I started my career as an assistant nurse in a private hospital with a desire to be a medical doctor. However, during a training session a doctor advised that I study banking and finance for four years, rather than undertaking eight years of medical studies, because of the salary paid to bankers.
I shared this plan with a friend who was studying business administration, who later became my mentor. Having considered various options, we decided on accountancy, and in 1995 I enrolled for my first course in this field.
I chose a career in a professional practice firm because the nature, strategy and structure align with my purpose
While studying for my higher national diploma in accountancy, I was encouraged by my lecturers to go further and pursue a professional qualification. Later, having recognised the international opportunity offered by ACCA, I went on to complete the Oxford Brookes BSc and became an ACCA member in 2012.
I chose a career in a professional practice firm because the nature, strategy and structure align with my purpose. I enjoy diverse knowledge and operating across various industries and sectors with no limitations. The advantage of spending much of my career with a single firm is that it matched with my determination to be a partner in one of the Big Four. There is also the quality of training, the same orientation of purpose, an ability to navigate various challenges, and the career and mentoring activities offered by the firm. I was tempted to join the corporate world but one of the partners, who has been my mentor since I joined EY, gave me much-needed guidance.
Starting from a humble background, I became the first graduate and chartered accountant in my family
Nigeria faces many challenges, especially with inflation rates and exchange-rate volatility. Access to foreign currencies to finance importation of raw materials and trading items is also having negative impact on most organisations. Often, businesses are seeking ways to manufacture for export as a means of sourcing the foreign exchange they require for importation.
Multiple taxation policies negatively impact our growth and development, especially as it relates to attracting foreign investment and expanding free trade. If I had law-making powers I would consider tailoring our tax laws to help achieve much-needed economic growth and development.
I believe my biggest achievement is having become the role model I am today. Starting from a humble background, I became the first graduate and chartered accountant in my family. Now I am training and coaching people who have achieved success across the globe, while also continuing to add value to my clients and society at large. I’ve always enjoyed the ability to navigate various challenges and provide solutions to organisational problems.
If I was not a chartered accountant, I would have been a medical doctor or a maybe a university lecturer as education is important to me. When I am not working, I enjoy travelling, dancing and reading.
