The Corporate Group partners with PwC Academy in bid to develop ‘new generation’ of talent across the UAE  

CNME Editor Mark Forker managed to secure an exclusive interview with Mohamed Osman, the pioneering visionary and force behind The Corporate Group. In a candid exchange, Osman explained how the company through its partnership with PwC Academy was committed to fostering an environment that enabled and empowered young people to turn their ambitions into reality, and drive real change and progress within the financial industry. me

Throughout his decorated career to date, Mohamed Osman has repeatedly demonstrated and displayed the attributes required in a leader that wants to transform the industry they operate in.

It’s fair to say that some industries are easier to transform than others, and typically, when it comes to the tax, audit and advisory functions within the finance sector, it would be seen by many outsiders as a relatively rigid vertical that was complex when it came to pioneering new methods and ideas.

However, Mohamed Osman was driven to remove the complexities that existed within the tax, audit and advisory landscape, in an effort to free businesses from the burden of those challenges.

In 2016, Corporate Group was launched my Osman, and in the 8 years since its inception, the company has gone from strength-to-strength, with its customer-centric approach appealing to customers all over the UAE.

Osman is also passionate about his company serving as a vehicle and a pathway for aspiring graduates to enter the corporate world.

In a candid conversation with CNME Editor Mark Forker, he highlighted the importance of their strategic partnership with PwC Academy Middle East, but Osman kickstarted the discussion by outlining his reasons for establishing Corporate Group eight years.

According to the Chairman and co-Founder of Corporate Group, the company was laser-focused on helping businesses to become ‘better’ organizations.

“Corporate Group was founded with the vision to provide financial services to different businesses locally. However, with time Corporate Group is now a consultancy that is leading, constantly evolving and fast-growing in the business landscape. Our core vision is to transform organizations into better businesses, we craft solutions that help you navigate complexities and transform by using tested frameworks and methodologies paired with a customer-centric, boutique approach to tax, audit and advisory. Our approach towards services is based on quality relationship and service efficiency, the process we have from initial briefs to execution is the reason why our clients partner with us to improve their complex financial structures,” said Osman.

Osman added their suite of solutions are tailored to meet the specific demands of each customer they work directly with.

“We provide solutions that are specific to the client problems and help them improve any inconsistent financial areas. The work we do is done by a team of professionals that have combined experience from the major finance companies aided with local and international experience. This expertise allows us to provide a perfect balance between personalized attention and quality service to our clients,” said Osman.

The Corporate Group is a company that is always proactively looking at ways in which outside of its technology can have a positive impact on UAE society.

Its partnership with PwC Academy only serves as a further illustration of that commitment.

Osman explained in more detail what the MoU between the two parties entails, and said at the core of the collaboration is a shared desire to empower the youth of tomorrow.

“The recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between The Corporate Group and PwC Academy Middle East is a strategic initiative aimed at empowering ambitious young individuals by providing them with a unique pathway into the corporate world. This collaboration goes beyond traditional education – it focuses on offering students real-world corporate experience that will not only prepare them for the workforce but also enable them to become contributing individuals who make a genuine impact through their work. By combining The Corporate Group’s extensive industry expertise with PwC Academy’s excellence in education, we’re creating an environment where students can apply what they learn in a practical setting. Through hands-on exposure to real corporate challenges, students will gain a deeper understanding of how businesses operate and what it takes to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace,” said Osman.

Osman added that what really sets this collaboration apart is its focus on fostering a sense of purpose.

“The students won’t just learn the theory—they’ll develop the skills, mindset, and confidence to contribute meaningfully to their organizations from day one. They’ll be equipped to make informed decisions, solve complex problems, and drive change in ways that matter. This experience will have a lasting impact, allowing young professionals to enter the corporate world not as passive participant, but as active contributors, ready to make a real difference through their work. It’s an investment in their future—and in the future of the region’s business ecosystem,” said Osman.

Osman then moved the dial of the conversation towards the ACCA program, in which PwC are a Gold Approved Partner, again he went into more detail on this initiative, and the role played by The Corporate Group once graduates complete the program.

