Avita Panalal
Avita Panalal is an accomplished accounting and audit professional with over 17 years of experience in public sector finance, specializing in government auditing, treasury operations, and financial management. Her career reflects a strong commitment to financial integrity, public service, and operational excellence across both the Caribbean (Trinidad and Tobago) and the United States.
Throughout her career, Avita has held pivotal positions in Trinidad within the Auditor General's Department, Ministry of Finance’s Treasury Division and the Office of the Prime Minister and the Judiciary, contributing to improved fiscal oversight and the implementation of best practices in financial controls. Her expertise spans financial accounting, auditing, budgeting, and business intelligence, with a strong foundation in both technical and analytical skills.
Avita holds a Master of Business Administration in Business Intelligence/Analytics (STEM) from Nova Southeastern University and is an ACCA-qualified accountant. She is also committed to continuous professional growth, having completed specialized training in government accounting systems, audit tools and techniques, and resilience-building.
Passionate about accountability and efficiency in public finance, Avita is dedicated to driving improvements in governance and fostering integrity within the accounting profession.
• ACCA
• Building Resilience
• Psych Bytes
• Certificate and Training in Government Accounting Unit Systems
• Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Tools and Techniques for Auditors
• Knowledge in Court Paralegal Training Programme
• Microsoft Office Suite - Excel (Advanced)
• Nova Southeastern University - MBA
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my mother’s strong work ethic, my spiritual beliefs, and the unwavering support of my family.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never be afraid to diversify your knowledge.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don’t be intimidated by the field—stay confident, stay focused, and remain committed to your goals.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges The accounting field is facing significant challenges, including a growing talent shortage due to fewer students entering the profession and a wave of retiring CPAs, which pressures firms to automate or outsource roles. Technological advances like AI and automation are transforming traditional tasks, requiring accountants to upskill. Opportunities The accounting profession offers key opportunities for growth, particularly in areas like data analytics and business intelligence, where skills in tools such as Power BI and Tableau are in high demand. Emerging fields like ESG and sustainability reporting are creating new career paths, while cloud technology and remote work are enabling more flexible, global roles. Specializations in areas like forensic accounting or nonprofit finance can differentiate professionals and increase value.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value teamwork, building meaningful connections, and the social aspects of collaboration. Above all, I deeply value my family.
