The view from Justice Sithole FCCA

My first inspiration in finance was close to home. My father, Hudson Sithole, was a bookkeeper and after school, I’d head to his office and pretend to be just like him – tapping on calculators and computers, trying to look busy. Those early moments planted the seed.

After graduating in 2008 with a degree in accounting and information systems, I got my big break at Innscor Africa, as a group financial analyst. A diversified industrial and consumer goods company headquartered in Harare, with regional operations in Kenya, Zambia, Ghana and Mauritius, this was a great experience. Not only did the business pay for my ACCA studies, but I was greatly helped by Sevious Mushosho and Julian Schonken, both very senior managers, who gave me an opportunity as a fresh graduate with zero experience to join the largest conglomerate in Zimbabwe.

In 2024 I joined Population Services International Zimbabwe (PSI), a non-profit that specialises in helping people in developing countries lead healthier lives. I joined as a management accountant, later stepping up to the global head office in Washington DC, while still based in Zimbabwe. I have now been promoted to senior financial analyst supporting more than eight countries in Africa and Asia.

Funding for PSI’s work comes from government institutions, individual donors and foundations. One of our biggest challenges this year has been navigating cuts to USAID funding, which impacted several projects. This has been a huge blow – forcing us to make some very tough calls. PSI didn’t sit still, though. It doubled down on innovation, finding new donors and running social business units to generate revenue. We recently launched Viya Health, for example, which focuses on sexual, reproductive and women’s health.

One of the most defining moments of my life didn’t happen in an office. During my university holidays I stepped completely out of my comfort zone to work as a temporary teacher. I was deployed in a deeply rural area where I knew no one and had to learn new life skills to survive in a harsh environment. I only saw one car in the whole term. It was a real test for me as I had to be flexible and interact with the locals. But it proved to be a wonderful place to live and the people welcomed me. This experience has helped me to face any adversity without fear.

My favourite saying is: ‘It is well!’ When I was growing up my mum inspired me by saying this, especially when things were tough. This attitude has helped me not to fear any situation in life, but to stand up and overcome it.

If I had law-making powers, I would strengthen anti-corruption laws and improve transparency across all levels of government and public institutions. Corruption has deeply undermined economic development, the delivery of public services, and trust in leadership. I would push for mandatory asset declarations, whistle-blower protection laws and open procurement systems, especially for government tender processes.

What I enjoy most about my job is working with large financial data sets to come up with financial analysis that tells a story to the relevant stakeholders. My input means that good strategic financial decisions can be implemented.

My biggest achievement was pursuing both my ACCA and MBA simultaneously. This required a lot of dedication, discipline and time management, especially as I was also balancing other personal and professional responsibilities. Reaching these milestones has not only shaped my career, but also helped me grow personally, and I‘m proud of the hard work and persistence it took to achieve this.

If I wasn’t in finance, I think I would have been a social worker. I have always felt a deep sense of responsibility towards helping vulnerable people overcome challenges and live more empowered lives.

In my spare time I enjoy running, including ultra-marathon events. Every June I run the legendary Comrades Marathon, which stretches over 90km from Durban to Pietermaritzburg in South Africa.