Thread by @mentorshipzim

I am now going to sell the CA profession. @icazicaz If you have an accounting background, I'd advise that you consider becoming a CA. I've been fortunate enough to also get a Msc in Accounting, & become a lecturer, and I am convinced that becoming a CA is the best career choice

https://twitter.com/mentorshipzim/status/1281098213194444804

These are based on my experience and qualifying through an audit firm.
1. You get to learn abt business in a protected environment
In my time at Deloitte, I've been exposed to more than one industry, from farming, telecoms, pension funds, manufacturing, banks and retail.

As you get into more senior roles, audit requires that you get a 360 understanding of your client. Idk of a profession that exposes you to hands on experience of so many industries in such a short -time. This even helps in deciding what exactly it is that you want to settle into.

And you get thrown into some challenging situations, but the learning curve is massive. I do think that the firm is protected as promotions and assignments go according to a given criteria and there is not too much politics to it.

2. The network you build
It’s not every day that you get to have the audience of A,B,C,D finance manager and CEOs attention, you definitely don’t just bump into these people. With good networking skills, you will get more than just an audit, but you can build a strong network.

And it’s not just about the client, your team members, juniors and superiors and workmates are definitely poised for greatness, and these are all contacts that you are making.

3. Mobility and the opportunities that come with
With the CA designation, you become a global product, that can serve and deliver value from anywhere in the world. An example is, soon as you update your LinkedIn profile to passed APC/ audit senior, opportunities in the abroad-

-are sure to come knocking. Being young and full of energy, the exposure, adventure is good. And having options never hurt nobody. Most people I know leave after qualifying and live comfortably. With Zim being Zim... pedzisai moga

4. The Respect that comes with it
Rightfully so. People do respect CAs, and rightfully so. Riding on the learning point, becoming a CA makes you an expert. At Deloitte we say, “making an impact that matters”, and being a CA equips you with the technical knowledge, and gives you -

- the platform to really make an impact. CAs are not limited to just audit and reporting, they get involved in strategy and operations too. It is an all round qualification and your opinion starts to matter. Few things beat people listening when you talk.

5. The money
Being a chartered accountant on its own will not make you rich, but it will make you comfortable. It’s one of the careers in terms of the reward that comes with it. I also think even in terms of entrepreneurship -

(since everyone in Zim is supposed to be one according to some), becoming a CA will set you apart in how you manage your business.

Starting salaries in Zim, from my own gathering used to be around USD2k. In the abroad its a bit more (cost of living is a bit higher that side too)

6. The career progression
Just like how you get promoted at the firm at least every year (of course this goes down as you become more senior as it gets tighter at the top), CAs are some of fast risers I know. This is based on the type of training &the skills that they have.

It is also easy to switch through these careers, and there is so much choice in terms of what role you eventually settle into.

I hope you are convinced. If you have questions, please ask away. I am logging off till lunch, and we can chat then.