My motivation to pursue a career in accountancy came after attending a talk about it in high school. On the path to becoming qualified there were many obstacles along the way, including becoming a teenage mother during the early stages of my studies.
I began as an accounting clerk, but I took some bold decisions in order to advance my career. After consulting with industry professionals, I was encouraged to get practical experience in an audit firm, so I joined KPMG Jamaica. This provided me with the tools and experience I needed to become an accountant, and I went on to work with a further two of the Big Four firms.
I worked across financial services, banking, manufacturing and hotels. Then I transitioned into corporate businesses in Jamaica, with roles in compliance, internal audit and finance, giving me over 20 years in the profession.
Having my own audit firm was new and adventurous
In 2019, I decided to take my experiences and make a bold entrepreneurial move. I founded Austin Professional Services. Having my own audit firm was new and adventurous.
In my experience of accounting, there are common themes in all industries. They include the importance of having good corporate governance, systems, processes and accountabilities. My roles in corporations and audit have developed me, but as principal of my firm I now have the opportunity to be more strategic, executing growth plans and being more aware of market operations so that I can stay competitive.
There have been significant improvements in accountancy since I joined the profession. These changes have impacted the code of ethics and accounting standards. We’ve seen technology replacing manual processes, greater specialised training and certifications, with more people entering the profession.
However, I believe there are now greater expectations of accountants. Businesses require more rounded professionals who are strategic, capable of critical thinking and making sound decisions in a changing global business environment.
This informed my decision to pursue an MBA. The aim was to increase my knowledge base. I wanted the relevant skills that allow me to operate at a more strategic level of management.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is having a negative global impact. In terms of developing countries like Jamaica, this will be felt in critical areas of our economy. The war has impacted fuel prices, which is also affecting the cost of production and manufacturing. However, Jamaica continues to see arrivals from the usual destinations, such as the US and UK, and new markets will also open for more tourism opportunities.
The joy of building from the ground up and having a vision for the practice is very fulfilling
I enjoy the freedom of being an entrepreneur, but it is a mixed experience. Yet the joy it gives in building from the ground up and having a vision for the practice is very fulfilling.
The most stressful part of my role is attracting and maintaining the right clients, given the level of competition within the market. There are anxious moments when trying to secure market share and identify new sustainable business opportunities.
If I had law-making powers, I would implement regulations increasing parents’ accountability for their children. These laws would require parents to take full responsibility for ensuring their children are adequately educated so that they can become productive members of society.
If I wasn’t an accountant, I would have become a lawyer. This was always my second option.
In my spare time I like surfing the internet and listening to music. I am also pursuing other activities through my local church.
