What I enjoy most about working in consultancy is the significant variety that comes with my role. I enjoy the fact that I work on a wide range of projects as each one brings new challenges, new people and new industries to learn from. It’s a career that constantly stretches me and that’s what makes it so fulfilling.
When I was growing up in Zimbabwe there was limited exposure to career guidance. However, the subjects I studied at school and the status of the accounting profession spoke to me and I decided to study accounting at the University of Zimbabwe, going on to complete the ACCA qualification in 2002.
My early career was spent in Zimbabwe where I held various positions, including accountant, finance manager, internal auditor and chief audit executive. I was also seconded to Zambia, Malawi and other subsidiaries within Zimbabwe as an acting accountant. This exposure allowed me to acquire a lot of knowledge of accounting and business operations in the manufacturing and financial services sectors.
As an introvert, finding new clients pushed me out of my comfort zone
In 2007, due to economic and political challenges, I moved to South Africa and started as a manager at Ngubane & Co Chartered Accountants. I felt settled at the firm and rose through the ranks to become head of governance, risk and compliance. Following the merger with RSM South Africa in 2023, I took on my current role as partner and head of risk advisory services.
In my work at RSM, I see that AI is already having a positive impact on auditing. AI tools are being used to process and analyse vast amounts of data with remarkable speed and precision. This leads to more reliable outcomes and enhances the overall quality of our audits. AI tools are also being used to automate the audit documentation process and generate professional reports.
Despite significant benefits from the adoption of AI, there are ethical challenges. AI technologies pose significant privacy and security risks in respect of client data. Some systems used by clients are complex and difficult to interpret, which poses a risk for auditors and can make it hard to follow the decision-making processes.
Gaining new business in the consulting industry is a key performance indicator for partners. I am, like many accountants, an introvert so being called upon to find new clients forced me out of my comfort zone. I had to challenge myself to learn how to network and connect with people so as to win their trust and their business.
There are many socio-economic challenges facing businesses in South Africa. The most significant are corruption, crime, unemployment and inequality. South Africa has one of the highest inequality rates in the world today. Despite these challenges, great opportunities can be found, especially in localising the country’s supply chain which will reduce dependency on foreign imports. There is also enhanced business resilience and greater partnering with government to help tackle challenges through public-private models.
If I had law-making powers, I would seek the consistent enforcement of laws that address the socio-economic challenges facing South Africa. Particularly corruption, crime and inequality. Without enforcement there can be no progress.
I am a mentor for the IIA’s Emerging Leaders Mentoring Programme
My favourite quote comes from Émile Coue, a French psychologist. ‘Every day in every way, I’m getting better and better.’ Every morning I reflect on my work and social life and ask myself what I can do today to be better than I was yesterday.
If I was not an accountant I think I would have chosen a career in law. I have always had a desire to use the law to ensure justice for those in marginalised communities and therefore make a difference in society.
When I am not at work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, reading self-development books, watching sports and travelling. I also enjoy mentoring younger professionals; I am currently a mentor for the Institute of Internal Auditors’ Emerging Leaders Mentoring Programme.
