CIO50 Australia 2024: Farid Jarrar, CPA Australia

Name: Farid Jarrar
Title: Chief Information and Digital Officer
Company: CPA Australia
Commenced role:  January 2019
Reporting line: CEO
Member of the executive team: Yes
Technology Function: 80 during BAU, and up to 200 staff during transformation program
 
CPA Australia chief information and digital officer Farid Jarrar has been instrumental in reshaping the organisation’s digital landscape.
 
Over the past two years, Jarrar has led CPA Australia through a transformative journey, driving visionary business growth strategies through technology, with adaptive technology foundation for lasting change, and focus on digital innovation.
 
Integrating innovative technologies into the organisation’s products, operations, processes, and business strategy. This extensive long-term transformation project aimed at modernising the organisation’s customer relationship management (CRM), membership management, finance, payment solutions, enterprise data platform, and marketing technology.
 
These advancements have brought CPA Australia’s operations up to date and greatly improved both member and employee experiences.
 
All roads lead to innovation and transformation
 
Many different paths lead to digital innovation & transformation, and each organisation’s journey will be unique. With a digital system landscape that was not supporting the future vision, constraining the ability to deliver business aspirations, member and employee needs.
 
The CPA Australia Strategy 2018-22 outlined a blueprint for advancing the organisation on behalf of its members. A key enabler of this strategy is the 2019 Digital and Information Technology Strategy (Digital Strategy), which was developed through a comprehensive consultation process with various internal, and external stakeholders, to align with organisational needs and member expectations.
 
Jarrar has been described as a transformative visionary leader whose influence extends beyond his immediate responsibilities. His ability to inspire and drive change has significantly impacted C-level executives, board members, and executives across various divisions within the organisation.
 
Multi-year transformation initiative
 
The cornerstone of Jarrar’s technological innovation is the comprehensive MMF program. This multi-year transformation initiative has fundamentally altered CPA Australia’s operations, focusing on member experience, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making.
 
Delivered within budget and approved timelines by the Board, the MMF program exemplifies Farid’s strategic insight and effective leadership.
 
“The journey of a digital transformation program in this day and age is full of unexpected twists and turns that can leave one feeling uncomfortable at times,” says Jarrar.
 
“As we encountered a number of challenges, ranging from technical issues at the initial stages given the size and complexity of the program, to navigating COVID-19 pandemic impact.”
 
Under Jarrar’s leadership, and his dedication to championing agility, adaptability, continuous improvements, and growth mindset, the organisation has successfully tackled these challenges, and managed to maintain momentum, and meet the program deliverables timeline.
 
Influential visionary leadership
 
Jarrar’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in spearheading CPA Australia’s digital transformation journey.
 
Jarrar’s leadership style is characterised by his strong commitment to transparency and collaboration. He actively engages with the board and fellow C-level executives, providing them with detailed updates and strategic insights through open and honest communication.
 
His approach builds trust and ensures that everyone is in alignment with the organisation’s vision and goals.
 
Jarrar’s ability to influence other C-level executives and board members is evident through his skill in driving consensus and strategic alignment. He leads by example, demonstrating the value of integrating technology with business strategy.
 
His meticulous board presentations emphasise the technical and business benefits of proposed initiatives. This dual perspective helps board members grasp the full potential of technology investments, empowering them to make well-informed decisions.
 
Jarra’s impact extends beyond technology implementation and executive leadership. He is a values-based and instrumental leader in fostering inclusive innovation, while also championing continuous improvement within CPA Australia’s workplace culture, and the IT industry.
 
Jarrar is dedicated to mentoring aspiring CIOs by providing them with guidance, strategic insights, and opportunities to grow within the organisation and the IT sector. He’s been instrumental in helping the next generation of IT leaders navigate their career paths and overcome obstacles.
 
Many of his team members have gone on to take on leadership roles within CPA Australia and beyond, a testament to his ability to inspire and nurture talent.
 
Creating a collaborative and inclusive environment
 
Throughout his career, Jarrar has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. His dedication to developing future leaders and nurturing diverse talent has been unwavering. He has provided mentorship and support to his team members, offering them opportunities for growth and advancement.
 
Jarrar also plays a crucial role in creating an inclusive workplace culture within the IT team, implementing various initiatives to help them succeed.
 
He fosters a collaborative and inclusive working environment within the IT team by promoting open communication and valuing every team member’s voice.
 
“Team-building activities and inclusive meetings contribute to a sense of unity and belonging,” he says.
 
As a strong advocate of increasing the representation of women in technology, Jarrar has implemented initiatives to recruit, retain, and advance women within the IT team.
 
“Mentorship programs tailored for women, leadership training, and a supportive work environment are some of the ways in which I advocate for gender diversity in the tech industry,” he says.
 
Keeping a work-life balance

Recognising the importance of work-life balance, Jarrar is a strong advocate for flexible work arrangements within the IT team, including remote work options, flexible hours, and part-time roles.
 
This flexibility allows team members to effectively balance their professional and personal responsibilities, ultimately leading to a thriving workplace environment.