CA James Matthew on Waiting 24 Years to Start His Own Firm

CA James Mathew: How 24 years of patience led to a leading CA firm in Dubai

Charted accountants help shape the financial strategies of businesses large and small, but the journey to success is rarely a straight line. CA James Mathew’s story is one of patience, adaptation, and steady growth. From his early days in Kerala, India, through three decades in the UAE, his path shows what’s possible for those who blend deep industry knowledge with the grit to keep moving forward.

From sports fields to charted accountancy

James Mathew didn’t grow up with spreadsheets in mind. In his school days under the CBSE system and at Sainik School, he focused more on sports than academics. Math and other subjects didn’t come easy. Yet, at Kerala University, familiar material helped turn things around. He surprised even himself by scoring 100% in both mathematics and statistics in his first two years.

That success changed his life. A professor noticed Mathew’s talent for numbers and introduced him to chartered accountancy, a profession not widely known in his town. From that moment, he set his sights on building a future in finance.

Taking on new academic challenges

Accountancy was new when Mathew started his CA journey. Learning the basics, from debit to credit, brought anxiety, especially knowing the tough pass rates that hovered around 7–9%. What pushed him forward?

• The promise of a respected profession
• Opportunities across banks and institutions
• The encouragement of his mentor
• Personal pride in helping businesses succeed

Moving from Kerala to Dubai

Kerala offered few chances for CAs in the early ’90s. While major cities like Bangalore and Mumbai paid CAs much better, Dubai looked even more promising. Indian rupees stretched farther there, and businesses needed skilled auditors and accountants. So just two months after qualifying, Mathew landed in the UAE, ready to build his future.

Learning the trade in a new country

His first stop in Dubai was Mahendra Ashar and Company, a small audit firm. Working here gave Mathew insight into local business processes, documents, and regulations. Immersing himself in client work, he focused on building trust—after all, Dubai in the 1990s ran on relationships and reputation, not on cell phones or instant messaging.

Client relationships and growing confidence

Mathew soon realized clients valued his attention. Rather than clocking out at 5 p.m., he dropped by clients' offices for coffee and listened to their problems. This personal touch advanced his career. He used a few simple but effective strategies:

• Listening closely to client concerns after hours.
• Responding quickly and clearly to requests—even without modern communication tools.
• Finding ways to offer advice that fit each client’s situation.

He became a magnet for referrals, which gave him the drive to ask for bigger roles at the firm.

Rising to partnership and leadership

When change at his first firm stalled, Mathew moved on, joining AGN Mak (now Crowe) in 1997 as a partner. He started a branch office in the UAE’s northernmost emirate. His commitment lasted 23 years, during which he climbed to senior partner, Group CEO for the UAE and Oman, and twice as a global board member—reflections of how trust, time, and results paid off.

Launching an independent firm after 24 years

In 2019, Crowe split. Mathew led 75 staff and five partners as they transitioned smoothly to UHY James Mathew Chartered Accountants. The switch was seamless, with client and team relationships intact. Patience and experience laid the foundation for this bold move.

Guidance for Indian CAs in the UAE

For CAs looking to the UAE, Mathew offers clear advice: know global rules, study the tax environment (with VAT since 2018 and Corporate Tax effective since 2023), and focus on continuous learning. Dubai’s mix of opportunity, lifestyle, and familiar culture makes it appealing—but technical skills and awareness of local laws build trust.

CEOs: Focus on scaling, not just operations

Mathew believes CEOs in the UAE spend too much time in daily operations. He urges leaders to set aside 70% of their efforts for growth and planning, leaving only 30% for the mechanics of business. Strategic planning, goal setting, and business reviews drive real progress.

Technology: Changing the face of accounting

Modern tools have transformed accounting. Robots now handle reconciliations and basic audits, freeing accountants to advise and analyze. This boost in efficiency lets firms focus more on client service and less on paperwork.

Leadership in professional associations

As Chairman of ICAI UAE Dubai Chapter (2012–13), Mathew led with a sense of duty. Serving a membership of 1,700–2,000, he balanced policy advocacy with the practical needs of members. Diplomacy, quick decision-making, and representing Indian professionals in Dubai all became part of his leadership toolkit.

Connecting businesses across borders

As Vice Chairman of the Indo-Middle East Chamber of Commerce, Mathew fosters connections between India and the Gulf. With chapters sprouting across the region, the goal is to help Indian manufacturers find markets and partnerships in the GCC, Africa, and beyond.

Understanding Corporate Tax and growth in the UAE

Despite fears, Dubai’s new 9% Corporate Tax hasn’t scared companies away. Free zones offer striking benefits: profits from exports can remain tax-free if rules are met. Businesses in Dubai also find easier access to finance, bringing in firms from India, the UK, and elsewhere.

Leadership style and key lessons

Mathew draws inspiration from the book “11 Rules of Life” by Chetan Bhagat. He prizes adaptability and resilience, reflected in his motto: adapt like a cockroach, survive any environment, and keep moving forward.

A second home for Indian professionals

With a diverse Indian community, a full range of food, and strong business networks, Dubai feels like home for many Indians. This sense of belonging helps Indian business leaders thrive in the UAE’s vibrant setting.

Conclusion

James Mathew’s journey shows that building a lasting business is less about shortcuts and more about steady progress, building trust, and adapting as times change. His advice, rooted in decades of experience, offers inspiration for every professional ready to begin a long but rewarding journey in the world of chartered accountancy and finance.