After leaving college, I got a job as an accounts clerk in the accounts department of a car dealership. Falling in love with accounting, I decided to make it my career. In 1989 my boss recommended me to audit firm PKF and I was employed as an trainee. I passed ACCA and became an audit manager within six years.
After 10 years at PKF, I moved to Capital Bank International as financial controller. Here I learnt many skills in advising businesses and moved to the Caricom secretariat in Guyana as senior internal auditor.
I chose to work in practice because of my love for the profession and the opportunity to establish my own firm
I moved back to Grenada to start my practice, Jeremiah Business Consulting. In May 2020 the firm joined the HLB International network, with me as managing partner. I chose to work in practice because of my love for the profession and the opportunity to establish my own firm. I have to keep up to date with all changes and updates in the accounting profession.
I have certainly stepped out of my comfort zone. However, I always educate myself to build my confidence. I completed an MSc in finance and became a certified internal auditor. I also became a certified fraud examiner and a forensic CPA so I could offer forensic accounting at my practice.
Entrepreneurs in Grenada face many challenges, especially in sourcing financing. Funding is difficult to find and often the cost is far too high. Furthermore, professional services are too expensive, with most entrepreneurs lacking the know-how to keep their business growing.
The cost of material, electricity and transportation is rising due to soaring fuel prices, which is taking a toll across many sectors. I feel our entrepreneurs are not taking advantage of technological advances in the workplace to drive production, especially in Grenada’s more productive sectors. Many opportunities also exist in the agricultural sector and tourism, especially in yacht maintenance, water sports, entertainment and accommodation.
If I had law-making powers, I would make income tax fairer. Currently, there is a flat deduction for everyone, but this does not make allowances for people with large families, those with children at college, or those who want to contribute to charities. I also believe there should be greater incentives for people to report their income and to encourage others to do the same. I believe we should engage the Inland Revenue when tax legislation is being contemplated.
The environment is a big issue. I believe Grenada must implement taxes for companies that pollute the environment. Exemptions would be given to those who act to protect it.
I find time to serve those less fortunate. I know what it is to be growing up with 20 people in a home, to be hungry
The best thing about my job is helping people bring their ideas to fruition. It gives me great joy when I work with them and make their business successful.
I am very active in the Lions Club. Although I am busy with my practice, I still find time to serve those less fortunate. I know what it is to be growing up with 20 people in a home, to be hungry, and receiving assistance from people when you are in need. This is what pushes me to help others.
My dream was to become a meteorologist. However, after I got my job as accounts clerk, I was led to accounting.
In my spare time I enjoy playing basketball and working out in my homemade gym. I relax by watching international news.
