Why subscribe?
Joy of Accounting? Isn’t accounting supposed to be boring and complex? Come with me as I show you that accounting can be both interesting and accessible. Start with me. Shattering the notion that those of an accounting persuasion are inherently dull, my existence has been anything but, instead filled to the brim with adventurous exploits, philanthropic endeavours, and an insatiable thirst for novel experiences. I bring a unique perspective to bear, one gained from being born into an accounting family and raised by one of Nigeria's most esteemed elder statesmen. Two world records and one neurodiverse child later, no challenge is insurmountable. This kaleidoscopic perspective that enables me to view the world through a multitude of lenses is reflected in the way I approach complex topics, distilling them into simple, accessible narratives that empower everyone to understand and engage with them.
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More about Joy
I was born in Lagos, Nigeria, the last child of the esteemed senator, philanthropist, and accountant Chief David Dafinone. While I was growing up in Nigeria’s milieu, my eldest brother had already embarked upon a path that mirrored our patriarch's, taking the initial steps on a journey that would ultimately culminate in all five siblings attaining the prestigious designation of Chartered Accountant. This collective accomplishment would earn our family the rather dull distinction of holding the Guinness World Record for the most Chartered Accountants within a single family.
I drifted along the somewhat preordained trajectory, from boarding school to obtaining a degree in Economics and Accountancy from City University, followed by a training contract in auditing with Horwath Clark Whitehill. Rather than promptly returning to Nigeria to join the family firm upon completion of my studies, I instead embarked upon a career in Financial Services Tax with KPMG. My tenure there honed my expertise, leading to a brief yet enriching sojourn in the realm of industry tax at GE Insurance Holdings.
The siren call of Nigeria, or perhaps more accurately, the summons of my father, could not be ignored indefinitely. Upon my returning, I joined the family business - the largest indigenous firm of Chartered Accountants in Nigeria. I found myself in a somewhat bewildered state, possessing a fervent passion for taxation yet lacking a comprehensive understanding of the local regulatory framework. Leveraging my accounting and tax acumen, I inadvertently stumbled into the marketing of Sage Accounting software. This endeavour, undertaken through the auspices of Dafinone Consulting Limited, elevated our standing to that of one of the top ten resellers across the African continent.
Nevertheless, my existence transcends the mere tabulation of figures and preparation of financial statements and tax computations. I am a veritable Renaissance woman, deftly juggling entrepreneurial undertakings, philanthropic endeavours, and personal milestones. Upon entering into the hallowed union of matrimony and welcoming my first child, I established an intercity bus service between the metropolises of Lagos and Abuja.
Not content to be held hostage by convention (and the local ‘area boys’), my thirst for adventure is insatiable. I co-founded the initiative Challenge 100, which entailed daring exploits to raise awareness for worthy causes. One particularly memorable feat was executing a skydive onto the Geographic North Pole on the first anniversary of the abduction of the Chibok girls in Northern Nigeria – an undertaking that would render even the most intrepid thrill-seeker weak at the knees. Through Challenge 100, I was able to champion various noble causes, including sponsoring the 'In the Footsteps of Legends Shackleton Expedition', building a mental health facility in Eastern Nigeria, and paying educational fees for 100 underprivileged girls.
An internship at a financial institution during my gap year, coupled with the creative talents imparted by my mother, who instructed me in disciplines ranging from tapestry to macramé, had ignited a lifelong ardour for the art (especially African art) and music, even if my piano playing prowess is best consigned to the past. As a founding member of the board of the Chineke! Orchestra, I was privileged to be able to champion diversity within the classical music sphere. Furthermore, let us not disregard my children's literary endeavour, inspired by my North Pole escapade (indeed, I ventured forth with my daughters, then mere youngsters of six and nine years, accompanying me) – a resounding testament to my boundless creativity and fervour for storytelling.
A close friend is oft to remark, "a man is the sum total of his life experiences," and indeed, this latest endeavour, The Joy of Accounting, is a platform wherein I impart my hard-earned expertise and profound insights on the disciplines of accountancy, taxation, and sundry other topics that pique my insatiable curiosity.
