfully served on the Board of Assessors for the Mohammed Bin Rashid Business Awards and encapsulates the experience as an intensive module in business education, providing a panoramic view of diverse operational models.
This role allowed James to clearly observe companies that excelled in cultivating positive cultures, developed talent, and implemented strategic innovation. The insights gained—identifying both effective and ineffective practices—proved invaluable in handholding his clients as they navigated rough terrains in their business journey.
James emphasizes that strategic vision is essential for navigating market complexities. This includes a focus on sustainable practices, brand positioning, and leveraging data-driven technologies like AI and machine learning to achieve organizational excellence.
Championing Diversity and Inclusion at UHY James
Women play a pivotal role in driving the growth and success of UHY James. The organization is committed to fostering equality and ensuring that women receive the same opportunities, recognition, and career advancement as their peers. This commitment is not just a corporate policy but a powerful influence in shaping an inclusive workplace.
With a workforce of over 170 professionals, a significant number of women hold key leadership and decision-making roles. James proudly highlights that their Partner & Director team includes three accomplished finance and advisory professionals. At the same time, women at the managerial level are instrumental in steering the firm’s growth and expansion.
Currently, women make up 30% of the workforce at UHY James, but the organization is striving to increase this number. More than just statistics, this reflects a progressive mindset—one that prioritizes equal development opportunities for all, regardless of gender. By embracing diversity, UHY James continues to cultivate an environment where talent thrives, innovation flourishes, and the organization grows stronger.
Approach to Leadership and Collaboration
James cultivates an environment of accessibility, a hallmark of his leadership as CEO and Managing Partner. His commitment to an “open-door” policy at UHY James reflects a deep understanding of the value of timely communication and collaborative problem-solving.
He recognizes that interruptions when driven by genuine intent and aligned with the firm’s best interests, offer valuable opportunities for engagement and insight. This approach fosters a culture where colleagues feel empowered to contribute, knowing their perspectives will be heard.
Furthermore, James champions a team-oriented leadership style, recognizing its efficacy in fostering professional development and skill enhancement. This collaborative approach not only strengthens individual capabilities but also reinforces the collective expertise of the firm.
Building a Legacy Through Vision, Strategy, and Innovation
James doesn’t just offer advice; he shares a vision. He urges entrepreneurs to construct a business that transcends mere profit, to build something with lasting impact. He advocates for a comprehensive approach, where every facet—operations, finance, talent, strategy—is meticulously crafted and intricately connected.
He underscores the enduring relevance of a finance career, not as a static profession but as a dynamic arena for innovation. He posits that true success lies in the consistent delivery of tangible value to clients, underpinned by an unwavering commitment to ethical integrity.
Furthermore, James recognizes the transformative power of technological advancements. He emphasizes it is imperative to embrace digitization, not as a peripheral consideration but as a core competency. He advocates for a proactive engagement with automation, AI, and machine learning, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the future of audit and advisory services. He believes that to create a legacy, one must not only adapt to change but also anticipate and drive it.
Sustaining Excellence, Prioritizing Partnership: UHY James’ Strategic Trajectory
For more than thirty years, the firm has meticulously shaped the audit and advisory landscape within the United Arab Emirates and established itself as an organization deeply committed to fostering sustainable growth, connecting clients to emerging opportunities, and actively aiding businesses in their developmental journeys.
The leadership’s vision for the next five years emphasizes a focused effort to enhance and highlight the efficiency and tangible impact of the firm’s services. This will be achieved through the strategic adoption and integration of progressing technologies, with a particular emphasis on delivering refined and impactful expertise to clients.
UHY James has successfully positioned itself as the “Preferred Partner of Choice” for its clientele, and the firm is dedicated to strengthening and solidifying this vital connection across all facets of its business. This ambition extends beyond the UAE, encompassing the entire GCC region, reflecting a commitment to building enduring and mutually beneficial partnerships.
Within UHY James, the team possesses a profound understanding of the dynamic and multifaceted nature of finance. Professionals undergo extensive and rigorous training across a broad spectrum of business areas, ensuring they possess enhanced industry knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of advancing auditing standards and regulatory compliance.
Compliance is considered a central pillar of the firm’s operations, and UHY James ensures that its team has access to the latest technological advancements and innovative solutions to effectively meet the changing requirements of its clients. Recognizing the complex and nuanced challenges faced by clients, the firm addresses identified gaps by strategically leveraging the specialized expertise of its Subject Matter Experts, effectively guiding businesses towards the achievement of elevated and sustainable growth.
A Record of Excellence: James’s Key Accolades
James’s trajectory is etched with milestones that speak of a profound influence and unwavering commitment. His tenure as a Global Board member of a New York-headquartered top 10 accounting network stands as a testament to his strategic vision on a global stage. This is further underscored by his current role as Audit Committee Chairman of a leading healthcare group listed in India, a position demanding both meticulous oversight and astute financial acumen.
His recognition among the World’s Greatest Leaders by Asia One & URS Media (2016-17) affirms his capacity to inspire and guide. Beyond corporate governance, his dedication to fostering business communities is evident in his tenure as Secretary-General and Board Member of the Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC) (2015-17), and his election as Chairman of the Dubai Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) (2012-13).
His commitment to quality and excellence is further demonstrated by his service on the Board of Dubai Quality Group (2004-2008) and his five consecutive years on the Board of Assessors of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Business Awards. These accolades are not mere decorations; they are the tangible reflections of a career defined by leadership, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
