Experts have cautioned women in the accounting profession against pursuing multiple qualifications without a clear career direction, urging young professionals to seek guidance from experienced mentors.
These remarks were made during the Women in Accountancy Forum, organized by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants (ICPAU), where female accountants gathered to discuss career development and opportunities in the field.
Gloria Wakooba, Chairperson of the Women in Accountancy Committee, called for a broader view of career paths in accounting.
She encouraged young professionals to avoid fixating on traditional roles, such as working in banks, and to consider diverse opportunities.
Wakooba emphasized the importance of gaining practical work experience in various settings, even outside the corporate world. She suggested volunteering to help churches or community organizations manage their financial records as one such opportunity.
“Don’t limit yourself to just one vision of success. You might find opportunities in places you never expected,” Wakooba said.
She further encouraged aspiring accountants to embrace different avenues for growth, stressing that hands-on experience is crucial for building a successful career.
Wakooba also highlighted a growing trend among postgraduates, particularly those with CPA qualifications, who pursue advanced degrees in finance and accounting without a clear understanding of their goals.
She spoke about the evolving work environment, noting the increasing availability of remote opportunities for women in accountancy.
Wakooba called for more support for women in the profession, emphasizing that the Women in Accountancy Forum aims to offer both physical and online platforms where women can share their stories and experiences.
Nancy Owino Amuge, Finance Manager at the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), criticized the mindset that women must remain in the same organization for decades, even when their contributions are undervalued.
“Many women are afraid of change. They fear the unknown. But who told you that you have to work in the same organization for 30 years?” Amuge asked.
She encouraged women to recognize their worth and explore other career paths, including entrepreneurship. According to Amuge, self-confidence and adaptability are key to professional growth.
“If that organization doesn’t appreciate your role, why not try somewhere else? Explore other businesses. When you know your value, think outside the box,” she advised.
Amuge noted that the fear of stepping into unfamiliar territory has held many women back from reaching their full potential. She urged them to be bold in making career shifts and to take advantage of available opportunities in leadership, business, and innovation.
Her remarks come amid growing calls for gender inclusivity and equal career advancement opportunities for women in Uganda’s workforce.
She stressed the importance of mentorship, recounting how her career growth was significantly shaped by mentors who pushed her to challenge her potential.
“I have been privileged to have mentors throughout my career journey. They didn’t approach me to mentor me—I saw something in them that I wanted for myself,” Amuge said.
She shared experiences where her supervisors pushed her beyond her comfort zone, including sending her on high-profile assignments unprepared. Though daunting at first, she said such experiences helped her build confidence and positioned her for future leadership roles.
Amuge criticized the reluctance of some women to take on leadership responsibilities, especially when acting positions come without financial incentives.
“Many times, women grumble when given extra responsibilities, not realizing that these opportunities put them on the radar for promotions,” she noted.
She also called for continuous learning, stressing that accountants must stay updated on industry trends, including new laws and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
“AI is upon us, and I’m already thinking of how to teach it to my team. We must stay relevant,” Amuge said.
She encouraged women to actively participate in professional organizations, volunteer for leadership roles, and build strong support networks.
Amuge highlighted the launch of a new mentorship and networking initiative by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants (ICPA) to support women in accounting.
“The world has realized the value of women in leadership, but the question is: Are we ready?” Amuge challenged her audience.
Freda Anne Namatovu, Director of Frontier Advisory Partners Limited, emphasized that success is not limited to high-ranking positions but involves achieving a balanced and purposeful life.
“You are created differently, bringing something unique to the table. You don’t have to compete with everyone,” Namatovu said.
“Success is not just about being the MD of a bank; it could be selling groundnuts, doing voluntary work, or being a fulfilled employee.”
She cautioned against prioritizing career achievements at the expense of personal well-being and relationships.
“You can be a Member of Parliament, but if your children hate you, is that success?” Namatovu asked.
Namatovu urged women to focus on self-discovery, mentorship, and balance in all aspects of life.
She emphasised that those who find their purpose are less likely to engage in unhealthy workplace competition.
“If you can help people discover their purpose, you will reduce rivalry and create a more supportive environment,” she added.