Jaskiran Sandhu FCCA is an accomplished professional with 20 years of experience across Kenya, the UAE, and the UK. With a strong foundation in financial reporting, she has risen to become Chief of Staff at a reinsurance company, where she leads planning and strategic execution at the senior executive level. She also serves as treasurer for a UK-based education charity, a testament to her successful transition into the boardroom.
This article highlights Jaskiran’s inspiring journey, detailing how she achieved her first non-executive director (NED) role and the impact it has had on her career.
Why become a NED?
As Jaskiran’s career progressed, her responsibilities expanded beyond financial reporting into areas such as tax, legal, and broader strategic oversight. This exposure, combined with regular interactions with senior management, sparked her interest in becoming a NED.
“Being a NED gives you a unique perspective, allowing you to make better-informed decisions as a senior leader. It also opens the door to diverse industries and challenges beyond your executive career,” she shares.
For Jaskiran, NED roles are an essential step toward her long-term ambition of joining the C-suite, providing the insights and experience needed to navigate senior leadership challenges.
Steps to success
Jaskiran joined NEDonBoard, Institute of Board Members, as part of her strategic plan to achieve her NED ambitions. Enrolling in the NED Accelerator® training program proved pivotal.
“The NED Accelerator training is relevant to the challenges faced by first-time non-executive directors. The step-by-step roadmap and case studies equipped me with the skills and confidence needed to land my first board position. I applied for a role advertised on the NEDonBoard jobs board and was successful in securing the appointment,” she recalls.
Her determination, combined with targeted support, set her on the path to success, securing a board position that aligned with her skills and aspirations.
Impact on career and leadership
Jaskiran’s board role has not only expanded her portfolio but also enhanced her effectiveness in her executive career.
“The experience has been invaluable in understanding how boards operate and make decisions. It helps me in being more effective in my current Chief of Staff role, as I work closely with the Managing Director.”
Her boardroom insights have allowed her to navigate executive challenges with greater confidence, bridging the gap between strategic planning and governance.
Recommendations for aspiring NEDs
For those looking to secure their first board position, Jaskiran emphasizes the importance of networking, training, and persistence.
“Be open to opportunities, invest in a membership, and take a training course. My first NED role came through a recommendation from the NEDonBoard team. Persistence paid off. I was successful early on,” she advises.
She also encourages ACCA members and other professionally qualified accountants to leverage their technical expertise. “Your numeracy and questioning mindset are assets. Understanding financial data is key to securing and excelling in a board position.”
Looking ahead
Jaskiran’s story is a powerful example of how ACCA professionals can broaden their horizons through strategic planning, continuous learning, and proactive networking. From financial specialist to strategic leader and now an NED, she serves as an inspiration to those aspiring to board-level success.
Jaskiran Sandhu is a graduate of the NED Accelerator Programme and a member of NEDonBoard.
To emulate Jaskiran’s success, start here:
