My journey towards accountancy began as a confidential secretary at a manufacturing company in the 1990s. I was fascinated by the monthly submission of budget performance and costings, and the quarterly production of final accounts. This interest was the foundation of my life in accountancy.
I have worked in various capacities as an accountant, including as CFO of the Electricity Distribution Company in Nigeria. I joined my current firm, Abdulkadeer & Co, as a managing partner. My interest is tax and advisory, which covers areas such as forensic auditing, private placement, loan acquisition and restructuring, and my ACCA training prepared me for all these services.
The majority of my friends are doctors, pharmacists or architects working in practice, and my late elder brother was a quantity surveyor. Their experience motivated me to work in practice as well. A practice is all about creating value for your clients, as that’s the only way you will remain successful. From the early days of my career, I have striven to be independent; I’ve always preferred to be an employer rather than be an employee. I do better when I am working for myself, simply because of the value I add as a result of my contribution.
I do better when I am working for myself, simply because of the value I add as a result of my contribution
Over the years, I have definitely stepped out of my comfort zone. Earlier in my career, I was threatened by management when I insisted on doing ‘the right thing’. I did not allow myself to be swayed and at the end of the day my position prevailed.
Referrals from existing clients give us about 95% of our engagements. We are not currently engaging in a marketing campaign as our time is fully spent striving to give excellent service to our existing clients. However, as a successful local practice, we are looking to affiliate ourselves with an international firm so we can have a presence not only in Nigeria but across Africa.
We face significant challenges in Nigeria. Management of the economy continues to be very poor, due to bad policies, weak governance and a lack of effective leadership. (See also ‘Two countries, same story’.) However, Nigeria is a land of opportunities. We are endowed with natural and human resources, and have the largest population in Africa, 70% of which is of working age. We have a mix of plenty.
Accounting and finance professionals are to the economy what medical doctors are to humans
The world is a global village, and the war in Ukraine will have an impact on Nigeria. However, our economy was in a bad way even before the Russian invasion.
What I enjoy most about my job is seeing the impact of my professional advice on the client’s business. I also appreciate getting objective feedback from clients and colleagues as it can only make us perform better.
There is no single law that can help Nigeria. What we need is a general attitudinal change which would allow us to build effective institutions that could drive economic prosperity. We have so many good laws that are not effective because of the attitude of our citizens.
Even if I could choose any career as an alternative, I would still pick being an accounting and finance professional. We are to the economy what medical doctors are to humans. I feel fulfilled by contributing to making our economy work.
In my spare time I love spending time with my family, jogging, travelling and watching football.
