I’ve always loved numbers, so I studied financial accounting at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. My lecturer introduced me to ACCA, highlighting the benefits of an internationally recognised qualification. ACCA was in its infancy in post-apartheid South Africa, yet I decided to pursue it, having only to complete the third professional stage exams. ACCA supported students in Southern Africa by bringing expert lecturers and students from South Africa, Botswana and Zambia together to learn, engage and inspire each other.
My first career break was working in the tax department of Grant Thornton Johannesburg. I worked for a German audit partner, Uli, who supported my career aspirations to move from tax into the trainee auditor programme, with me being the only ACCA-designated trainee. It was a privilege to obtain auditing and accounting experience in this environment, when paper audit files still existed and we were allowed to accept client gifts – the highlight of big audits being a delicious lunch.
I relish being exposed to different types of businesses in all sectors of society
Today, I’m lead audit manager at sustainability consultants Toitū Envirocare in Wellington, where my role extends beyond traditional auditing. There is a deep passion for the climate at Toitū and the impact reducing carbon emissions can bring. Even as an auditor, the impact I have is assuring carbon emission data, which provides the basis for measuring reductions and assisting in identifying activities that emit high emissions.
I have a passion for people, teamwork and problem solving, which is what I love about the audit field. I relish the experience of being exposed to different types of businesses operating in all sectors of society. Auditing relies on teamwork, working in unison from the first-year trainee to the manager to the director/partner. Each piece of this team needs to understand how they contribute to the end result: the audit opinion.
I hope to become an industry leader in carbon auditing and climate-related assurance
Auditing is becoming a scarce skill as younger people seek other careers taking work-life balance into account. In New Zealand, it’s difficult to find employees who both have carbon knowledge and auditing experience. Carbon auditing requires skills from other professions such as engineers, who understand chemistry and manufacturing. This results in us having to either train an employee in auditing or teaching them carbon emissions.
ACCA has helped me to be recognised internationally, specifically in the ANZ region with its strategic partnership with CA ANZ. One of the challenges of being an immigrant in a new country is meeting people who have a common interest. ACCA networking events in Wellington have allowed me to meet people and have great interactions.
My aspirations are to drive meaningful change in sustainability assurance, influencing industry standards, and expand my leadership impact. I hope to become a recognised industry leader in carbon auditing and climate-related assurance, influencing best practices and standards.
