My interest in our profession started in high school, where my excellent accounting teacher was key to my decision to pursue it as my career. She also helped me secure my first job at a practice, which gave me my opportunity to enter the profession.
My career has since taken me through accounting, customs, auditing and taxation, beginning with a Government of Jamaica scholarship to pursue a postgraduate diploma in accounting. I subsequently worked with the Jamaica Customs Agency and the Auditor General’s Department. Along the way I became an ACCA member. I now serve as assistant commissioner, Revenue Appeals, where I adjudicate tax disputes.
Explaining concepts to a group was something with which I had to become comfortable
What I enjoy most about my job is listening to both sides of a dispute and giving each side a fair hearing. I like examining the evidence, understanding the issues and arriving at a reasoned conclusion. Every case is different, so there is always something new to learn and there’s always a story behind the numbers that you have to understand.
I stepped out of my comfort zone when I began teaching ACCA students. I am not by nature much of a talker, so standing in front of a class and explaining concepts to a group was something with which I had to become comfortable. However, I do enjoy teaching, because I get to help others understand concepts that I once had to learn myself. It has also helped me become more confident in communicating and explaining ideas.
One of the main challenges facing Jamaica is among our young people. We must keep them engaged and show them that there are opportunities to build meaningful careers, businesses and lives here, so they don’t have to go abroad.
AI is another challenge, but also an opportunity. It is already changing how we work and do business, and in wider areas such as education. However, we must make sure our people are prepared for these developments and are able to use the technology to their advantage.
When people understand the law, compliance becomes easier and fairer for everyone
This is my favourite mantra: ‘Success comes from exercising discipline.’ I believe you do not always have to feel highly motivated, but you must be disciplined enough to keep doing what needs to be done. My ACCA journey is a good example of this.
If I had law-making powers, I would make our tax laws and processes easier for the average Jamaican to understand. Many people simply don’t know what is required of them because the rules can be so technical. I would focus on plain language, clearer guidance and making information genuinely accessible. When people understand the law, compliance becomes easier and fairer for everyone.
One of my best my achievements was being the first of my siblings to attend university, something of which I am particularly proud. University was an important milestone for my family and me as it opened the door to so many opportunities. Becoming an ACCA member and being recognised as the third top Caribbean affiliate in June 2024 also means a lot to me.
I had an interest in becoming a commercial pilot, but if I wasn’t an accountant, teaching would probably have been my first choice. I enjoyed the idea of it from an early age, and I really like teaching my ACCA students.
Cooking is my favourite hobby, as I genuinely enjoy being in the kitchen, experimenting with new dishes and it always helps me switch off from work. I also love spending time with family and friends.
