When I stood in the convention hall at the Leela Ambience, Gurugram on the morning of December 14th, looking out at faces full of anticipation, I felt a mix of excitement and gratitude. We’d all gathered for one reason – the Samera Global Summit 2024 – to explore the future of accounting, outsourcing, and the opportunities waiting to be unlocked.
What followed over the next two days was more than I could have hoped for—thought-provoking discussions, new connections, and a clear vision of what lies ahead.
Day 1: Setting the Stage for Growth
We kicked things off with energy at 8:00 AM as the registration buzzed with excitement, bringing together accounting professionals and thought leaders under one roof. The morning began with my Welcome Note at 9:00 AM, where I laid down our vision—not just for Samera but for the accounting community at large.
What followed set the tone for the day. From sharing “Our Story and Vision” to discussing the current accounting offshoring industry and the huge international opportunities at hand, it became clear that the accounting business landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. Compliance is evolving faster than ever, and it’s driving firms to rethink their strategies—offshoring being one of the most effective solutions.
Emerging Trends and New Frontiers
The session on the Future of Offshoring gave us all a moment to pause and take stock of where we’re heading. Technology, especially Robotic Process Automation (RPA), is no longer a buzzword—it’s a tool that’s making accountants faster, smarter, and far more efficient. Zoho, our technology partner, powered the event, and Cynthia Swaroop, Zoho’s Head of Marketing, shared insights highlighting how accounting tech is helping firms streamline operations and stay ahead of the curve.
While these sessions did have a set topic, in and between we had various attendees voicing their perspectives, sharing ideas of all sorts.
What particularly struck me was the growing opportunity in the Middle East, with markets like Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and UAE becoming hotbeds for outsourcing and advisory work. Accounting firms willing to adapt, embrace technology, and think globally are the ones who will thrive.
Is it finally time to learn some Arabic – what do you say?
After a much-needed networking lunch, we shifted gears to explore Technology for Modern Accounting Firms. It was fascinating to see how cloud solutions are transforming the way accounting firms operate. The conversation delved into the growing expectations clients have—seamless access to data, round-the-clock availability, and most importantly, robust privacy and security protocols.
In an era where trust is paramount, firms must not only leverage cloud technologies but also ensure they’re offering the highest levels of data protection. Colleagues from Zoho helped us understand why globally clients are looking to demand local data centres and how accounting firms will need to partner with technology firms who can help meet this expectation.
The afternoon continued with one of my personal highlights: a fireside chat on Navigating the Offshoring and Outsourcing Landscape. We were fortunate to have 3 seasoned CAs with decades of experience on the panel, who shared their expertise and real-world insights. The session didn’t shy away from tough questions—compliance, operational transparency, and the nuances of managing offshore teams.
The gist of all, to succeed in this landscape, firms need both the right technology and the right processes to deliver value without compromising on trust or quality.
The day wrapped up on an inspiring note with a delightful performance by the Rhythm of Life kids. For the uninitiated, Rhythm of Life is an NGO based out of Delhi that’s empowering young children with education and learning – and we at Samera are supporting their cause with great care, pride, and responsibility.
Watching them perform was a humbling reminder of why we do what we do. Yes, we’re here to grow businesses, expand operations, and embrace the future—but it’s equally about giving back, about creating a meaningful impact beyond the bottom line.
For me, their performance was a full-circle moment. It reinforced the importance of building stronger, sustainable businesses—ones that not only succeed but also uplift those around us.
Day 2: Building Strategies for the Future
The second day started on a refreshing note with a morning yoga session by Dr. Indu. A perfect way to energize for the packed agenda ahead!
We kicked off with an insightful session titled “The First 12 Months – A Month-by-Month Guide to Building Your Outsourcing Firm.” Whether you’re new to offshoring or expanding your operations, this session brought home one critical truth: success lies in taking methodical, consistent steps.
Another highlight of the summit was the session on team culture. The discussion brought forward a simple but powerful truth: cultivating a team with the right attitude—not just skills—is what truly transforms good firms into great ones.
Skills can be taught, but the right mindset is what drives collaboration, innovation, and resilience. Panelists shared their experiences of building team cultures that prioritize trust, accountability, and a shared vision—highlighting that when your people are empowered and aligned, success naturally follows.
Later in the day, the focus shifted to marketing strategies and the importance of content, a topic that resonated deeply with firms of all sizes. The panel underscored how having a proper marketing and content strategy is essential to business.
In today’s market, clients are looking for firms that don’t just deliver services but also build meaningful, trusted relationships. Discussions covered practical strategies, from leveraging digital platforms to creating content that speaks directly to client pain points. The message: firms that invest in their brand and their communication are the ones that will stand out, grow their presence, and win more clients.
Wrapping Up: Reflection and Gratitude
We closed out the summit with reflections on the two days of learning and collaboration. If there’s one thing I hope attendees took away, it’s this:
The future of accounting is bright—but it belongs to those who embrace change, invest in technology, and build strong teams. Events like these are a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we can go together.
To everyone who attended, contributed, and made this event a success—thank you. It’s your energy and commitment to growth that make summits like this possible. And to my wonderful team of Sameraites behind the scenes, Zoho and everyone else—you made this vision a reality.
Here’s to the future of accounting—a future we’re building together.
See you all next year.
