Sikhulekelani Moyo [email protected]
THE appointment of tax expert Simbarashe Hamudi as Country Managing Partner for Zimbabwe at Baker Tilly Central Africa has been hailed as a milestone for the accounting profession, with industry players saying it highlights the growing importance of taxation and advisory services in firm leadership.
Tax experts have described the appointment as a breakthrough, saying it is the first time a tax partner has taken the helm of an audit firm in Zimbabwe.
In a LinkedIn post, tax expert Susan Chidembo congratulated Hamudi, praising his hard work, commitment and leadership.
“Breaking ceilings for tax professionals! Huge congratulations to Simbarashe Hamudi on his historic appointment as the Country Managing Partner for Zimbabwe at Baker Tilly Central Africa.
Simba’s incredible hard work, unwavering commitment, and visionary leadership have led to this landmark milestone making him the very first tax partner to lead an audit firm,” said Ms Chidembo.
“This is a proud moment for the entire tax profession and an inspiring reminder of what dedication can achieve. The traditional boundaries of leadership are officially gone.”
She said the appointment should inspire professionals from diverse backgrounds to pursue leadership positions.
“This historic milestone proves that there is a space and a path for every voice to lead at the very highest levels. To the next generation of upcoming professionals from all backgrounds, your unique perspectives are exactly what the future needs. Let’s keep opening doors, lifting each other up, and redefining who gets to run the room. We celebrate excellence, commitment, and leadership that breaks ceilings.”
Ms Chidembo said Hamudi’s career demonstrated the value of technical expertise and dedication to the profession.
“You have not only raised the bar for tax professionals but have opened a door for many who will follow. I am incredibly proud and inspired,” she said.
Another tax expert, Florida Mashonga, said the appointment reflected the strategic importance of taxation and compliance within the accounting profession.
“This is a significant development for the tax field and signals the strategic place of taxation and compliance within the accounting profession.”
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) also congratulated Hamudi in a LinkedIn post, describing his appointment as an achievement for the tax profession.
“Indeed a huge congratulations to Simbarashe Hamudi on this remarkable milestone and well-deserved appointment as Country Managing Partner for Zimbabwe at Baker Tilly Central Africa.
This is an inspiring achievement for the tax profession and a testament to the power of dedication, expertise, and visionary leadership,” reads the post.
“The future of tax administration is in safe hands when we have professionals who continue to break barriers and set new standards of excellence. We wish you continued success as you lead, inspire, and contribute to the growth of the profession.”
Hamudi said his appointment was both an honour and a responsibility, adding that he was committed to building a firm known for technical expertise, integrity and responsiveness.
“I am grateful to the Baker Tilly Central Africa leadership and to our clients for their confidence. My focus is to build a firm that is trusted for its technical depth, integrity and responsiveness, and to develop the next generation of Zimbabwean professionals,” he said.
He said the appointment demonstrated the role tax and advisory expertise could play in the leadership of an audit firm.
“It shows that tax and advisory expertise can sit at the centre of firm leadership. Tax is no longer a back-office compliance function; it shapes investment decisions, cross-border trade and public revenue.
“I want to keep contributing to stronger technical standards, particularly in transfer pricing, VAT and income tax, and to constructive engagement between taxpayers and ZIMRA.”
Hamudi said his priority was to ensure Baker Tilly Zimbabwe contributed to the country’s economic growth by supporting businesses with tax, audit and advisory services.
“That means supporting local businesses, from SMEs to large mining and manufacturing groups, with sound tax, audit and advisory services that help them grow, stay compliant and compete regionally and globally.
“Leading a firm that is part of a global network also lets us bring international standards and expertise home, while ensuring Zimbabwean professionals are developed and retained here rather than lost to opportunities abroad. I am committed to building local talent, mentoring young chartered accountants and tax practitioners, and creating opportunities for them to lead.”
Baker Tilly is a global network of independently owned and managed accountancy and business advisory firms.
