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 learnt 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
A career with National Audits Group is built on growth, support and the opportunity to develop both professionally and personally.
A Personal Journey Behind the Auditor Profile
Behind every auditor profile is a story that goes beyond technical work. For Gansen Pappiah, his early days at National Audits Group came with unexpected personal challenges that tested both his resilience and determination.
After joining the firm in 2016, Gansen began experiencing ongoing fatigue and health issues that made even simple tasks difficult. What initially seemed like stress quickly developed into something more serious, leading to a sudden diagnosis of Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia. The experience was confronting, bringing uncertainty and concern not only for his health but also for his family and future.
Support and Resilience within The NAG Team
During this time, the support of the NAG team played a critical role in Gansen’s journey. Rather than focusing solely on performance, the team prioritised his wellbeing, encouraging rest, offering flexible work arrangements and providing ongoing support as he recovered.
Returning to work was gradual, with reduced hours and ongoing challenges, but the environment allowed him to rebuild his strength and confidence over time. This experience reflects the culture within National Audits Group, where people are supported through both professional and personal challenges.
Returning to Work and Rebuilding Momentum
Gansen’s return to auditing was not immediate or easy, but it was driven by a strong desire to regain normality and continue progressing in his career. As his health improved, so did his ability to contribute more consistently to the team.
On the 7th of November 2017, just seven 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 the NAG team.
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.
His journey highlights an important aspect of the profession: that behind every successful auditor is persistence, adaptability and a willingness to grow through difficult situations. These qualities continue to shape his role today and contribute to the strength of the broader team.
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.
Stories like Gansen Pappiah’s reflect what #AuditorProud Day is all about. It recognises auditors who not only deliver high-quality work but also demonstrate resilience, leadership, and a genuine commitment to their clients and teams.
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.
Build a Long-term Career as an Auditor
Gansen Pappiah’s growth within the National Audits Group reflects the opportunities available to auditors who are committed to developing their skills, building strong client relationships and contributing to the wider team. Below are key areas that support long-term career progression in auditing:
- Develop technical expertise — Build strong knowledge in financial reporting, risk assessment and regulatory compliance while continuously refining your understanding of audit standards and methodologies.
- Gain industry exposure — Work across different businesses and sectors to broaden experience, understand varied operations and develop a more well-rounded perspective.
- Take on greater responsibility — Progress into roles that involve managing engagements, overseeing audit processes and leading teams to deliver quality outcomes.
- Strengthen client relationships — Build trust through consistent communication, responsiveness and the ability to deliver insights that add value beyond compliance.
- Adapt to industry changes — Stay responsive to evolving standards, emerging technologies and shifting client expectations to remain effective in a changing audit environment
Discover the Team Behind National Audits Group
At National Audits Group, we take pride in the quality of our service, which wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our people. Their expertise and commitment ensure we continue to deliver high standards across every engagement. To meet more of the team, visit our NAG blog.