In 2017 Gansen Pappiah shared a very personal story about his Leukaemia diagnosis. Now, 7 years later, Gansen is an Associate Director at National Audits Group (NAG) and is Head of the SMSF Audit division which has had over 300% growth in the last 3 years.
Gansen is a leader within the business and has been a catalyst for growth and inspiration for the teams in every NAG office. In his initial story, he says ‘“I write this today feeling clear-headed, and ever so grateful to my NAG family for their support during my dark hour.” Today he excels in his role and is an inspiration to the next generation of Auditors. Before we go into detail about Gansen’s current role in the business and the SMSF division, let’s delve into where it all started for Gansen.
Background
In his home country of South Africa, Gansen was an Operations Manager of a franchise service provider company. He quickly learned the required sales, development, and management skills to run a successful franchise business.
Operating a franchise business provided him with a wealth of experience, which has held him in good stead and allowed him to progress swiftly at NAG. The first part of his journey, however, did not go smoothly.
Gansen states, “I started my journey at National Audits Group (NAG) in November 2016. Having just embarked on a new career path, I was filled with trepidation. I had only just recently finished university at 46 years of age. Everything was new and sometimes daunting. I suddenly found myself unable to complete even some simple tasks, and I kept questioning myself.”
It wasn’t long until those feelings of exhaustion turned into something more sinister, having been advised by the doctor to get to the hospital immediately, as he was at risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or an embolism. A few days following it was confirmed he had Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia, with his cell count well into the 300s (normal range being between 4-11).
A Career with National Audits Group
On the 7th of November 2017, just 7 months after the diagnosis, Gansen celebrated his first anniversary at National Audits Group. It was during this time that Gansen started to take on more responsibility within the business.
His approachable and positive manner has resulted in him building strong business relationships with existing clients and allowed him to forge new ones with potential clients. Adept at solving complex issues, Gansen ensured that challenges were addressed in a timely and amicable manner, benefiting all stakeholders involved. His contribution has not only elevated the quality of audits but has also played a crucial role in reinforcing the reputation of NAG.
Gansen was recently promoted to Associate Director in 2022 and has maintained a high standard of efficiency but has continued to cultivate many positive relationships and create change within the business.
Gansen’s friendly and approachable personality, coupled with his commitment to flawless service, has positioned him as a trusted professional within the National Audits Group and among our extended network.
Auditing Experience and Expertise
Gansen’s previous management experience saw him transition smoothly into the world of auditing. Gansen specialised in SMSF (Self-Managed Superannuation Fund) Audits early on and his experience in this area has been a cornerstone of his career, showcasing his ability to navigate the complexities of financial systems with precision.
Armed with a Graduate Diploma in Chartered Accounting and a Bachelor of Accounting, Gansen has honed his skills to become a distinguished member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) as well as being a registered SMSF Auditor, solidifying his credibility in the auditing domain.
As well as Gansen’s impressive work acumen, he is also regularly involved in charity and community events, recently manning the phones and assisting with donation collections at the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation Charity Drive, giving seriously unwell children and adults a fighting chance at life.
Advancements in the SMSF Audit Landscape
Gansen has successfully helped grow the SMSF Audit division, utilising the changes around independence in the Audit Industry. As per the ATO, audits completed after 1 July 2021, approved SMSF auditors and tax professionals must comply with the SMSF independence standards that impact in-house audits. We outlined in this article that “as a result of the restructured code, the guide now makes it clear that an SMSF auditor cannot audit an SMSF where the auditor, their staff, or their firm, has prepared the financial statements for the SMSF unless it is a routine or mechanical service.”
NAG is a pure audit firm that meets all the requirements of the Independence guidelines. The complexities of SMSF auditing and regulatory changes not only provided NAG with the opportunity for growth in the industry but also ensured continued success with this division. This success can be attributed to our solid planning, relationship building, reasonable pricing, and consistent delivery of our services.
Advice for a Career in Auditing
Drawing from his extensive experience, Gansen Pappiah shares valuable insights for those aspiring to build a successful career in auditing. His advice emphasises the importance of a solid educational foundation, continuous professional development, and the cultivation of a positive and approachable attitude. Gansen advocates for a holistic understanding of business management, as it enhances the ability to navigate intricate financial landscapes effectively.
Danielle Nye, Director at National Audits Group, shares her firsthand expertise about Gansen Pappiah: “Gansen continues to be a valuable addition to the business and is a true leader to the team. His ability to build close relationships with those around him is what sets him apart. I have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside Gansen as he has progressed through the business. He is an inspiration to others and I personally wish him all the very best as he continues to grow within the business.”
Gansen Pappiah stands as a beacon of excellence in the auditing profession. His journey from business management in South Africa to becoming an Associate Director at National Audits Group, despite a few bumps in the road, serves as an inspiration for aspiring auditors. With a commitment to efficiency, a passion for finance and accounting, and a welcoming and positive presence, Gansen exemplifies the qualities that define a successful auditor in today’s dynamic business environment.
At National Audits Group we take pride in the quality of our service, which wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our people. To meet more of the team visit our NAG blog.
