In my early schooldays I hated accounting. It was only in my final year at high school, after much-needed guidance from my parents, that I decided to pursue accountancy as a career. I embarked on a professional qualification and, with hindsight, taking the ACCA qualification was one of my very best career decisions.
My first job was with a local practice, which gave me a firm foundation in the profession. I then joined EY in Zimbabwe, and working for this Big Four firm across different services and clients raised the bar even higher for me.
My financial controller role has been a game changer for me
I later moved to KPMG Zimbabwe. This is where I spent much of my working life, but in 2022 I joined AI Davis & Company, a retail and distribution chemical business. My financial controller role has been a game changer for me, as it has provided excellent industry experience.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the US-Israel attack on Iran have resulted in significant global social, economic and political risks. In Zimbabwe, we already have our own economic challenges centred around currency, hyperinflation and foreign currency shortages. Furthermore, Zimbabwe is a net importer of fuel, so any price rise drives up transport and freight costs, resulting in increases across the whole economy. While cost fluctuations are beyond our control, we in the finance team help protect our profit margins through reviewing and adjusting our pricing, renegotiating with suppliers to manage costs, and optimising fast-moving inventory items. We are also considering other environmentally friendly options, like solar power, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
I stepped out of my comfort zone when I did a six-month secondment with a client, for KPMG Botswana. I was in a different country, there were language barriers, and I was away from the support of family, friends and colleagues. However, the role was highly rewarding as the experience taught me valuable lessons, which have remained useful to me.
As a finance professional, you can work for any organisation and master different challenges
This is my favourite quote, attributed to Oscar Wilde: ‘Be yourself; everyone else is already taken’. I find great inspiration from quotes, and this one always keeps me grounded.
What I enjoy most about my job is the diversity and opportunities that it provides. As a finance professional, you can work for any organisation and master different challenges. With the coming of AI, sustainability issues, climate change and new legislation, the role continues to evolve.
My greatest achievements remain gaining all my professional qualifications and reaching some of my career goals. I am deeply indebted to God, my family, ACCA and all my employers, without whom I would not be where I am today.
If I had law-making powers, I would improve the healthcare facilities in Zimbabwe, ensuring everyone has access to sustainable and affordable healthcare.
If I was not a finance professional, I would probably work in event planning, marketing and hospitality. However, I am truly living out my passion, thanks to my ACCA qualification and the opportunities it has afforded me.
Outside of work, I enjoy interior decor and cooking, especially when I am trying out different foods. I also love to go travelling. My diverse hobbies enable me to relax, visit different places, meet new people and aspire to do greater things.
