Hamza Mehmood is the CEO and Co-founder of Project Accountants Ltd, a firm delivering specialised services to fund managers, fund administrators, trust companies, and family offices. With a strategic vision, Hamza drives the company’s mission to solve complex business challenges while fostering sustainable growth. Under his leadership, Project Accountants is committed to cultivating a world-class team and defining success not only for clients but also for employees and partners alike.
Beyond the boardroom, Hamza is an avid badminton and squash player. He is deeply passionate about lifelong learning, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and leveraging his expertise to inspire and empower entrepreneurial spirit.
Beginnings and Aspirations
Growing up in a middle-class family in Karachi, I was a quiet kid who always aimed to be a top student but never quite made it. Though I lacked confidence and considered myself average, I loved solving problems, embraced challenges, and did not fear failure, seeing setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. Watching my father hustle as an entrepreneur sparked my curiosity about business and fueled a strong desire to achieve something meaningful. This challenging mindset, passion for entrepreneurship, and drive to do something great inspired me to pursue Chartered Accountancy.
Turning Point
I relocated to Jersey in 2015 quite unexpectedly, which turned out to be a defining moment in my career. Driven by a desire to build a business that genuinely addresses real needs and can scale, I soon noticed a significant gap in the market as many firms struggled with accounting backlogs and resourcing shortages. That insight became the foundation for Project Accountants. The real turning point came in 2021 when I secured the business licence, marking the moment we shifted into high gear and set the course for the growth and impact we have today.
Challenges and Lessons
Early on, we were overly optimistic, thinking clients would queue for Project Accountants just like people lining up for hours to get a new iPhone. But being quiet and inexperienced in business development, generating leads was a real struggle.
It quickly became that our offering and understanding of its needs wasn’t enough, so we tackled this problem by trying different approaches and learning what worked. Slowly, we built momentum.
The biggest lessons that continue to guide me include hard work boosts luck, patience is key, and trust matters most. Knowing your weaknesses and addressing them quickly makes all the difference.
Skills and Mindset
Looking back, I feel I’ve come a long way, though I’m still far from reaching my full potential. What helps most is an unwavering belief in myself, especially during tough times. That mindset gives me the courage to take risks.As Mike Tyson said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” This quote has stayed with me, reminding me to embrace failure and use it as a chance to rebuild and improve.
A surprising habit that proves invaluable is my curiosity. I constantly explore both exciting and ordinary businesses across industries. That wide lens keeps me sharp and helps me connect unexpected dots.
Networking and Mentors
Relationships have been at the heart of my journey. My dad has been my go-to mentor, guiding me at every step, while my mom’s unwavering belief gave me the confidence to chase my dreams. My wife’s encouragement empowered me to leave a stable job and pursue my passion, supporting me through every challenge. Along the way, experienced industry professionals, my mentor, and supportive colleagues have offered invaluable guidance. At Project Accountants, my co-founder, peers, and clients provide constant encouragement and collaboration, making this journey deeply rewarding and inspiring.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
Stay curious, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo. Adopt an improvement mindset early on and focus on learning rather than having all the answers. Build genuine relationships with those who support and stretch you. Most importantly, believe in yourself. Everything starts with one person, one idea, one day. That person can be you. Let your mind truly believe in your potential. A lasting career is built not just on skills, but on self-belief, resilience, and the willingness to grow through every experience.
