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Edmund Bernard Mndolwa

Edmund Bernard Mndolwa is a man who recognises a good thing when he sees it.

"People often asked me why I decided to become an accountant. The answer is simple. Remuneration, and remuneration, and remuneration. As a married man with five children - that counts for a lot." he says.

In 1968 when Edmund started his accountancy career, he had little awareness of accountancy. "I quickly learned that ACCA was the best option for me. I was lucky because I was offered a scholarship by the East African Railways & Harbours to study for ACCA's exams in Nairobi, a two-year course. I then completed my studies in the UK at Leeds Polytechnic."

It wasn't all smooth running. On his first day at college, Edmund quickly realised that his lack of basic knowledge could be his downfall. "I missed the first three weeks of college and when I finally did get to class, my first day was very nearly my last. My lecturer was talking to the class about bad debts and bad debt provisions. I had no idea what these were or how a debt could be bad!"

He continues, "Looking back now I can laugh, but at the time I had perceived accountancy to be an extension of mathematics. I believed if I could solve any mathematics problem, I could be an accountant. I learned very quickly that is was completely different. I would have to open my mind and study hard in order to pass my exams."

After his rocky start, Edmund went on to complete his ACCA exams and an MBA, for which he gained best student and best thesis prizes. He is also the author of two books, Auditor in Practice & Liquidation Law and Practice in Tanzania mainland.

Edmund has now worked in practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers for nearly 25 years, reaching the pinnacle of his career in 2002. "I was appointed the Commissioner of Finance for the Union Government by the President of Tanzania. It was a very proud moment."

Edmund continues, "I have many years' experience which I would like to use to train directors in good governance and improve communications skills of finance professionals in Tanzania. I am continuing to study with the Commonwealth Open University. I hope to achieve a doctorate in finance very soon."