Rapid Learning Africa
Gerson Muremi
Age: 30 • Audit Manager, CA (Nam) • KPMG Namibia
“Challenges are what makes life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.”
Nothing comes easy in life; you have to pay the price to enjoy any form of success. Gerson believes the key ingredients to his success are hard work, the right attitude, and clear goals. These principles have guided his journey both in Namibia and the United States. Today, he serves as an Audit Manager at KPMG Namibia, where he manages multiple client relationships among other responsibilities.
Interview with Gerson Muremi
1. You are an Audit Manager at KPMG Namibia (well done!). Tell us more about your current role.
My role involves managing a portfolio of clients, handling project management, mentoring junior team members, and ensuring we deliver high-quality service. These are just a few of the many hats I wear.
2. What motivated you to choose auditing among the four finance fields (Auditing, Accounting, Financial Management, and Taxation)?
Auditing exposes me to a variety of companies and industries. I enjoy learning how different businesses operate. Plus, as a Chartered Accountant, I’m trained across all four areas, which allows for flexibility in my career.
3. What do auditors actually do?
We give an opinion on whether a company’s financial statements fairly represent its financial position. To put it simply: if a farmer owns 2 cows that produce 1 litre of milk, we confirm those numbers and provide a report. That’s how we instill trust and credibility.
4. Now that you’re in management, what do you think contributed to your success?
Hard work, the right attitude, and having a clear vision of what I wanted. It’s easier to succeed when you know where you’re going.
5. How long should a young professional stay at a company?
Even one day can be enough—haha! There shouldn’t be a fixed number. It depends on personal goals. Ask yourself: Am I here just for a salary or to grow professionally? Stay until you’ve met your personal development goals.
6. What does success mean to you?
To me, success is achieving your goals. Depending on your ambitions, it can become a moving target with every new milestone.
7. Do you have any life quotes you live by?
“Challenges are what makes life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.”
8. What book would you recommend to others?
I usually prefer reading articles over books, but I recommend Management and Cost Accounting by Colin Drury for anyone in the field.
9. What advice would you give your 15-year-old self?
Keep doing what you’re doing. Step out of your comfort zone earlier. And—save some money and buy Bitcoin in 2009! 😄