As a partner in my own firm, the most fulfilling aspect of my role is the trust built with clients and the satisfaction of helping them move forward while strengthening their businesses. I also enjoy mentoring younger colleagues and contributing to their professional growth. Above all, I value the profession’s demand for continuous learning, which ensures we stay relevant in a changing world.
I began my career with Moore Stephens after graduating in accounting and finance from the University of Mauritius in 1993. Encouraged by my father, I completed the ACCA qualification, then in 2007 moved to BDO’s audit department – a turning point in my career that provided much valuable experience. Two years later, I moved to the Mauritius firm of the Parker Randall network (now Parker Russell International), where I became an audit partner before taking the plunge and establishing an accountancy practice with my brother.
Integrity underpins trust, and trust is essential for credibility
I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone at key points in my career. After 12 years in a medium-sized firm, moving to one of the major audit firms in Mauritius was a significant challenge. However, my integration was made easier due to my willingness to work hard, the support of my colleagues, and the confidence I gained from my ACCA qualification.
Starting my own firm with my brother was truly a defining moment. The move from employee to employer brought new responsibilities – from managing staff and ensuring service quality to maintaining compliance and overseeing cashflows. These challenges continue to shape my professional growth even now.
Businesses in Mauritius face several challenges. An ageing population is reducing the available workforce, creating skills shortages that often require talent to be imported. Access to finance also remains difficult as lenders apply strict conditions, while a shortage of foreign currency continues to disrupt trade and investment.
However, there are also great opportunities. Mauritius offers political stability, a reliable legal framework and a skilled workforce. Its location, international trade agreements and tax policy make it attractive for investment. Emerging areas such as the blue economy, renewable energy and agri-tech show significant promise, while established strengths in tourism, ICT, financial services and real estate remain vital. With the right policy support, Mauritius is well placed to be a regional hub with sustainable growth.
My favourite phrase is ‘Satyameva Jayate’, a Hindi expression that means ‘Truth alone triumphs’. This resonates deeply with me as it reflects the ethical foundation of accountancy. Integrity underpins trust, and trust is essential for credibility, both individually and collectively as a profession.
I believe AI has the potential to transform audit from a backward-looking activity into a near real-time assurance process. Advanced data analytics can enable continuous testing, richer insights and better risk assessment. Efficiency and quality will both improve.
Streamlined, digital-first processes would improve SME efficiency and ensure greater compliance
Embracing AI, however, is not without challenges. It requires significant investment in technology, training and cybersecurity. Smaller practices may struggle to keep pace, and clients may resist higher fees. Ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible across the profession will be essential.
If I had law-making powers, I would focus on easing compliance for SMEs, as the current system is overly complex and time-consuming. Streamlined, digital-first processes would encourage entrepreneurship, improve efficiency and ensure higher compliance rates.
If I wasn’t an accountant, I would have been a nutritionist as I love learning about healthy eating. With the increasingly unhealthy diets of today, I see nutrition as a purposeful profession that can make a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of others.
Outside of work, I enjoy swimming, walking and exploring nature. I also like going to the cinema.