“The ACCA program, with PwC as a Gold Approved Partner, is a prestigious pathway for young graduates looking to build a solid foundation in finance and accounting. This program is designed to provide comprehensive training and certification, equipping students with the skills and knowledge essential for excelling in the finance sector. The ACCA program covers a wide range of topics, from financial management to strategic business leadership, ensuring that participants gain a well-rounded understanding of the field. PwC’s Gold Approved Partner status signifies a high standard of quality and alignment with industry requirements, offering students access to top-tier resources, expert guidance, and practical insights from leaders in the field,” said Osman.

Osman stressed that the rigorous and robust nature of the learning dispensed ensures that graduates come out of the ACCA program well prepared for the problem-solving they will need to survive and thrive in the competitive world of finance.

“For young graduates aspiring to join The Corporate Group, the ACCA program is an excellent stepping stone. It prepares them with the technical skills and professional competencies that are crucial for success in our industry. Beyond just acquiring knowledge, the program emphasizes real-world application, problem-solving, and strategic thinking—qualities that align perfectly with the values and needs of our organization. Graduates who complete the ACCA program will enter the workforce with a robust understanding of finance and accounting principles, along with practical experience that makes them highly attractive candidates for positions within The Corporate Group. We value the dedication and expertise that ACCA graduates bring, and we’re excited to see how they’ll contribute to our team and help drive our mission forward,” said Osman.

Talent acquisition and a skills shortage is not just a major problem across the UAE, and the Middle East, it is a global problem.

It has prompted multinational conglomerates like PwC to play a more proactive role in finding talent.

Osman stressed the importance of entities like The Corporate Group and PwC work together to tackle the skills and talent crisis that is engulfing major industry verticals, such as finance, and has advocated for more collaboration to overcome the issue.

“The global skills shortage is undeniably one of the most pressing challenges industries face today, and the UAE and Middle East are no exceptions. In critical sectors like finance, this shortage isn’t just about finding qualified people, it’s about finding the right talent that fits an organization’s culture and long-term goals. Unfortunately, talent development is not being sufficiently prioritized at present, and this lack of focus threatens to impact work output across the industry. At The Corporate Group, we understand that simply having the best skills isn’t enough—what truly matters is aligning those skills with the specific needs of the business. That’s why our partnership with PwC Academy is so important. Together, we can bridge the gap between what the industry demands and the talent that’s available. PwC Academy has a deep understanding of the strengths and potential of their students, while The Corporate Group brings invaluable insights into the precise roles and competencies businesses are looking for,” said Osman.

Osman added that the partnership between his company and PwC Academy, wasn’t a short-term fix where the primary goal is to fill vacancies, but instead, create an ecosystem designed to harness, nurture and develop a ‘new generation’ of talent.

“By working in synergy, we can create an ecosystem where young talent is not only identified but nurtured to grow into impactful professionals who can drive real progress within the industry. This collaboration will allow us to develop a new generation of talent, one that is equipped to meet today’s challenges and contribute meaningfully to their organizations from the moment they step into the corporate world. Ultimately, this partnership isn’t just about filling vacancies, it’s about ensuring that the future workforce is capable, confident, and ready to make a genuine difference in the industries that need it most,” said Osman.

Osman concluded a brilliant interview by reiterating that the MoU between PwC Academy and The Corporate Group is a pivotal initiative in shaping the future of the UAE’s youth.

“At The Corporate Group, we firmly believe in nurturing and developing young talent. We’ve experienced firsthand the incredible energy and innovative thinking that young professionals bring to the table. Our own dynamic team is a testament to the fact that when given the right support, young talent can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the success of an organization. By collaborating with PwC Academy, we’re ensuring that young individuals don’t just learn the theory, but are equipped with the tools, guidance, and practical experience they need to excel as experts in their chosen fields. Our goal is to empower them to not only meet their own professional aspirations but also become key contributors to the growth and evolution of the industries they enter. This MoU reflects our shared commitment to helping the youth of the UAE turn their ambitions into reality, enabling them to be part of a thriving business landscape that they will help shape for years to come,” said Osman.

CNME Editor Mark Forker also managed to get a short quote from Taimur Ali Mir, PwC Partner and Professional Qualifications Lead at PwC Academy about the collaboration.

Ali Mir said the partnership between PwC Academy and The Corporate Group would yield ‘impactful experiences’.

“This collaboration further reinforces our commitment to enabling the workforce of the future with the right knowledge, skills and mindset required to thrive in today’s dynamic financial landscape. We look forward to working with The Corporate Group to deliver impactful and meaningful experiences that support the region’s talent development needs,” said Ali Mir.