I spent a year working in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake. After that I became regional internal auditor for eastern and southern Africa, and geographical management accountant for western and central Africa. This involved intense travel across the regions. However, I enjoy travelling and getting immersed in new cultures, which keep the stresses at bay. It’s also important to me to be present and enjoy the moment. When it’s time to relax, I turn off my work senses.
Haiti wasn’t my hardest posting – I really enjoyed the beautiful scenery, rugged mountains and blue seas. Central African Republic and Niger, where I worked on multiple short missions, were my toughest postings. But working for NGOs gets me closer to those we serve and gives me the opportunity to have a direct impact on strategy decisions.
I would propose a law that requires school children to plant a tree each year for 10 years
If I had law-making powers, I’d like to ensure a greener environment for us all. I would propose a law that requires school children to plant a tree each year for 10 years during their school life.
What I enjoy about my role is that not a single day is the same. I serve a diverse clientele, and I like the variety that a typical day brings, such as reporting to funders, then discussing projects with our technical teams and administrative staff.
One of my proudest work achievements has been transforming the risk and compliance profile of our Liberia operations from being ranked the riskiest programme to a model centre of operational excellence for all our offices worldwide. It took me and the team four years to achieve this. During this time, I saw myself grow while mentoring my colleagues and helping them achieve their potential. The joy that came with this has stirred a desire in me to become a certified coach.
If I wasn’t an accountant, I would be a farmer, a dream I still hold close to my heart. I love the serenity that trees create with animals grazing beneath them.
Outside of work, I love travelling, sightseeing and walking. I exercise daily and that keeps me energised.
