Throughout my auditing career I have been guided by this saying: ‘You have to look after wealth, but knowledge looks after you.’ It highlights the difference between material wealth and wisdom, suggesting that wealth requires constant effort to maintain, but knowledge is a lasting asset that protects and empowers you. Once acquired, it guides your decisions, helps you navigate challenges, and can lead to the creation of more wealth.
One of the most satisfying aspects of my job as an audit manager is contributing to the corporate governance of organisations. I believe the crucial role auditors play in this cannot be overstated. I find it fulfilling to leave a small but meaningful mark on a business’s journey.
I needed to quickly prove myself in a demanding environment
I think I gravitated to accounting because I saw my close relatives, who studied accounting, going on to have successful careers. My professional journey began in earnest in 2014 at a small audit firm, where I worked for four years and was awarded employee of the year twice before moving on to BDO Zambia. Keen to challenge myself further, two years later I joined a Big Four firm for a spell, before returning to BDO Zambia as manager for audit and assurance in 2024.
I stepped out of my comfort zone when I moved from a small practice to a top five firm. I was leaving a familiar environment where I had established myself and was on a path to succeed. However, I felt I needed to prove myself in a more demanding environment where the standard of performance was higher, and where I would be working with bigger clients.
Much like other technological tools, I believe AI will enhance the field of audit. It will inevitably take over some routine tasks within audit, which will create opportunities for those with strong analytical skills. Many firms are investing in AI tools, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for the auditing world. The key will be acquiring specialised AI skills to service clients who have already integrated AI into their systems. However, the initial investment in the infrastructure will pose a challenge for some firms.
Zambia has faced an energy crisis over the last three years. In response to this, it has seen a lot of alternative energy initiatives such as the Bangweulu Solar Power Station, a consortium-owned solar farm, and the CEC Solar Plant, to name just a couple. These have created jobs, as well as opportunities for suppliers to service these renewable plants and contribute to Zambia’s efforts to improve its green footprint.
We must support mothers in nurturing their infants while continuing their careers
If I had law-making powers, I would prioritise enhancing maternity benefits to ensure a seamless transition for mothers to return to work. By implementing flexible working and remote work options, we can support mothers in nurturing their infants while continuing their professional careers. My own experiences in the corporate world, particularly the challenge of returning to work after maternity leave, have shown me the critical need for such a law. These changes would not only benefit families but also foster a more inclusive and supportive workplace environment.
If I hadn’t pursued accounting, I likely would have chosen legal studies and become a lawyer. There are some subtle parallels between the two professions.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my little girls and family. Parenting teaches you a lot about yourself. I have learnt many lessons that have also proven valuable in my professional life.
