Susanne Swaniker-Tettey FCCA, global financial controller at the world’s leading diamonds company De Beers Group, used her tenacity to get a foot in the door of a Big Four firm without a degree behind her.
Working in this industry has been incredible. It has opened so many doors for me, from a corporate and personal perspective.
One of my priorities in my new role is to bridge gaps in the organisation. At group level, you don’t get to see what people are doing on the ground in the business units. I want to help people understand that there is a lot going on on all sides of the business and bridge the gap between the group, its corporate entities and the country entities.
The Deloitte partner who interviewed me aged 19 told me they only took graduates, but I wasn’t put off. I told him and the HR director that if they took me on and I didn’t pass my ACCA exams in two years I would pay each of them US$100. But if I did pass, they had to pay me US$100. They hired me, and the partners duly paid up.
‘The partner who interviewed me told me they only took graduates, but I wasn’t put off’
Lilliane Rumanyika FCCA, global CFO of Kenya-based non-profit organisation Inkomoko, returned to Africa after more than a decade working in corporate roles in Canada.
I was approaching 50 and asking the question: what do I really want to do before I retire? What impact do I want to make? And that’s when I started to increasingly think of Africa.
There were many sleepless nights, questioning whether taking this position was the right decision, but deep inside I knew it was answering a desire I’d had for a long time: to make an impact on people’s lives, to use my skills to help those less privileged, and to give back to Africa.
‘As I begin each day, I am motivated by the difference we are making’
It feels right to be back in Africa, and it is fulfilling to see the impact Inkomoko is having on communities. As I begin each day, I am motivated by the difference we are making, changing lives and getting people out of poverty.
Chiamaka Nnake FCCA, commissioner for the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning with the Anambra State Government, has seen her career progress in an unexpected direction.
As planning and budgeting cuts across everything in government, so does my role. Managing multiple stakeholders and multiple interests can be challenging.
Automated state budgeting is not common in Nigeria, but we felt it was the only way to go. With the process now automated, the focus has shifted to capacity building and supporting adoption of the automated system.
‘My advice is to always try to give your best, whatever you are doing’
Although I’d been consulting for the public sector, I didn’t see myself working in the public sector. But my work as PwC lead with the committee for the development of Anambra Vision 2070, the state’s long-term development plan, had not gone unnoticed by the state governor Charles Soludo, who was the committee chairman. My advice is to always try to give your best, whatever you are doing – you never know who is watching you.
Maryam Adefarati, CFO for Microsoft’s Africa regional cluster, believes that ACCA has been ‘the anchor’ for building the career she has today.
There’s been a brain drain. It’s a lot more difficult to find the right talent to fill roles today than it used to be. Fortunately, automation can help address the issue, as you’re able to do more with fewer resources.
Being on ACCA’s Council, the first Nigerian woman to do so, was an opportunity to bring the African voice and ideas. It was an opportunity to share my story, connect with students and help bring about change.
‘In the long term, my dream is to help my country prosper’
My husband and I launched a foundation to help underprivileged Nigerians to access free healthcare and education services, including a free consultation with a doctor. In the long term, my dream is to help my country prosper by supporting the Nigerian government in some way. As a country, we have so much potential and I want to contribute to Nigeria’s success.
Rispah Simiyu FCCA, commissioner for domestic taxes, Kenya Revenue Authority, initially set her sights on a legal career.
Fulfilling this role is a huge but exciting and honourable responsibility – I really love what I do.
It’s not an easy job. The reality of the load you carry can cause you to lose sleep sometimes, but you need to stay focused and keep pushing because the buck stops with us. We have to deliver.
In 2023, I was asked to step up as acting commissioner general – the first woman to hold the position. The appointment came as a surprise and was a defining moment in my career. There was no time for induction, handover, or anything. I had to simply dive in and swim with the sharks.
‘As women we have to find our space in businesses and boardroom’
As a young woman professional, I was lucky and blessed to have people around me who believed in my capabilities and integrity. Therefore, my biggest goal is to pay that forward by holding someone else’s hand. As women we have to find our space in businesses and boardrooms, and then keep reminding ourselves that we are rightfully there.
More information
Join the conversation with ACCA’s all-female council team and students on gender equity, accelerating change and career aspirations, to mark International Women’s Day
Read ACCA’s report on gender responsive budgeting
