Today we’d like to introduce you to Saira Fatah. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Saira brings over a decade of experience in the financial industry, with a solid foundation in banking, having started her career at JP Morgan Chase and Citibank. Throughout her career, she has held several controller roles across diverse sectors, including Oil and Gas, Healthcare, Energy, Construction, Real Estate, and more, providing her with a wealth of experience to draw upon.
Saira’s accounting background has given her the ability to pay attention to even the smallest details, and she has worked with clients ranging from 40M to 3B in annual revenues. She has also provided financial consulting services to entrepreneurial ventures, showcasing her versatility and adaptability.
In her personal life, Saira is an avid basketball fan who used to play in school and is dedicated to supporting her favorite team, the Houston Rockets. She also actively participates in community service, serving as a member of United Way and occasionally volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. On weekends, you can find her running at Memorial Park. Having lived in Houston for over 15 years, Saira has put down roots in the River Oaks area and plans to remain inside the loop for years to come.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As an immigrant, I have always had a strong work ethic, but this often resulted in me being a workaholic. However, my biggest personal challenge came in 2022 when I had a health scare with a tumor that nearly cost me my life. This experience taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of taking breaks and doing things that ignite our souls.
Prior to this health scare, I was constantly working and focused on building the American Dream. However, this experience made me realize that we are not guaranteed tomorrow, and it is essential to prioritize our well-being and take time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. This challenge taught me to appreciate the present moment and focus on what truly matters.
Although it was a difficult experience, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It taught me to re-evaluate my priorities and take care of my health and well-being. As a result, I have become more mindful of the importance of work-life balance and making time for things that bring me joy.
I am proud to have overcome this personal challenge and learned valuable lessons along the way. I believe that this experience has made me a stronger, more resilient person, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story with others.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
River Oaks Business Solutions is a distinguished and experienced entity founded in 2017 and backed by over 12 years of industry knowledge. As a 100% minority woman-owned business, we are proud recipients of HUBS Certification, demonstrating our commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
Our journey has been marked by constant growth and continuous improvement. Since 2021, River Oaks Business Solutions has embraced a fully paperless approach, streamlined processes, and enhanced efficiency. Moreover, in 2022, we earned certification from the Texas State Comptroller for Houston’s Underutilized Businesses in Harris County, showcasing our dedication to meeting rigorous standards and contributing to the local community.
At River Oaks Business Solutions, we believe in the power of listening and understanding. By comprehending the unique needs and goals of each client, employer, and vendor, we tailor effective solutions that address their specific challenges. This approach has earned us the reputation of being a catalyst for positive change within.
Our 2023 strategy is centered on offering transparent, clearly communicated, and well-executed services for government projects, incorporating cutting-edge technological advancements in the process. Building on our success in helping 60% of our clients transition to paperless grant management, billing, invoicing, and training, we aim to achieve 90% automation by the end of 2023.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In the next five years, my goal is to continue being a driving force for positive change within the companies I work with. My passion for helping distressed businesses not only involves restructuring their balance sheets and finding money but also helping them identify and address the root causes of their financial struggles. I believe that my unique combination of financial expertise and business acumen can help companies not only survive but thrive. I aspire to work with more clients in turnaround situations, helping them make difficult decisions and guiding them towards sustainable success.
Additionally, I am committed to giving back to my community by mentoring and empowering other minority and women entrepreneurs. I hope to be able to inspire and guide the next generation of business leaders and to help break down the barriers that have historically limited their opportunities for success.
I am excited about the opportunities that the next five years will bring and am eager to continue using my skills and experience to make a positive impact in both the business world and my community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://riveroaksbusinesssolutions.com/
- Instagram: @riveroaksbusinesssolutions
- Facebook: RiverOaksBusinesssolutions
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/river-oaks-business-solutions-llc
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/river-oaks-business-solutions-houston
Image Credits
Houston Business Journal
Saira Fatah
