Driven by entrepreneurial spirit and disciplined study, K&M School of Accountancy student balances design passion with accounting ambition.
Takondwa Maliseni
At an age when many are just navigating their final years of secondary school, 17-year-old Takondwa Naomi Maliseni has already achieved a significant professional milestone. The bright student from K&M School of Accountancy in December 2024 qualified for the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Malawi (ICAM)’s Certificate in Financial Accounting (CIFA) – and she did it in remarkable record time.
Takondwa’s journey into the world of debits and credits wasn’t driven by a lifelong dream of spreadsheets, but by the practical demands of her passion: fashion design.
“Actually, I’m a fashion designer,” Takondwa reveals, offering a glimpse into her unique motivation. “What motivated me [to pursue CIFA] was the challenge of costing the materials used in the business to calculate net profit.” The pragmatic need to understand the financial underpinnings of her creative venture ignited her interest in accounting.
Her ambition doesn’t stop at the CIFA qualification. With a clear entrepreneurial vision, Takondwa sees accounting as a vital tool for future success. “Since I want to be an entrepreneur, my goal is to go further with accounting and become a chartered accountant,” she explains. “So that I understand how to apply accounting principles into daily business activities.” Her sights are set high, with a specific aspiration: “To become a chartered accountant before I turn 30.”
The forward-thinking plan also explains her drive to complete the CIFA programme rapidly. “I was running short of time,” Takondwa admits, “as I had to do accounting before doing an entrepreneurship course, so it was the only chance to do CIFA.”
Achieving the feat required exceptional discipline and effective study habits. Takondwa leveraged her natural rhythm, focusing her efforts when she was most productive. “My brain is mostly at its peak during the morning hours, so I would study early in the morning,” she shares. A key part of her routine involved practical application: “I always ensured that before I start studying, I should at least solve one problem from practical math.”
When it came to study techniques, Takondwa found structure to be highly beneficial. “The most effective method I found effective was the Pomodoro method,” she says, referring to the time-management technique involving focused work sessions. “That is based on 25-minute stretches of studying broken by five-minute breaks.” She utilized a blend of resources, including ICAM past papers, textbooks, and the collaborative environment of study groups.
Time management was crucial, especially balancing studies with other commitments. “Creating a detailed schedule helped the most,” Takondwa notes, adding that actively “avoiding procrastination” was key to staying on track.
The path wasn’t without its hurdles. Takondwa identifies “tackling the subject Business Knowledge” as the most challenging academic aspect of the CIFA program. Beyond the curriculum, a significant practical obstacle emerged: “The biggest obstacle was the not-so-comprehensive ICAM study manuals.” Resourcefulness proved vital in overcoming the challenges. Takondwa navigated the challenge through “the use of supplementary books and study materials,” demonstrating initiative and adaptability.
Throughout her journey, a strong support system was invaluable. “Yes, I did [receive support],” she confirms. “My family and friends ensured that I have all the required things for school and by helping me in any way possible whenever I faced a problem.” Thankfully, she adds, she did not face any financial challenges during the period.
Takondwa also acknowledges the support provided by the professional body itself. “ICAM really helped by providing past papers from different years through the student portals,” she states. While she hasn’t received specific recognition or rewards from ICAM for her rapid completion yet, her achievement stands as a powerful testament to her capabilities.
Looking ahead, Takondwa offers words of encouragement to those following a similar path. “All I can say is that they should believe in themselves,” she advises current and future CIFA students. “For nothing is impossible, all it needs is hard work.”
Her message to all aspiring accountants in Malawi is one of dedication: “Accounting as a career can be both rewarding and challenging, but the most important thing is to stay focused, persistent, and committed to excel.”
Takondwa Naomi Maliseni’s rapid success in the CIFA program is more than just an academic achievement; it’s a story of bridging passions, disciplined focus, resourcefulness, and a clear vision for the future. As she continues her journey towards becoming a Chartered Accountant and entrepreneur, her story serves as a potent inspiration for young Malawians aiming high in the world of finance and beyond.
By Editor-in-Chief