From a very young age, Sumaira Siddiky was always taught to use her knowledge, skills and compassion to help others.
And even now, as she studies her Master of Professional Accounting (Accounting for Sustainable Business) at the University of Tasmania, she is finding ways to use her financial knowledge as a tool for justice, sustainability and compassion.
“My motivation stems from my belief that finance is not just a profession but a moral duty,” she said. “One that can be used to alleviate suffering and restore dignity.”
Sumaira is originally from Dhaka in Bangladesh, a place where community life, cultural traditions, and religious values are deeply interconnected. She described her family as a warm, service-oriented one, where the teachings of Islam were not only practised, but lived through action.
“My father, in particular, was a constant source of inspiration,” Sumaira said.
“His acts of generosity – whether it was giving away his own shirt to someone in need, or quietly supporting families during Eid [a major Islamic festival] – shaped my understanding of compassion and dignity.”
These values have shaped every step of her educational journey.
Since leaving Bangladesh in 2011, she has lived, studied and worked in the UK, Malaysia, Turkey, and now Tasmania. And her determination to become an accountant – and use it to make people’s lives better – has been at the heart of everything she’s done.
“My dream of becoming a Chartered Accountant began as early as grade seven,” she said.
“Over time, however, my understanding of accounting evolved. I came to see it not merely as a technical discipline, but as a powerful tool to drive ethical decision-making, enhance transparency, and create meaningful social impact.”
She also began exploring accounting from a religious and ethical perspective, to match her upbringing and personal values. She completed her Master of Islamic Finance Practice at INCEIF University in Malaysia, an institution guided by the Shariah principles of justice, fairness, and risk-sharing.
Wanting to further bridge the gap between traditional ethics and contemporary business needs, she then pursued her second master’s degree at the University of Tasmania, where she is focusing on environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices, and sustainable business.
Lured by the University’s sustainability credentials and assisted by a Tasmanian International Scholarship, Sumaira has found her time studying in Tasmania to be an enriching experience on many fronts.
Academically, she has been impressed with the way her course blends traditional accounting with the sustainability and ethical concepts she is so passionate about.
“On a personal level, the inclusive and multicultural campus atmosphere helped me feel welcomed and respected,” she said.
“Being able to openly practise my faith and connect with like-minded peers through groups like TUUMS (Tasmanian University Union Muslim Students) further enhanced my sense of belonging.”
Professionally, the knowledge and confidence Sumaira gained through her course directly led to her employment at accounting firm Bentleys Tasmania, where she focuses on carbon accounting and sustainability reporting, helping businesses understand their climate impact and transition towards low-emission operations.
On top of work, studying, and being a mum, Sumaira also runs the charity HelpX, which she founded with her husband in 2016, supporting underprivileged communities in remote regions of Bangladesh, inspired by the compassion shown by her late father towards these communities.
“Our projects have included building water wells, toilet and sanitation facilities, distributing food and clothing, sponsoring orphans, and providing emergency relief.”
Sumaira sees it as her moral duty to use her profession to change lives for the better. And her time living and studying in Tasmania has both deepened her knowledge and refined her sense of purpose.
“Tasmania, with its pure air and progressive soul, gives me the space to live authentically and lead meaningfully.
“I believe we can rise beyond our limitations and become the kind of humans this world truly needs.”
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