Being an accountant was not a career I saw myself doing. At school my mind was set on becoming a doctor, but I soon realised that the science subjects were not for me, so I reassessed my plans. After careful consideration and following a process of elimination, I landed on what seemed the most logical choice for me, accounting.
I started my career at PwC Jamaica and after successfully completing my ACCA examinations, I moved to KPMG Bermuda as a senior auditor. I was soon promoted, becoming a manager in the enterprise department, which focused on the audit of local businesses and industries. However, I had a desire for change and decided that I wanted to gain experience of the insurance industry. I joined the captive department as a manager at PwC Bermuda. After eight interesting years in audit, I shifted into the insurance industry. I now work as a senior financial accountant at North End Re, a well-known reinsurance company in Bermuda.
Bermuda has been cited as the most expensive country on Earth in which to live
My decision to move from Jamaica to Bermuda was a huge step for me that took me outside my comfort zone. I was not only moving to a new job and a new country, where I had no friends or family, it was also my first time flying.
The high cost of living is the main issue facing Bermuda. A recent survey cited it as the most expensive country on Earth in which to live, which has been exacerbated by rising global prices and our local social problems. However, as the insurance and reinsurance space continues to grow, there are opportunities available.
What I enjoy most about my job, is the daily challenges I encounter. There is always something new to learn and numerous projects to get involved with, so the work never gets monotonous. I also have a great set of co-workers, who make the difficult days less difficult.
My biggest achievement is fulfilling my childhood dream of building a home for my mother. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the opportunities that my ACCA qualification afforded me, as it opened so many doors in my career and made me internationally marketable. I am proud that I persevered through those moments where I felt demotivated and wanted to quit.
The elderly should not have to work beyond retirement age
If I had law-making powers, I would tackle the lack of accessibility to basic human needs for the underprivileged and the elderly. Witnessing people being unable to afford food, housing and medical attention is upsetting, as everyone should have access to these essentials. The elderly should be able to enjoy retirement without having to worry about healthcare or who will care for them, and where they will lay their head or where their next meal is coming from. They should not have to work beyond retirement age.
If I wasn’t in finance, I would have been a teacher. Teaching is a passion of mine and l love to nurture young minds. In all my roles, I greatly enjoyed coaching my staff, especially seeing them light up when they finally understood a topic. I also feel a sense of accomplishment when I see them teaching other team members.
I like cooking in my spare time and find it very therapeutic. Feeding my friends and family a home-cooked Jamaican meal is something I really enjoy. Nothing beats it.
