I come from a family of accountants; both my parents were auditors and then worked as consultants. At school, my dream was to be a soldier but, after considering the benefits I saw from my parents’ choice of career, I decided that I would qualify as an auditor. I discussed accounting with my father who was surprised but also pleased that I had changed my career choice.
I consider qualifying with ACCA one of my greatest achievements and found it most fulfilling. When I reached the longed-for target and passed my exams in 2015, I was happy and excited to be able to concentrate on gaining experience and exposure. I qualified in 2017, and aim to combine audit, tax and advisory in my career at BDO.
What I enjoy about my role is engaging with clients and adding value to their businesses. It is hugely satisfying to raise an issue and see the positive impact my recommendations have on clients’ businesses. Audit and advisory also gives me great exposure to different industries and ways of doing business.
In Lilongwe, money changes hands faster than in Blantyre and more businesses are opened there
I feel proud that I am trusted with managing the BDO Lilongwe branch. The training and skills I’ve gained will stand me in good stead. It is not just about delivering assignments but also people management, client liaison, business acumen and the demand for continued development in order to remain relevant.
I have worked in both of Malawi’s two main cities, Lilongwe and Blantyre. I was born and raised in Blantyre and moved to Lilongwe in 2019 to head the BDO branch office. In Lilongwe, money changes hands faster than in Blantyre, and more businesses are opened there, which is the reason why Lilongwe is growing faster.
As a nation, we have a lot of investment opportunities, and our land laws are conducive to business. Over the past five years we have seen a shift in mindset among young people; rather than predominantly seeing university as the main route to find employment, many are now turning to entrepreneurship as an alternative. Young people are driving many of the new enterprises we see being established. To support these new businesses, it is vital that we continue to provide legislation that will encourage investment into critical industries.
If I had law-making powers, there are so many things I would like to do. I would expand tax incentives in agricultural production, I would reduce the cost of export licences, and I would make access to funding less burdensome. If these changes were made, it would, in the longer term, improve our foreign currency reserve, and by increasing foreign currencies through export it would contribute to the appreciation of Malawi’s currency, the kwacha. As a landlocked country, this is one of the major ways we can strengthen our economy.
Outside my work, I enjoy time with family and friends. Watching football and listening to music helps me to unwind. As a part-time lecturer, I also gain satisfaction from mentoring those new in the field of accounting.
