The Hollywood actress Helen Hayes once said: ‘The expert in anything was once a beginner.’ It’s a truth that has guided me in my life and work. No matter how little you know now, it is up to you to become the expert in your chosen field. Rather than feeling intimidated by those at the top, you should be motivated by them to learn as much as possible and strive to reach their level.
I never imagined myself becoming an accountant, but after completing my secondary education I enrolled in a business school, which led me to accounting. After completing further education and attaining my AAT qualification, I began my career at Pool & Patel, a local Seychelles firm that is a member of the Moore Global network, as a junior auditor.
Two of my early managers at Pool & Patel were women who greatly inspired me. I wanted to emulate them and become an audit manager. With the support and guidance of the firm’s partners and managers I worked my way upwards, completing my ACCA qualification in the process.
After several years as an audit manager, I began to feel stagnant in the role, so I approached a partner to discuss further opportunities for professional growth. This conversation ultimately paved the way to me becoming a partner in the firm myself.
Stepping out of my comfort zone to take charge has been a challenging but necessary journey for me. As an introvert, I am inclined to avoid the limelight, often taking a passive approach to others’ wants and views, so stepping up required a lot from me. While it remains an ongoing process, facing this challenge has made me more confident, assertive and effective.
Collaborating with clients from diverse backgrounds provides a wealth of knowledge
A major challenge facing businesses in Seychelles is the recruitment and retention of qualified local staff, leading many companies to employ expatriates. This has been attributed to the mindset of today’s youth, who often have unrealistic expectations of employers in terms of high salaries or wanting positions above their current level of experience. Opportunities can still be found in every industry across Seychelles; what matters is having the drive and determination to pursue them.
The most rewarding part of my job is that I genuinely love what I do. The constant opportunity to learn and grow keeps my work engaging and never routine. Collaborating with clients from diverse backgrounds provides a wealth of knowledge, so working alongside them is very rewarding and has also helped me to expand my professional network.
I believe that, when used correctly, artificial intelligence (AI) can boost audit efficiency by automating routine tasks and speeding up data analysis. Therefore, auditors will be able to use that data and provide more informed conclusions. While AI can be a valuable tool, though, it should not be relied upon entirely. In auditing, there are situations where professional judgement, knowledge and experience built over years of practice is essential, and something that AI cannot replace.
If I had law-making powers, I would legislate to ease the process of starting a business in Seychelles. Currently the number of requirements you have to meet to start a new business is discouraging and can cause companies to fail even before they start.
Being underwater can be simultaneously terrifying and relaxing
If I was not a qualified accountant, I would probably have pursued a career in computing. I have always been fascinated by how technology simplifies life, so sometimes I wish I had the skills to develop apps or programs from ideas that spring to my mind.
In my spare time, I used to enjoy playing basketball, but I recently developed a new interest in scuba diving and have now earned my open water certification. Being underwater can be simultaneously terrifying and relaxing, however exploring the beautiful underwater environment helps to calm and refresh my mind.
