Gloria, Chartered Accountant and Wedding Planner

  1. What did you want to be when you grew up?

    Growing up I was good at Art and Design. I always loved making and creating things and dreamt of being an interior designer. In my teenage years I also realised I had other skillsets and was good at math and numbers.  An opportunity to work in my parent’s family business exposed me to the accountancy profession which ultimately convinced me that a career in accounting was right for me and today that is what I do.     

  2. What do you want most in the future? 

    The thing I desire most in future is balance. Whilst I have enjoyed a varied career as a Finance Manager in a Big 4 Accounting Practice, Telecoms, Media and currently in E-commerce. I have also found fulfilment in running a Wedding Planning business where my accounting skills have been essential in capturing every detail. As such I desire the appropriate balance in taking on an executive role in my current profession whilst not setting limitations in growing my business passion.  

  3. What’s been your biggest achievement to date? 

    The biggest achievement to date in my career was qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. I have recently become a Fellow Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (after 5-year consecutive membership) which was a significant milestone because achieving it demonstrates to employers that I have extensive experience in accounting and I have made a long-term commitment to the profession.  

  4. What’s your advice to other women/girls? 

    I have three pieces of advice for other girls considering their future paths.  

     

    For those considering their career options look for opportunities to gain insight into career options. If you have already identified an area of interest ensure you gain a better understanding of your chosen career path. Employers value technical skills but what they value more is experience and this can be obtained either through volunteering or work experience. 

     

    For those considering a career in Accounting being an Accountant is more than number crunching it can sometimes be even more about people. The roles are numerous from being an Auditor, Finance Manager, Finance Consultant, Forensic Accountant, Management Accountant, Tax Specialist, Treasurer etc… 

     

    For those wanting to become an Entrepreneur one of the best advice I have been given is ‘Community over competition’. As you start out in business finding other like-minded individuals on the same journey will ensure you make a collective impact.  

  5. What does it mean being a black woman in your industry?

    The accounting profession is still disproportionately male dominated but being a black girl in this industry means you can hit a glass ceiling. Diversity in the profession is evident up to management level, but at executive level there is still much work to do to make it representative of the society we live in. While many employers understand this challenge, the representation of black women in the boardroom has been less rapid. Having said that it is important not to give up and strive to break that glass ceiling!  

     

  6. What school did you go to?  

    I lived in Senegal in my early childhood first going to a French speaking school and then to a bilingual school. Once I returned to the UK, I went to Hockerill Anglo European College and then Stanmore College.  

  7. What is the most important thing in the world to you? 

    The 2 most important things in the world to me are Faith and Family. Through my Faith in Christ my aim is to glorify God in everything I do. I am also a wife and mum to 2 young girls; and they contribute to moulding me into the person I am today. Ultimately Faith and Family are what inspire and spur me on each day.  

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