By Stacy Parker July 16, 2025
In recent years, the role of the accountant-financier in large national corporate structures has undergone a significant transformation. It is no longer limited to simply recording expenses and income, but requires systematic control and in-depth analysis, which has become a kind of strategic tool that allows for realistic forecasting and management of the company’s further development.
Gulmira Kazhitayeva, a certified accountant, outstanding financial and accounting expert, and deputy chief accountant at the national company QazaqGaz Exploration and Production, discusses trends in the accounting profession and the critical competencies that will enable specialists in this field to remain in high demand in the labor market over the next five years
Kazhitayeva has more than 17 years of experience working in national oil and gas companies in Kazakhstan. Based on her impressive professional experience, she highlights three key competencies that are important for all specialists who want to remain in demand and competitive tomorrow.
The first is expertise in process control and ERP systems. This point is based on knowledge and understanding of the mechanics of integrated systems (SAP, 1C), IT logic, and the ability to work with Big Data and Power BI.
“International reporting standards are the benchmark for national companies in any country. Therefore, knowledge of these standards is mandatory and unquestionable for employees who plan to build a career in such a structure. I recommend not limiting yourself to simply entering data into SAP and 1C, for example, but going further to understand the mechanics of the programs. Your competitive advantage will be the ability to extract data for analysis and check settings to identify risks,” explains Gulmira.
The second competency requires a thorough understanding of risk management, as well as the rules and regulations governing the company’s activities. This includes the ability to apply International Financial Reporting Standards, the Tax Code, public procurement laws, internal orders, and regulations. An understanding of the internal control system will help eliminate the risk of fraud and ensure the reliability of financial reporting. It will also be useful to study niche areas such as ESG reporting, blockchain, and fintech.
“The quasi-public sector has always had high requirements for the stability and transparency of all financial processes. Therefore, accounting, including compliance with and enforcement of all internal procedures, involves the correct preparation, approval, and submission of financial documents,” says Kazhitayeva.
The third competency is analysis and consulting. This competency will enable you to transform accounting figures into understandable conclusions for forecasting cash flows and assisting managers in decision-making.
At the same time, it will be useful to develop additional skills, such as communication skills, diplomacy, the ability to argue, organizational skills, impartiality, and patience.
“National companies usually have a fairly hierarchical structure. Therefore, the ability to write memos and letters competently, argue your position, and coordinate contracts in electronic document management within the established deadlines is half the battle. Professionalism, objectivity, and diplomacy will help you overcome any bureaucratic hurdles,” adds Gulmira.
For reference: Gulmira Kazhitayeva is a current member of the Kazakhstan Association of Professional Accountants (RK), winner of the People Awards International prize in the category “Accountant-Analyst 2022,” winner of the national business award “Construction, Infrastructure, and Finance” in the category “Master of Operational Efficiency in Oil and Gas Accounting 2024,” member of the jury of the prestigious Gold Bar Asia Award, member of the State Examination Commission for the final certification of university and college students of the educational program “Accounting and Auditing.”