CPA Timothy David Ediomu steps into the presidential seat with a deep sense of purpose and humility. A member of the profession since 2006 and a seasoned leader within ICPAU’s structures, CPA Ediomu brings with him not just a wealth of technical expertise but also a profound commitment to mentorship, ethical leadership, and member engagement.
In this candid interview, CPA Ediomu speaks to Caroline Nassuuna, reflecting on his professional journey, the lessons learned along the way, his leadership philosophy, and his vision for the future of the accountancy profession in Uganda.
- Congratulations on your recent election as ICPAU president 2025 - 2027. How does it feel? Excited, nervous, ready to roll?
I am only human, and a little nervousness at the beginning is only natural, the excitement is wearing out, and now work mode is fully loaded. Along the way, you settle in and challenge yourself to what mark you wish to leave 24 months from today. I must hasten to add that anything you plan to achieve greatly depends on your ability to pull the team in the same direction. Fortunately, presidency is rarely an accident but rather a gradual growth through the structures of the profession that prepare you for leadership.
- Let’s rewind a bit! What inspired your initial journey into the accountancy profession?
I have always been fascinated by numbers, even as a child. Along the way in my secondary school, I attended my first bookkeeping lesson in S2, and somehow that concretised my decision to pursue accountancy as a profession later on in life. I must be honest, a bit that somewhere along the way I thought perhaps law would be a good option, but it was never to be. I must point out that our bigger family is a lot into business, and this tends to influence you as you grow up.
- You have been a CPA since 2006. How has ICPAU shaped you professionally and personally over the years?
The profession has enabled me to lead a disciplined life and especially in audit practice, where I have spent the better part of my career. I have learnt to be patient and hold a long-term view of life. Personally, CPA has given me a great opportunity to grow my leadership skills, building on the roles I already play in my community. I can boldly say and shout on the rooftops that I am what I am in no small part due to my CPA qualification.
- Everyone’s got a game plan. What’s at the top of your to-do list as you step into the presidential role?
I am cognisant of the fact that my term is only 24 months and I have therefore to look at the low-hanging fruits that can have an immediate impact, but also put in place initiatives that those after me can follow up and build on. I really hope to leave happier members, committed staff and engaged stakeholders. The new office block is a done deal, but I do hope we can conclude on the exam centre and have the regional offices in place during this period. 6,000 active members is achievable if we are very intentional. To this end, the member experience at our offices and during interactions will be an area of focus. We must enhance real value to our members.
- In your view, what makes an outstanding accountant?
Like many things, the starting point is ability backed by passion. Success comes more easily when you do the things you love, which must be backed by the ability to do them. A fish that is passionate about tree climbing must be content to sit back and admire the monkeys.
- What is that one thing you wish the general public better understood about accountants?
It would be good if the general public understood that accountants, like any other professionals, are just people trying to do their job. We therefore don’t swim in loads of money, and in many places we are merely custodians of financial resources and trusted business advisors. The ownership lies elsewhere.
- You have mentored, sponsored, and inspired young accountants. What keeps you so invested in the next generation?
A common African is saying, at times attributed to James Keller, that “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle; it only brightens the world”. We can only grow our society if we invest in those coming after us so that they may even do better than we have. It is also famously said that you are only successful if you have a worthy successor. Otherwise, your story ends with you. I have witnessed firsthand the impact a single well-rounded professional can have in a community that looked hopeless otherwise.
- You have chaired several committees and led major projects. Which one tested you the most, and which one makes you smile?
Ironically, the one that tested me most also made me smile, and that is the subcommittee on staff matters. Otherwise, I also enjoyed my time with events management because every day was a moving target.
- You have a record as a good leader. What is your leadership style? How would you define good leadership?
I try to listen as much as possible and grant everyone the opportunity to be heard as long as they are not disruptive. It is therefore participative leadership, but there are places where I also lead mainly on charisma. The situation guides the approach.
- You wear many hats. How do you balance leadership roles, duties at Ediomu & Co, other investments and family roles?
This is a difficult one always, and I can’t say I have found the perfect fit yet. However, life begins and ends with family, so it is always the priority. In business, I prefer to delegate as much as possible and avoid micromanagement. I have also tried to ensure continuity at the firm by equipping the team to work with minimum supervision. My labour turnover remains very low, meaning something is being done right.
- You polled the highest number of votes at the recent Council elections. What advice do you have for members and students of ICPAU aspiring for leadership roles?
Leadership is a long game, and people can quickly read your intentions and respond with their votes. It is important that those who put themselves up for leadership do a self-evaluation to confirm that they actually have the time to lead. It is good to start early and gradually mature into the roles. It equips you with a good understanding of the dynamics around leadership.
- What does CPA Timothy David Ediomu do to wind down?
It is a bag of things, but first and foremost, I love a good laugh and will always seek old friends to share in laughter to relax. My kimeza has been together for almost 3 decades. I also love to dance, read, cook and exercise in no particular order but depending on the convenience of the activity at the time.
