Jitu Shah FCA
- Partner - J M Shah and Company LLP
By Nishma Gosrani
Is
it any wonder? Even with so many Chartered Accountancy
firms, in the heart of Mayfair, full of busy people
doing challenging jobs, Jitu Shah,
54, stands out.
Here is a man with a multitude of
demanding roles:
Making profit a priority
He describes his role as a case of wearing "three
big hats". The first, he explains, involves working
with each and every client to shape the business.
The second is concerned with "keeping focused
on the market". The third has a more operational
focus as he works with his employees to integrate
and harmonise the practice and improve client service
across the business.
Despite the complexity of the role,
Jitu's priorities are clear. "Having stabilised
our practise we now need to build confidence and a
winning attitude with an unyielding focus on the market.
Wherever possible we also need to harmonise our accountancy
practices so that we bring consistent, seamless service
to clients. The last point is particularly important:
says Jitu. "Making sure we have the best
quality people, that they're teaming well, with a
can do mindset, and that the shape and structure of
J M Shah and Company LLP are reflective of the market."
J M Shah
in "a category of one"
While not downplaying the challenge ahead, Jitu, an
enthusiastic character who describes himself as direct
and hands on, is confident that J M Shah and Company LLP
is up to the task. He is adamant that the practice
is in "a category of one" and has the edge
on competitors. He explains, "We now have an
enlarged footprint in the region.” We have established
networks which are used for sharing information and
operating in a seamless way."
Jitu continues to work on new clients.
He explains, "It's incredibly important to
keep in touch with your people and remain client-focused
- otherwise you lose touch."
"Listen
hard"
Jitu especially loves the multi-cultural aspect of
his work. Kenyan-born, he has travelled the world
and says the international experience has taught him
the importance of respecting cultural differences.
A useful lesson considering that, while being principal
of any practise is challenging, the diversity of J M
Shah and Company LLP makes it perhaps the most complex.
His secret for maintaining harmony is simple: "Listen
hard to what people have to say, recognise that one
size doesn't necessarily fit all and do not assume
that you have all the answers."
Jitu greatly enjoys his work but
this, combined with his other responsibilities leaves
him with little time. No wonder then that he cites
work/life balance as one of his biggest challenges.
Besides relaxing, Jitu relieves
the stress of his job by finding other sources of
what he calls his "oxygen". They include
exercise (despite a manic schedule, he hits the gym
at least three times a week) and as a marathon runner,
he ensures he finds time to train. Even in his passion
for football, Jitu finds lessons to apply to business.
"England has transformed. Over the last four
years, they've worked hard, aligned around a vision,
invested in their players and infrastructure and taken
a long-term view of success."
