I began my professional journey at an audit firm in the early 2000s. At that time, Mauritius was witnessing rapid growth in its offshore financial sector, creating numerous opportunities in finance. Later I joined Grant Thornton, where I spent five enriching years working on assignments across Mauritius, the UK, Isle of Man and several African countries. My career also expanded into other sectors, where I gained valuable experience in real estate, investment banking, and logistics services in the Middle East.
In 2011, I joined the investment banking group African Alliance, where I continue to serve as group finance manager and director, overseeing financial operations. What I enjoy most about my role is the dynamic mix of responsibilities, which includes managing various financial aspects such as reporting, treasury management, budgeting, and human capital administration.
Moving into a real-world business environment demanded a broader perspective
The constantly evolving expectations of the business continually push me to elevate my performance. Navigating the complex legal, compliance and statutory landscape within Mauritius’ offshore sector adds another layer of challenge that makes my role both stimulating and rewarding.
Although artificial intelligence (AI) is still in its infancy stage, businesses are heavily investing to gain early advantages. Audit software now integrates AI algorithms capable of sophisticated data mining, tailoring solutions to the unique nature of each organisation. The auditing process is also shifting towards a more customised approach that reflects the specific financial position of each business, moving away from the traditional one-size-fits-all method.
In the financial sector, the influence of AI is already evident. Many processes are being automated, with a strong emphasis on data-driven insights to support strategic decision-making. AI’s role is expected to grow significantly in the years ahead.
I stepped out of my comfort zone when I shifted from asking questions to answering them. In the audit field, our approach was rooted in a checklist mindset focused on compliance with accounting standards. However, moving into a real-world business environment required a broader perspective. It became essential to integrate financial insights with business operations, treasury management and market realities to truly grasp the full picture.
My favourite quote comes from my ACCA lecturer: ‘Do your best and the rest will follow.’ This has proved to be very useful in both my professional and personal life. It tells us that there is no substitute for hard work, but if you put in the effort, positive outcomes will follow.
It is essential to facilitate the seamless exchange of knowledge and business
When I began my studies, only a handful of institutions offered ACCA courses, and study resources in Mauritius were limited. I had to rely heavily on on-the-job learning to deepen my understanding and build the knowledge needed to successfully pass my examinations. Balancing a career in audit with late evening classes and self-study was a real challenge, making the completion of my ACCA qualification a significant accomplishment – and one I consider to be among my greatest achievements.
If I had law-making powers, I would promote and reinforce globalisation. I believe it is essential to facilitate the seamless exchange of knowledge and business. As AI continues to advance, enterprises will find themselves competing on a much broader scale. Therefore, to maintain fairness, new regulations and frameworks will be required to ensure a level playing field for everyone.
If I were not an accountant, I think engineering would appeal to me. Like accounting, it demands precision, as even minor errors can have major consequences.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy reading and travelling. Both offer a fascinating glimpse into our cultural heritage and provide valuable insights into the wider world. As Saint Augustine said, ‘The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.’
