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Employee Spotlight: Tanya Musumhi

What attracted you to IFAC when you joined?

I was drawn to IFAC because of its global reach and the opportunity to work at an international level, engaging with professional accountancy organizations (PAOs) from diverse regions. The idea of working across different cultures, regulatory environments, and economic landscapes was both exciting and challenging—exactly the kind of dynamic environment I thrive in!

It was also intriguing because it was quite different from what I had been doing before. While I had experience in international development, strategy, and stakeholder engagement, IFAC offered a new perspective—one that combined global standards, policy, and profession-building in a way that I hadn’t worked in before. The challenge of learning something new, while still leveraging my existing skill set, made it an opportunity I couldn’t resist!

Were you surprised by anything once you became an employee?

I expected international engagement, but I was surprised by just how deeply collaborative the work is. IFAC doesn’t just advise from the sidelines—it actively works across a huge network of stakeholders including PAOs, regulators, governments, development partners, and firms to strengthen the profession. Seeing how these different players come together to tackle challenges has been both fascinating and rewarding.

I was also surprised by how much learning is involved. Even with my experience in international development and stakeholder engagement, stepping into IFAC meant immersing myself in new technical frameworks, governance structures, and policy landscapes. The role constantly pushes me to think strategically, adapt to different regional contexts, and stay ahead of global trends.

What is your role at IFAC?

As a Regional Manager covering Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe, I work directly with Professional Accountancy Organizations (PAOs) to support their growth and sustainability. My role is member-centric, helping PAOs adopt and implement international standards, strengthen governance, and align with IFAC’s Statement of Membership Obligations (SMOs).

In addition to my regional responsibilities, I co-lead engagement with the Young Leaders Collective (YLC), IFAC’s young professionals’ initiative, where I help shape strategic discussions, coordinate working groups, and create space for emerging leaders to influence the future of the profession. I also support the PAO Development & Advisory Group (PAODAG), which brings together experienced volunteers who provide strategic insights to PAOs at different stages of development.

Through these efforts, I help advance IFAC’s Member Value Proposition—connecting and uniting PAOs, championing professional quality, and ensuring the profession evolves through learning, innovation, and a shared commitment to the public interest.

What does a workday look like for you?

While most of my work focuses on supporting PAOs across Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe, I also contribute to IFAC’s Young Leaders Collective (YLC), a space for emerging professionals to shape the future of the profession. I help guide strategic direction, support working groups, and ensure the voices of young professionals are heard and valued within the global conversation.

Day to day, I’m typically in strategic conversations with PAOs—helping them identify priorities, address challenges, and align with the Statements of Membership Obligations (SMOs). This often involves supporting their adoption and implementation of international standards or working with regulators to strengthen their environment for growth.

I also support the PAO Development & Advisory Group (PAODAG), working alongside experienced volunteers to facilitate knowledge-sharing and peer learning among PAOs at various stages of development.

No matter the focus, my work is centered on connection, capacity-building, and helping PAOs—and the profession—move forward with purpose.

What’s your favorite part about your job?

I love that my work contributes to IFAC’s Member Value Proposition—connecting and uniting PAOs, supporting their adoption and implementation of international standards, and helping them carry their membership as a badge of international recognition.

What I find most rewarding is the depth of engagement—from working with PAOs across diverse regions to collaborating with PAODAG’s experienced volunteers and young professionals through the Young Leaders Collective. Supporting both established leaders and emerging voices gives me a front-row seat to how the profession is evolving—and how each generation contributes to that growth in unique and valuable ways.

Through all of this, I see how IFAC and its members shape the future of the profession through learning, innovation, and a collective voice—and I’m proud to play a role in that ongoing journey.

What’s the most unique part about working here?

One of the most unique aspects of IFAC is the variety of perspectives and challenges I engage with daily. No two PAOs are the same—some are well-established with strong regulatory systems, while others are still building their foundations. Navigating these different contexts while still upholding integrity, professional quality, and international standards makes the work dynamic and thought-provoking.

Another unique part is the collaborative nature of IFAC’s work. Through initiatives like PAODAG, I get to work with experienced volunteers who share their knowledge and insights to help PAOs strengthen their capacity. This kind of peer-driven support and global knowledge-sharing isn’t something you see everywhere, and it adds real value to the profession.

What kinds of resources have you taken advantage of?

One of the biggest resources at IFAC is the access to knowledge and expertise—whether through technical guidance, thought leadership, or learning from colleagues and experienced volunteers in PAODAG. Engaging with PAOs, regulators, and global experts has broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of how to best support the profession.

I’ve also benefited from IFAC’s role as a convener, bringing together stakeholders to collaborate, exchange best practices, and tackle shared challenges. Regional forums, working groups, and cross-PAO discussions have been invaluable in shaping solutions that are both practical and globally relevant.

Beyond that, the collective knowledge within IFAC is a huge asset. Working alongside colleagues who bring diverse experiences and regional insights has helped me continuously grow in my role and contribute more effectively to connecting and uniting PAOs worldwide.

How has your career grown since starting at IFAC?

At IFAC, I’ve strengthened my strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and ability to navigate diverse regulatory and cultural landscapes. Supporting PAOs across Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe has sharpened my ability to tailor solutions for adoption and implementation of international standards, while ensuring PAOs feel connected to the global profession.

I’ve also grown in my ability to bring people together—whether through my regional work or by supporting PAODAG’s experienced volunteers in guiding PAOs at different stages of development. Collaborating with regulators, PAOs, and global experts has deepened my understanding of what it takes to strengthen the profession at both a national and international level. Beyond technical expertise, IFAC has enhanced my leadership, adaptability, and communication skills, reinforcing the power of learning, innovation, and a collective voice in shaping the profession’s future.

What would you do for a career if you weren’t doing this?

I’d still want to be in a role that connects people, drives strategy, and makes a global impact. Whether in international development, consulting, or a leadership role in a member-based organization, I’d be drawn to work that involves problem-solving, collaboration, and helping organizations navigate change. I also love mentoring and coaching, so something that allows me to support professionals in their growth and development would be incredibly fulfilling. But whatever it is, you’d probably still find me bringing people together, facilitating conversations, and sipping a super-duper hot beverage while doing it!

Where is your favorite place in the world?

It’s hard to pick just one! Zimbabwe, where I’m from, will always hold a special place in my heart—it’s home. But I also love Switzerland for its stunning landscapes and sense of order.

Beyond that, my favorite place is wherever I feel inspired and connected—whether that’s exploring a new city, being in nature, or sharing meaningful moments with great people.

How do you spend your days off?

I like a mix of rest, exploration, and connection. Some days, I enjoy unwinding with a good book, spending time at church, or simply recharging at home. Other times, I love going for walks, exploring new places, catching up with friends and family, or getting lost in a great documentary or conversation.

No matter what I’m doing, I try to make my days off about refreshing my mind, refueling my energy, and enjoying the moment.