Industrial Guest Lecture: The Numbers Behind Every Decision — How Accounting and Audit Shape the Business World
The Departments of Banking and Finance, Accounting at Tishk International University (TIU) were honored to host a distinguished industrial guest lecture on Wednesday, 20th May 2026, as part of the departments’ ongoing commitment to bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice. The event brought together students, faculty, and seasoned industry professionals in an enriching afternoon of knowledge, insight, and inspiration.
The lecture was delivered by Mr. Shamil Aslonov, Senior External Auditor at Ernst & Young (EY), Erbil — one of the world’s foremost professional services firms and a global leader in assurance, tax, consulting, and strategy. Mr. Aslonov brought with him a wealth of professional expertise and first-hand industry experience, offering students a rare and invaluable window into the realities of external auditing and the pivotal role that accounting and audit play in shaping the modern business landscape.
Delivered under the title “The Numbers Behind Every Decision: How Accounting and Audit Shape the Business World,” the lecture explored the far-reaching impact of accounting and auditing beyond the confines of spreadsheets and financial statements. Mr. Aslonov articulated how the discipline underpins strategic decision-making, investor confidence, regulatory compliance, and the long-term sustainability of organizations across every sector of the economy.
The event was further enriched by the presence of two of Accounting Department’s very own alumni, Ms. Padasht Abdulqadir Khoshnaw and Ms. Sara Ali Al-Habubi, both graduates of TIU, both of whom are currently building successful careers at EY Erbil. Their participation added a deeply personal and motivational dimension to the occasion — demonstrating to current students that the path from these very classrooms to the offices of a global firm is not only possible, but already being walked by those who came before them.
The departments extend their sincerest gratitude to Mr. Shamil Aslonov for sharing his expertise and time so generously, and to Ms. Padasht Abdulqadir Khoshnaw and Ms. Sara Ali Al-Habubi for returning to their alma mater to inspire the next generation. Their contribution to this event has left a lasting impression on all who attended, and the departments look forward to many more such collaborations with industry partners and alumni in the future.
