Caroline Nassuuna
Communications Officer
Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda
Finance managers enroled in the CFO Leadership Academy 2025/26 have been urged to rise beyond technical proficiency and deliberately position themselves as thought leaders in the profession. This call to action was delivered during a leadership session held on 17 July 2025 at Onomo Hotel, Kampala.
In a presentation titled "Building a Personal Brand as an Accounting Professional", CPA Derick Nkajja - Secretary/CEO, Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), emphasised that finance leaders must shape conversations, practices, and policies in the industry.
“A thought leader is someone whose ideas influence the direction of their profession. And thought leadership is not accidental, it is a powerful tool for shaping one’s personal brand,” explained Nkajja.
He described personal branding as the unique blend of skills, experience, and values that define how a professional is perceived, even in their absence.
“Personal branding is what people say about you when you’re not in the room. It's what you’re known for,” he noted.
He added that integrity, competence, and purpose are the pillars of a strong personal brand. He challenged participants to identify their unique space within the profession and use it to address underserved areas.
“Crafting your space comes with risks. You may face criticism or rejection. But if you remain grounded, keep learning, and stay ahead of industry trends, you’ll remain relevant and resilient,” advised CPA Nkajja.
Adding to the conversation, CPA Prof. Samuel Sejjaaka - Team Leader, MAT ABACUS Business School, introduced the concept of reputation capital, a form of professional currency built through consistency, credibility, and meaningful impact.
“Reputation capital transcends credentials. It is the respect, trust, and goodwill you accumulate through the way you live, lead, and serve. It opens doors that qualifications alone cannot,” noted Sejjaaka.
He encouraged participants to strive for holistic personal growth; physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and socially, and to make daily choices that reflect integrity and purpose.
He also underscored the value of networking, relationship-building, and contributing meaningfully to society.
“Professionals must connect with others and serve their communities. In doing so, they leave a legacy that elevates both their careers and their character,” he said.
The CFO Leadership Academy is run by MAT ABACUS Business School in partnership with ICPAU. It is a premier capacity-building programme aimed at nurturing the next generation of strategic finance leaders.
Additionally, during the class, the cohort’s group project work was launched. The project aims to equip participants with knowledge in finance and project management.
The session marked the end of Quarter I for the 2025/26 cohort, organised under the theme 'Personal Leadership in the Digital Age'. The CFO Leadership Academy is designed to enhance the strategic leadership capabilities of Chief Finance Officers (CFOs), equipping them to serve as forward-thinking leaders who shape business strategy in today’s dynamic and evolving environment.
The next quarter begins on 21 August 2025 and runs until October 2025. It will be under the theme Strategic Agility.
