UNAIR NEWS Driven by a long-standing interest in the intersection of law and economics, Isa Anshari Arif, SH, MH, MKn has built a distinctive professional path. The 1995 alumnus of Faculty of Economics and Business founded ISA & Partner Law Firm, a consulting practice that consolidates legal, accounting, and financial services into a single platform.
Arif said his decision to pursue law was influenced by the establishment of Indonesia檚 Tax Court. 淭he Tax Court created opportunities for individuals with expertise in taxation攑articularly those with economics backgrounds攖o contribute within the judicial system, he explained.
Even so, regulatory requirements pushed him to formally study law. 淏ecause the Advokat Law mandates that attorneys must hold an undergraduate degree from a law faculty, I decided to pursue a law degree, he added.
Introducing 極ne Stop Services Model
Arif檚 career began as an auditor at Prasetyo Utomo & Co., a Public Accounting Firm (KAP). After a decade in external auditing and several years as a corporate finance manager, he stepped out of his comfort zone in 2021 to establish his own firm.
His firm檚 signature strength is its 淥ne Stop Services approach. With experience as an auditor, accountant, tax specialist, and notarial studies graduate, Arif is able to deliver broad and integrated services. 淓lsewhere, clients typically need more than one consultant for civil matters, land affairs, or financial irregularities. At my firm, a single consultation allows clients to get the answers they need, he said.
Arif acknowledged that his greatest challenge has been building a new brand in a market already filled with established names. 淭he service industry is fundamentally based on trust攖rust built through service quality and professionalism, he emphasized.
Proud milestone
For Arif, his most meaningful accomplishment is earning recognition for his competence. 淭o be able to stand alongside former lecturers who once guided me, shifting from teacher-student interactions to mutual exchanges, has strengthened my knowledge and sharpened my thinking, he said.
Advice for students
Having worked across both accounting and legal fields, Arif believes that the biggest challenge facing young accountants and lawyers is not technical expertise but soft skills. 淭o be honest, what many lack is the ability to communicate professionally and uphold professional ethics, he said.
He noted that technological development has edged out training in communication and ethics, even though major clients consider these qualities essential. 淭hat檚 why communication skills and ethics, beyond academic education, must be continuously developed, he concluded.
Author: Ahmad Abid Zhahiruddin
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
