Here is Abdou's story:
I was born and raised in Gambia; a small country located in West Africa. I am the last born in our family, I have one brother and two sisters. I am married with one lovely daughter.
The Directorate of Internal Audit is under the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, headed by a Director General. The role of the Directorate is to determine whether the respective Government Ministries, Agencies, or Departments’ risk management, control, and governance processes, as designed and operated by management, are adequate and functioning in a manner to confirm that; significant financial, managerial, and operating information is accurate.
My role entails designing audit programs to facilitate auditing, conducting high-profile audits, writing audit reports, ensuring absolute secrecy and confidentially in performing audit tasks, conducting, and supervising daily vouching exercises, reviewing draft and final audit reports, and providing sufficient guidance and supervision to the audit staff.
I started my career at the Directorate of Internal Audit Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, as an audit trainee in 2013, I occupied this position for three years.
Thus, I was later promoted to the position of Internal Audit Clerk in 2016. Upon receiving the promotion, I was posted to the Ministry of Interior's internal audit unit as a support staff to the head.
In 2019, I gained another promotion to the position of Internal Auditor, after the promotion I was recalled back to the Directorate of Internal Audit (Headquarters). However, in 2022 I was posted to the Ministry of Agriculture for a period of eight months. In 2023 moved to the Ministry of Justice as the Head of the Internal Audit.
After completing high school, my ambition was to enrol in a Business Management course. Thus, the ABE qualification was introduced to me by a friend, she advised me to go for the qualification because it is cheaper, more flexible, and globally recognised by universities and employers.
Upon completing my ABE qualification, I was promoted to a higher position at my workplace and my employer was very excited about my achievement. This programme gave me the knowledge and skills to perform in a high-level position. With the advantage of the ABE qualification, I am always considered for big project assignments at my workplace, all my colleagues cherished me for the additional value I brought to the company.
The ABE programme gave me the opportunity to gain admission to Masters programme in different universities across the globe. I am currently pursuing the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) programme as well as MSc in Accounting and Finance.
As an Internal Auditor, the knowledge I acquired from the following ABE modules; Corporate Finance, Corporate Strategy and Planning, Financial Accounting, Project Management, The Business Environment, Quantitative Method for Business Management and Human Resources Management, etc. certainly help to provide both assurance and advisory service at my workplace. I am Indeed grateful to ABE.
In my current job, I enjoy providing assurance and advisory services to top management with respect to governance, risk management, and control activities of the institution.
My advice would be to take the ABE qualification seriously and be devoted to achieving this prestigious qualification. Failure is part of the journey, never give up and always believe in yourself. ABE is accepted worldwide, and the qualification would open so many prospects in the Business industry. It requires time and effort to be an ABE graduate, don’t miss this amazing opportunity to be part of the Alumnus. I wish you all the best in your studies.