It was my mother who inspired me to become an accountant. She was always very industrious and ventured into all kinds of businesses. I was fascinated by her interest in book-keeping and her commercial acumen.
I started my own career in 2006, as a transaction officer with Guaranty Trust Bank. Over the next decade, in pursuit of a career in audit and consulting, I worked with a variety of organisations, including smaller firms, before landing my first job at a Big Four professional firm.
After three years as a manager in EY’s assurance service line and in audit, I left to continue my professional journey at Deloitte. Now, as a senior manager in audit quality and risk, I manage audit engagements, train staff and provide consultations on IFRS technical matters and professional practice development.
If I had law-making powers, I would mandate the use of a single currency across the globe
Auditing is such an interesting profession. Being an auditor in a Big Four firm exposes one to a wide variety of technical accounting, audit, regulatory and business issues, which help sharpen one’s experience. By contrast, in a corporate role one is often limited to exposure that is peculiar to an organisation’s business and industry environment.
I am always happy to step out of my comfort zone, as I love challenges. In my recent experiences at both EY and Deloitte, I performed in a dual capacity. I seek roles that bring out the best in me.
The biggest concerns for Nigerian businesses currently are changes in political power and the naira’s depreciation in the foreign exchange market. These issues, along with the introduction of new naira notes and the expansion of the digital economy, are a challenge to manage.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has had an impact on Nigeria as a country largely dependent on imports. Nigeria imports refined petroleum products, including premium motor spirit and automotive gas oil, and the halted trade agreements between the Western economies and Russia has resulted in an increase in the cost of these products. There has been a knock-on rise in transportation costs, for both road and air. On top of that there is food price inflation.
There are, however, many opportunities to harness, especially in the fintech industry. This sector is at its growth stage and has great potential for investors. The emergence and development of the digital economy in Nigeria has contributed immensely to the growth of the fintech industry. It has also attracted big players from other sectors, including banking and telecommunications.
Hearing the testimonies of people that I have positively impacted gives me a huge sense of achievement
If I had law-making powers, I would mandate the use of a single currency across the globe, to be known as ‘UniCoin’ – or UC. I strongly believe a single currency would promote peace and cooperation among nations. Besides this, by facilitating trade it would foster growth, ultimately reducing the cost of living and improving standards of living across the world.
What I enjoy most about my job is the exposure to different clients’ complex audit, accounting and reporting issues. It is satisfying to be able to offer solutions to them. Hearing the testimonies of people that I have positively impacted by using my skill, experience and network gives me a huge sense of achievement.
If I wasn’t working in finance, I would have liked to have been a full-time gospel singer. In my spare time I enjoy listening to music and working on my spiritual development. I also provide thought leadership and counselling on accounting, finance and other career topics via my social media platforms and at conferences.
