I have been in accounting for over 15 years. I find that the profession encapsulates all the subjects I enjoy, such as maths, economics and finance.
I started my career as a trainee at a small, chartered accountancy firm. After a year I enrolled in university to study for my degree in accounting.
The pandemic has sparked the entrepreneurial spirit of Jamaicans; many have created jobs for themselves
My ACCA journey began while working as an accountant for Andrews Memorial Hospital. After five years I was promoted into senior management. I then served as the CFO for seven years, before becoming CFO for a distribution company. Being an accountant allows me to do all that I love at the same time.
The healthcare industry is dynamic and demanding; however, after 19 years in the sector I felt I needed to experience more and become more rounded as an accountant. Baker Tilly was a great opportunity for me to use my skills and talents, applying the knowledge and experience I have gained working across different industries. I have always had a passion for auditing and believe that this experience will be valuable to me as I grow professionally.
I decided to do an MBA to complement my ACCA Qualification. I needed a programme that was accredited, entirely online, reasonable in price and with flexible payment terms; this led me to the University of Bradford. I felt comfortable doing another UK-based qualification, along with my ACCA, as both are highly recognised worldwide.
If I had law-making powers, I would require businesses to engage a qualified accountant to prepare their financial information for audit
With the impact of the global pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many businesses in Jamaica are experiencing severe difficulties with logistics and the consequent shortage of commodities. Factors such as inflation, fluctuations in interest and exchange rates, and the volatility of global oil prices have exacerbated the situation.
Nevertheless, there are opportunities for entrepreneurs in Jamaica, such as engaging in production capacity buildout to become more self-reliant and less dependent on imports. The pandemic has sparked the entrepreneurial spirit of Jamaicans; many have created jobs for themselves, through remote working and launching online enterprises, or by expanding existing businesses.
If I had law-making powers, I would require businesses to engage a qualified accountant to prepare their financial information for audit and to use in decision-making. Far too many businesses have failed in this regard and could have avoided financial distress if competent people had been employed doing what is vital for proper assessment and continuity.
What I enjoy most about my job is that it allows me to learn about multiple industries, understanding the story behind the numbers. I can develop my technical ability, apply knowledge from former experiences and use my soft skills in communication and leadership.
My biggest achievements so far have been my ACCA and MBA qualifications. These have led to my career advancement and enhanced my expertise. It is satisfying to know that I can choose which field I want to work in with these qualifications.
If I were not an accountant, I would have been an economist. This discipline helps us understand what is happening, explaining the relationship between money, people and decisions, with constant real-life applications.
Outside of work, I enjoy music, reading, playing with my son and volunteering.
