#WomenInForestry – meet Ashika Singh
Sappi Forests, KwaZulu-Natal
Divisional Timber Accountant
Qualifications
- Bachelors in Accounting Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration
- Masters in Business Administration
Forestry career: 21 years
In my current role I oversee all the financial aspects related to timber sales to Sappi mills and external customers in both KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. Our Timber Control department ensures we provide a high standard of customer service and support to the forestry operational team enabling them to deliver timber to the mills with minimal admin hurdles. My typical day entails team meeting and constant engagement with people making sure real time information is available to all stakeholders to assist with effective decision making that is required on the ground.
WHY I LOVE WORKING IN THE FORESTRY SECTOR
Being in the finance department might sound boring but being on the commercial accounting side of the business means there is never a dull moment especial when dealing with the complicated deals negotiated by our op guys. I love being in my current role because I never stop learning, we drive continuous improvement and are continually looking for innovative ways of improving our timber control systems to enable efficiencies both within finance and operations. We arrange infield visits with the various disciplines within forestry which helps us understand the operational aspects of our business making our office bound jobs more interesting.
MY ADVICE TO THOSE EXPLORING A CAREER IN FORESTRY
My advice to women wanting to join the industry I would say if this is your passion do it because when you do what you love every day, it stops being a job and becomes a way of life. Forestry has more women foresters as part of the work force today and they are succeeding at doing a great job. I believe that nothing is impossible and with the right attitude you can do anything.
