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 Universitas Airlangga’s 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’s Tax Court. “The Tax Court created opportunities for individuals with expertise in taxation—particularly those with economics backgrounds—to contribute within the judicial system,” he explained.
Even so, regulatory requirements pushed him to formally study law. “Because 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 ‘One Stop Services’ Model
Arif’s 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’s signature strength is its “One Stop Services” approach. With experience as an auditor, accountant, tax specialist, and notarial studies graduate, Arif is able to deliver broad and integrated services. “Elsewhere, 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. “The service industry is fundamentally based on trust—trust built through service quality and professionalism,” he emphasized.
Proud milestone
For Arif, his most meaningful accomplishment is earning recognition for his competence. “To 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. “To 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. “That’s why communication skills and ethics, beyond academic education, must be continuously developed,” he concluded.
Author: Ahmad Abid Zhahiruddin
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
