My accounting journey began in 2000 at school, when I came across an article on accountancy which praised the profession as one of the best in the world. In 2004 I enrolled in a business studies degree course at the University of Zimbabwe, and by 2008 I had the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators qualification and my first degree under my belt. Next, eager to increase my knowledge and progress further, I studied for the ACCA Qualification, which is where I really learnt about accounting and finance, qualifying in 2012.
I was nicknamed ‘the eagle’ and became employee of the year
In 2009 I joined a small firm of chartered accountants called JSM Consulting. There I received great practical training so that by 2012 I was confident to take on a head of finance role for a new business.
After a spell with a farming entity, in 2014 I was headhunted by West Agencies, a fast-moving consumer goods company. This took me well out of my comfort zone. My special assignment was to help with taxation and inventory challenges, and I was also handed difficult issues in the marketing and warehouse departments to resolve. In addition, the MD would travel a lot, leaving the company in my hands; he nicknamed me ‘the eagle’ because I would always ride above problems and go beyond – performance that earnt me recognition as employee of the year in 2017. I owe much to this experience, my degree and, of course, ACCA.
I was headhunted again in 2019 by my current employer, Brand Port, another FMCG company. My task was to set up the whole finance department and assist with operations, sales and warehousing, which has kept me engaged ever since. I have gained multiple experiences that have benefited me in both business and social life.
Government policy inconsistencies have affected us significantly, with multiple changes to tax legislation
With my wife I also run Quantage Business Consultancy. As a result of technology, it has become easier to handle clients as we mostly do online meetings and remote working, so I can combine it with my role at Brand Port. This is challenging but I try to delegate, giving other employees a chance. I have the privilege of working with younger staff so I give them coaching and training.
Because I work closely with managing directors, I have the opportunity to see what really matters for businesses in Zimbabwe. Challenges include access to the latest technology and foreign currency, especially where most of the products are imported. Government policy inconsistencies have affected us significantly too, not least the multiple changes to tax legislation. Inflation is also a huge challenge, which has seen capital base erosion.
If I had law-making powers, I would ensure stability in legislation. Investors look for consistency, which assists long-term planning. I would also ensure strict enforcement of laws relating to climate and land degradation, especially in heavy industries, to protect the environment and move with the world on climate regulation.
What I most enjoy in my role is finance planning, business analysis and strategy. This work enables me to know where we came from and where we want to go. I also like coaching younger employees.
My biggest achievement was in 2018 when I reduced the company tax bill from over US$2.6m to less than US$300,000, through various submissions and presentations.
If I wasn’t in finance, I would have chosen a career in engineering. I am fascinated about how things work, and I like researching how products are made.
In my spare time I enjoy watching documentaries and playing snooker and chess.
