It is with great excitement and gratitude that I write my first column as president of ACCA. It is an honour to be bestowed with the duty of serving three-quarters of a million members and future members across the world.
When our forebears established the London Association of Accountants (the precursor body to ACCA) 118 years ago, their vision was to provide access to the accounting profession. If you had told me as a child growing up in Adepele (the area that has now become Nigeria’s Silicon Valley), or as a student at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, that I would one day be the first African leading the largest, truly global accounting body, I would not have believed you.
Wherever in the world I have found myself, ACCA has given me a home and a family
It has been a long road to get here, which has taken many twists and turns. ACCA has been my passport to a world of opportunities. It has made my global career possible.
I have been able to work across Africa, North America and the UK, and now I am an adoptive Australian. Wherever in the world I have found myself, ACCA has given me a home and a family. The power of connection is so important to me, and as president I am eager to foster that sense of belonging globally.
I want to offer my deep appreciation for everything Orla Collins achieved in her presidency. She served us faithfully and well at countless events all around the world, meeting many thousands of members, future members and partners, both online and in person. She did it all with immense good humour, grace and gravitas.
I am also thankful to members and the Council who pledged their faith in my presidency. I thank you for your confidence in me, and for the support I know you will give to our new officer team, including my great friends Ronnie Patton (deputy president) and Ayla Majid (vice president).
I’m looking forward to working alongside the Council’s largest cohort yet, which consists of 45 passionate advocates, to support our executive team in delivering our strategy to 2025 and beyond.
ACCA is a family of like-minded professionals who are dedicated to the same values
Connecting our community
My theme for this year is ‘Connecting our community and inspiring the accountants of tomorrow’. Indeed, great things happen when we collaborate across jurisdictions, and national divides. The challenges of today and the complexities of tomorrow will demand continuous learning, courage, sound judgment and resolve to stay ahead of the curve.
As your president, I will strive to motivate and inspire the professionals of tomorrow to progress to ACCA membership. Additionally, my aim is to drive the sense that ACCA is a family of like-minded professionals who are dedicated to the same values – of integrity, innovation and inclusion – and to being a force for public good.
Fasten your seat belts as we develop the accounting profession where members and future members can continue to thrive and adapt while navigating bumpy markets and a looming recession.
My best wishes to you all.
