Me, Unlimited: Ngoni Kamba’s international journey

Collecting experience across the globe 

I started my career with Grant Thornton Zimbabwe in 2013, before relocating to the UK on secondment in 2018, with a stint at the Ethiopian firm in between, so I’ve really felt the benefits of working for an international network of firms. 

My initial move to Ethiopia was a significant learning experience, particularly in adapting to a new office environment, jurisdiction, and culture, and taught me valuable lessons that eased my relocation to the UK firm when I joined on secondment.

Here are the key takeaways from my international experiences:

• Welcoming culture: Across all offices, whether in Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, or the UK, I’ve found the teams consistently friendly, supportive, and welcoming. The shared sense of inclusiveness really reflects the firm's global culture.
  
  
• Hospitality and support: The level of hospitality and support I received when settling in each new office was remarkable. I even picked up a few lessons on hospitality that I’ve carried forward in my own interactions with others.
  
  
• Cultural exchange: Working with colleagues from diverse backgrounds across multiple countries enriched my experience significantly. I learned a lot from different perspectives, which expanded my understanding and adaptability in international settings.
  
  
• Consistent values: The firm’s values were strong in every firm I worked with, showing the consistency of our culture globally.
  
  
• Adjusting to the UK: My transition to life in the UK was smooth, thanks to the support and friendships I developed in the office. The warm and collaborative environment helped me settle in quickly, both professionally and personally.

In 2019 I decided it was time to explore opportunities outside of Grant Thornton, partially related to visa requirements, and partially because I wanted to gain different experiences. However, I maintained strong connections with my former colleagues, and I decided to return to the firm.

The versatility of a career in audit

What fascinates me most about audit is its pivotal role in ensuring the reliability of financial information. I find it rewarding to know that the work I do helps decision-makers trust financial statements as true and fair representations, contributing to the overall transparency and integrity of the economy. Even though my individual contribution may seem small, being part of this larger purpose—helping foster a more honest financial culture—gives me a sense of fulfilment and purpose.

Audit is also a dynamic field. Since I began my career in 2013, the industry has seen significant transformations driven by new regulations, technologies, and evolving client needs. These changes have kept the work both challenging and engaging. Each new development introduces fresh problems to solve and new ways to adapt, preventing the role from ever becoming monotonous. Staying curious, continuously learning, and embracing innovation are key ways I keep my career fresh and exciting.

Across all offices, whether in Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, or the UK, I’ve found the teams consistently friendly, supportive, and welcoming. 

What does the future look like?

It’s a really exciting time to be part of the firm, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the firm’s growth plans by playing a key role in driving the success of new client acquisitions and strengthening our relationships with existing clients. As the firm continues to expand, there’s opportunities to bring fresh ideas and perspectives that can support both the firm’s strategic objectives and the evolving needs of our clients.

Over the next couple of years, I’m excited to further immerse myself in larger engagements, especially those that I’ve been involved with from the proposal stage. Gaining deeper experience on these larger-scale audits will not only enhance my technical skills but also broaden my ability to manage and lead more substantial projects.

Outside of my ‘day job’, I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences with others who share similar cultural experiences to me. As someone who has experienced international relocations and understands the challenges that come with adjusting to life in the UK, our International Hire Network and Culture Buddy Programme are great opportunities to support others in their transition and contribute to fostering a positive, inclusive culture.