My accounting career began when I worked a placement as an accountant at a quarrying company during my degree. This really helped me align theory and practice. Since then, I’ve gained experience in a range of roles, including as an external/internal auditor, financial accountant, project manager, operations director and non-executive director, working in practice, industry and the public sector. I’ve investigated alleged frauds, experienced change management with an energy provider and helped a major pharmaceutical company put together an insurance claim following a major disaster. All this was before I joined Nottingham Trent University in 2012 as a senior lecturer.
I’m originally from Kenya and moved to the UK to study, but I faced pressure when the family business failed. I was down to my last £5, but a fortunate meeting with a benefactor focused me back on my career. I aimed to succeed professionally, pay back my debts, gain financial security and give something back to society. My ACCA qualification has helped me achieve this.
I believe students like hearing non-textbook responses to their questions
I do not believe universities will exist in their current form in the future. Advances in artificial intelligence will change everything, and the higher education sector faces unprecedented financial challenges caused by numerous other factors, including poor management, planning and risk management. There are no easy solutions, and while making big savings should be a priority, this should not come at the expense of demotivating the very staff who generate the income. Careful planning is required, starting with the question: ‘What is the vision?’ We can then build on existing strengths and embrace change so we can identify short- and long-term solutions to create financial sustainability.
What I enjoy most about my job is sharing my views with students beginning their accountancy journey. I believe they like hearing non-textbook responses to their questions. I also get great satisfaction when former students get in touch to let me know how well they are getting on in their careers.
I step out of my comfort zone on a daily basis. Every lecture I give can be a potentially risky business for me. Whatever the audience size, whether 50 or 500, one must always prepare as thoroughly as possible, consider the audience capability and pitch the content accordingly.
I would make it a requirement for society to look after its elders with care and dignity
I like to ask myself two things at the end of each working day: ‘Did I learn something new today? Did I enjoy what I did today?’ If the answer is no, then it’s time to look for something else.
If I had law-making powers, I would make it a legal requirement for society to look after its elders with care and dignity. Too often we hear about elderly people dying neglected, ill and lonely.
If I wasn’t in finance, I would probably be a tour operator for an African safari. I love wildlife and try and do my bit for its conservation.
In my own time, I love travelling. The hidden gems found in the UK are special to me, but my wife and I have been privileged to travel to many beautiful countries – from Canada to Australia. Highlights include backpacking round Asia, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and skydiving over the Indian Ocean. I also took up wildlife photography in 2019 and never leave home without my trusted Nikon. I like to contribute to a homelessness charity, and I enjoy keeping fit with gym, yoga and the occasional game of badminton.
