I have been in business and accounting for over 16 years. I was a corporate accountant in tourism and hospitality, and I have also started several companies in the marketing and technology sectors. I then co-founded my own firm, Robley Baynes Tax & Accounting Services. This was only possible because of my ACCA Qualification and the knowledge and experience it equips you with. I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.
I always wanted to be an entrepreneur. I was inspired by my first mentor, Barry Thomas. He told me that if you want to learn the language of business, do accounting, which made me pursue my ACCA Qualification.
My fellow managing partner, Kendell Robley FCCA, and I went to accounting college together and then worked alongside each other for a corporation. In our college days, we always dreamt about having our own accounting firm, so when the opportunity came knocking we seized the chance and created Robley Baynes. I enjoy being in practice as you get to work in many industries whereas in a corporate job, you’re focused on one industry.
The crypto space represents an ‘oil boom’ for millennials, just as the internet was for the baby boomers
When we created our firm in 2018, I stepped aside from the daily operations of Events Live 101, of which I’m CEO. Now my business partners manage that, and I get involved only in major projects. It hasn’t been a challenge to separate these roles, as Robley Baynes has my focus.
The Covid-19 pandemic created lockdowns that would have caused disruptions across most industries, but especially in the tourism and hospitality sector. Like most of the world, we are learning to live with the virus.
Because of Covid-19, lots of businesses are looking at becoming more digital throughout the Caribbean, not just in Trinidad and Tobago. There is potential in IT and the fintech industry, as is evident with the growth of online payment processing company WiPay, which rapidly expanded throughout the Caribbean during the pandemic.
I would love my country to embrace the Web3 industry, which is based on blockchain technology and decentralisation. This has major growth potential for Trinidad and Tobago. We have affordable electricity and a skilled labour force, so we can attract the right companies, as we did with the oil and gas sector, and look to lead the Web3 revolution.
What I enjoy most about my job is using my knowledge and experience to make an impact on my clients’ businesses. This creates a ripple effect, which makes the job of an accountant such an important contribution to society.
My biggest achievement was starting my practice and establishing several strategic partners, such as Andersen Global in Trinidad and Tobago and the Jamaica Money Market Brokers Group. I’m now able to serve the accountancy profession by being affiliate advocate in the ACCA local chapter and so can make a meaningful impact on the accountancy profession. I feel blessed to be an entrepreneur and accountant simultaneously.
When I’m not working, I am a big lover of food. The Tobago Blue Food Festival is one of my favourite events of the year.
I am fascinated with technology. I believe that the crypto space represents an ‘oil boom’ for millennials, just as the internet was for the baby boomers.
I’m a movie fanatic. I also love reading and spending time with friends.
