I believe in a growth mindset, and this has helped me navigate the challenges and celebrate the wins throughout my career.
In my formative years I was inspired by my father’s entrepreneurial pursuits and his business sense. A presentation from a Big Four firm at my high school career day further captivated my attention. The speaker highlighted how accountancy provides the skills set and knowledge to analyse financial results, advise clients and help them reach their business goals. I realised then that this was the career for me.
Taking my family ‘across the pond’ was outside of my comfort zone but I was excited about the opportunities
After graduating from university with an honours degree in accounting I was recruited by KPMG in Jamaica. The work was challenging but rewarding, and it allowed me to hone my skills as an accountant and complete my ACCA Qualification. I thrived in an environment where I could see the impact of my work helping companies improve, and I progressed to become an audit manager.
A chance opportunity came my way which led to a decision to move to the UK. Taking my family ‘across the pond’ was outside of my comfort zone but I was excited about the opportunities that lay ahead. There was so much to experience in terms of cultural norms and exposure to new industries, such as biotechnology. I gained a great deal from my time in Cambridge, as I formed lasting friendships, dealt with complex accounting transactions and expanded my professional network.
After several years, I returned to Jamaica. Soon after, I landed a role in risk management. One of the more rewarding aspects of the role was the exposure to policy regulation affecting the business and my involvement as Data Privacy delegate in ensuring the organisation’s readiness to comply with regulations ahead of the full implementation of the Data Protection Act in Jamaica.
My greatest achievements have come from the positive outcomes resulting from assisting clients
Accountancy has played a pivotal role in my career progression and my greatest achievements have come from the positive outcomes resulting from assisting clients with their IPO launch or helping them navigate the world of IFRS and the impact of the standard on their businesses to training and coaching new recruits.
ACCA has given me a broad set of skills that have proved invaluable with my transition into industry to join Digicel Group. What I most enjoy about working with one of the largest markets in the group is that no day is the same. Telecoms is a specialised industry so that presents several opportunities for learning something new. It feels good to be working for a socially responsible company, which actively engages in improving the communities it serves. This speaks volumes about the quality of the company’s leadership.
Achieving the right balance is key to sustainability and many companies continue to face this challenge
One of the most pressing issues for businesses today is maintaining a stable cost base while ensuring customer and employee satisfaction. Achieving the right balance is key to sustainability and many companies continue to face this challenge.
Education is the key to success. If I had law-making powers, I would eliminate the barriers that prevent many children from accessing education. I would see that each child is provided with a hot meal and all the resources they need to attend school each day.
If I wasn’t an accountant I would work in interior design, for which I have discovered a love. Outside work, I love spending time with my family, especially my two girls. . I love the water so you can find me at a beach or a pool for an early morning swim.
