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deputy commissioner, Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), Mauritius

Having had no formal tertiary education it was with sheer determination that Moussa Taujoo achieved his ACCA qualification. Eight years after having left school, he obtained a scholarship and enrolled on a course leading to a professional accountancy qualification.

'I knew immediately that this was the chance of a lifetime and I had to take it. I had never studied accounting before - I had never even heard of 'debit' or 'credit'. As far as I can recall, I was the only person in my class who had no prior knowledge of accounting. But I had the commitment and the determination. I put in an extraordinary effort.'

After completing the ACCA examinations, Moussa joined the Government Audit Department as an auditor. Two years later he was promoted to senior auditor and after another two years, he was promoted to principal auditor. At 38, he was made auditor general.

'As auditor general, I was privileged to be at the head of one of the most prestigious and respected institutions in the country, the Government Audit Department. My employment here was one of the most challenging times in my career. Not only was I responsible for upholding the positive image of the office, but I had to remain totally at the forefront of new accounting standards and developments. Thankfully, I had a team of highly dedicated officers and qualified ACCA professionals committed to the objectives of the department. Together we made our contribution to promote good governance and accountability in the public sector.'

Moussa served as auditor general for almost 20 years. In June 2002 he became deputy commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

He has held many prestigious positions, such as senior internal auditor at UNICEF, with secondments to the Amman Regional Office in Jordan and the UNICEF headquarters in New York. However, he continues to strive to set and meet personal goals. 'My goal as one of the Commissioners of ICAC is to help make Mauritius fair and prosperous. Now that I am approaching the end of my career, I plan to increase my involvement in social and charitable activities.

'I will continue to advise students and young members of the profession that the ingredients to success include determination, hard work, commitment and sincerity of purpose.'