My interest in finance began when my elder sister began studying accountancy. Hoping to follow in her footsteps, I chose A-level accounting before beginning my ACCA qualification.
I began my professional career in 2000 as a tax monitoring officer with the Board of Inland Revenue. In 2006, I was assigned to the Ministry of Education as an accountant, going on to join other government departments. A milestone occurred in 2011 when I was promoted to treasury accountant at the Ministry of Finance. My progression ultimately led to my role as acting deputy comptroller of accounts.
Meaningful transformation unfolds gradually through a process of growth and refinement
I believe AI will streamline routine administrative functions such as drafting reports and improve the accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting. Additionally, it can support budget planning and forecasts, provide risk analytics, forecast revenue and generate workforce analytics. AI will also strengthen data-driven governance, which will allow accountants to focus on analytical and strategic work.
The advantage of a career in the public sector is the opportunity to achieve a good work-life balance, as vacation entitlements are more generous than in the private sector. There is also equitable compensation and public officers do not generally contribute directly to pensions.
Another benefit is the greater job security, as employment, discipline and dismissal are governed by law and subject to due process. However, there are also disadvantages when compared to the private sector, especially the lower salary. Bureaucratic processes, particularly in recruitment and promotion, can be frustrating, too, as they can slow down opportunities for advancement.
What I enjoy most is the contribution I have made to public sector accounting reform
This is my favourite saying: ‘By beholding, we become changed.’ We are shaped not only by our interactions with others, but also by our thoughts, vision and sense of purpose. I feel that meaningful transformation does not occur overnight; it unfolds gradually through a process of growth and refinement.
If I had law-making powers, I would have statutory timeframes for the resolution of cases within the judicial system. When justice is delayed for years, it undermines public confidence and amounts to a denial of justice.
What I enjoy most about my job is the contribution I have made to public sector accounting reform. The Ministry of Finance has embarked on transformative initiatives, including an integrated financial management system, internal audit reform, the adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards and the expansion of electronic funds transfer for citizens to pay for government services. I also like that I can mentor and share knowledge, both with the staff of the Treasury Division and as a facilitator in training programmes across the public service.
My ACCA qualification remains my greatest achievement. My studies were sponsored by my father, who passed away after I completed the foundation stage. Despite this loss, I persevered with the support of my family and successfully completed all stages within five years.
If I wasn’t an accountant, I would have been a teacher, as two of my aunts were dedicated educators. Their commitment produced tangible success, so inspired by their example, I was classified to teach A-level accounting. Teaching allows you to shape not only students’ academic achievement but also their character.
In my own time I love singing, both as a soloist and in a choir. I also like to teach singing. As I lost both my mother and sister to cancer, I also invest time in health and wellness practices that help with the avoidance of chronic diseases, and share my findings with others.
