I started my career working for the largest retail fast-moving consumer goods company in Zimbabwe, where I was elevated to the head office finance department. I was responsible for doing tax computations for the group, budgets analysis and assisting in the preparation of audited financial statements.
After finishing my ACCA studies, I was offered a place at the Premier Soccer League as an assistant accountant supporting the finance function. I also designed control procedures for the league.
A few years later I was offered a role with the Auditor General’s office of Zimbabwe, where I worked for a year before being offered an audit senior role at Deloitte Zimbabwe in 2020.
I would like to see a variety of favourable labour laws to help curtail the brain-drain problem in Africa
I was inspired to be a chartered accountant by my cousin, who is also an accountant, and also by a mentor who is ACCA qualified and now running a successful business school. I was also motivated by encouraging stories from ACCA publications and AB magazine about accountants and their life after qualifying.
I believe working in practice gives you more exposure, wider knowledge and expertise compared to the corporate world. I have forgone a higher paying job for a corporation to join a practice, as I love being an ACCA accountant.
I feel that, in the corporate world, one is limited by either fewer opportunities for growth or organisation politics. On the practice side, if you work hard you can reach any level.
There are many opportunities for business in Zimbabwe in mining, tourism and agriculture. However, there are myriad challenges facing the economy in areas of inflation and Covid-19. And while there are vast minerals for exploration, the stumbling block is lack of advanced machinery to extract them.
If I had law-making powers, I would implement stringent laws to curb corruption. I would also like to see a variety of favourable labour laws to help curtail the brain-drain problem in Africa.
I enjoy the opportunities that come with my role and the wide exposure it gives me through knowing different industries. There is much to learn, and the sky is the limit in this profession. There are many opportunities and there is room for self-actualisation. It does not limit you, as the more you deliver, the higher you go.
I have had many achievements but those that stand out are being awarded the ACCA Advocacy certificate and a number of academic awards. I have also managed to make an impact that matters at every organisation I have served or worked for.
If I wasn’t an accountant, I think I’d have been an engineer or, more specifically, a town planner, because I was very good at technical graphics.
I enjoy singing for my church choir and reading widely. If I can find time, I want to learn how to play instruments, especially the piano, violin and guitar.
