I had a passion for numbers, which led me to choose IT, accounts and economics at school. This decision, and my intuition, set the foundation for my future career.
I couldn’t afford university, but this led me to the ACCA qualification, which provided a perfect blend of work and study, enabling me to gain practical experience while advancing academically.
My career began in 2010 as a junior accountant at a manufacturing company. Seeking to make progress, I transitioned to Baker Tilly in 2012, where I spent nine years. I was promoted and I successfully led the transition from paper to electronic files and the necessary staff training. I received the Staff of the Year award in 2016, and the following year I was promoted to manager.
I always saw my career as a medium to achieving something bigger
Embracing a new career path, I established my own practice, CURINAM, in 2021, to serve clients in various sectors including distribution, retail, telecommunications and services. My firm provides a full range of services, but my clients usually need most help with accounting, particularly preparing financial or management reports and audits, or submission of reports to third parties.
The biggest step outside my comfort zone was deciding to start my own firm. This was never in my original plan, but I always saw my career as a medium to achieving something bigger. The turning point was deciding to give myself the opportunity to really explore my talents and find where I was best suited.
I feel my faith has played a major part in taking chances. There is fear, but my faith allows me to overcome it.
Sometimes something doesn’t work as intended, but I get to learn one way not to do it
There are many things I enjoy about my job. In management, I love developing more efficient ways of execution. Sometimes something doesn’t work as intended, but I get to learn one way not to do it.
It is a joy seeing my clients happy, especially having met a short deadline. I also love working with their teams, as it gives an opportunity to impart knowledge and see how others process information, so I can better understand possible challenges.
Since this year my favourite quote has been: ‘If you don’t bet on yourself, who will? No one will invest in you the way you can.’ I think it is important to remember that not everyone has had your experiences in life, thinks like you or knows your capabilities, no matter how close they are to you. Your confidence not only motivates yourself but also influences others, easing their apprehensions and uncertainties.
As a start-up firm, you naturally attract micro and SME entities, who have a smaller fee budget
With small firms, I feel clients are afforded a closer relationship with the lead partner. There is usually a more informal approach or relationship, which allows greater room for flexibility and problem-solving. As a start-up firm, you naturally attract micro and SME entities, who have a smaller fee budget. This means you will have to pay keen attention to your investment decisions while managing service quality and efficiency.
If I had law-making powers, I would change the income tax laws by increasing the deductions available for staff welfare, employee development and engagement, and mental health.
If I wasn’t an accountant I would probably have become an economist, attorney or judge. However, my decision now would be a COO role, as I love developing and implementing processes and procedures.
In my spare time I like watching TV series. I also enjoy planning and researching my next move. I aspire to establish a charitable organisation to support senior citizens and orphans, so I’m currently learning about how to manage and finance such an organisation.
