We need to employ more ACCA accountants in Lesotho. Organisations will then benefit from transparent reporting that integrates financial information with environmental and social impact, thus improving the overall quality of accountancy in the country. ACCA members are also governed and regulated by strong fundamental ethics, which enhances the image of any business employing them.
Sadly, we face a daunting task in developing Lesotho and the rest of the region. As professional accountants, we need to have a positive impact and join the global effort to combat money laundering, and all other forms of white-collar crimes, which are a threat to our country’s future.
Lesotho also faces challenges with accounting regulation and education. Not enough institutions provide graduates with practical training, with only a few registering with the Lesotho Institute of Accountants. There is some hope that these issues will be addressed by planned reforms.
I competed in maths and science fairs, but I knew my true passion was accounting
My desire to study accounting began when I was at high school in Maseru, Lesotho’s capital. I was generally good at all my subjects, but bookkeeping was always my favourite. Although I won science awards and competed in maths and science fairs, I knew my true passion was accounting, so I applied to study it at the National University of Lesotho. While there I joined several youth forums where I often took on the role of treasurer, such was my enthusiasm for the numbers.
Having completed my first degree, I worked briefly as an intern at the Lesotho Council of Non-Governmental Organisations before joining the audit firm Moores Rowland in 2012. Having built a basic foundation in audit, I was keen to get other exposure outside practice so in 2015 returned for a short spell to the NGO sector. However, I found the work routine and saw limited opportunity to progress.
The experience confirmed to me that I belong to the audit fraternity – it exposes you to so many new issues. So, when an opportunity to return to Moores Rowland as an audit manager came up, I took it gladly. Having gained my ACCA qualification in 2018, I rose through the ranks to become audit partner in 2021 and was also admitted to the Lesotho Institute of Accountants.
We need to keep the ball rolling and the wheels turning – we must have the patience to keep on going
My proudest success was becoming an audit partner for one of Lesotho’s largest audit firms at quite a young age. Qualifying as an ACCA member in 2020 and achieving my Master’s in Professional Accountancy from the University of London are also achievements of which I’m proud.
I always find motivation from this famous Nelson Mandela quote: ‘It always seems impossible until it’s done.’ We need to keep the ball rolling and the wheels turning – we must have the patience to keep on going.
If I hadn’t been an accountant, I believe I would have enjoyed work as a lawyer. Having been introduced to corporate law and now auditing compliance law has sparked my interest in legal affairs.
When I am not at work, I enjoy travelling with family and friends to experience different cultures, languages and nature. I also love music and lately I have got into swimming and athletics.
