Universities across the Caribbean are faced with funding challenges. Governments are the main sponsors for most undergraduates, but the demand is outweighing the funding available, even with private sector funding. Compliance requirements and being competitive with other universities often increases the cost of doing business, resulting in lower profit margins. Caribbean universities also have dispersed geographic locations, across many islands.
In a university finance function, accountants must perform more than their traditional role. Our department is critical to decision-making and must provide relevant and timely information along with strict financial and risk management.
It is a challenge, but I get up every day with purpose
AI will help public sector finance by allowing for a timelier response. Training staff in the ways they can use AI every day will permit a more accurate finance process. AI will inform the planning stages and provide finance departments with the planning resources they need to execute their budgets.
AI data analytics are invaluable. We can use data analytics to generate financial reports, although the numbers require further interpretation, along with visuals to drive faster data-driven decision-making with real-time analysis. This will allow forecasting and metric tracking to be done continuously and simultaneously, with little to no manual intervention.
Because of its diverse nature and multiple goals, my job is never boring. Some days I’m fighting with the new ERP system, but later I’m presenting at a key meeting. Serving on various committees is also enjoyable, as it gives me a better understanding of the organisation from various perspectives. I like knowing that what I do adds value. It is a challenge, but I get up every day with purpose.
Academically, my biggest achievement is my bachelor’s degree. I was the first in my family to graduate from university (in accounting at the University of the West Indies).
My current role as Campus Bursar is my best career achievement. I’ve worked as a tax auditor at the Inland Revenue Department, spent time in business with ABI Holdings and ABI Bank, and was a director at the National Solid Waste Management Authority, but I always wanted to work for The University of the West Indies. Seldom do you get to return to the place that was the turning point in your life and be part of the leadership. It is a blessing to serve the young people on our campus every day.
I believe in keeping trying even when it seems impossible
Success is not the absence of failure. It is the willingness to keep trying even against what seems impossible. Matthew 19:26 says: ‘with God all things are possible’, and, as a Christian, the will of God sustains me.
If I could pass a law, it would be for all teachers to have mandatory training for students with special needs. This would greatly improve how people with special needs are treated in society from early on and help them to navigate life at school.
If I weren’t an accountant, I would have been a graphic designer. I have a passion for art, so I like designing and playing with colours. I also like forensic crime shows and enjoy writing in my blog. I hope to author a book one day. I also create using Canva graphics software on my social media pages.
