By Doh Bertrand Nua
Renowned academic and varsity don, Aloysius Vutumu, has set a record by becoming the first Cameroonian Chartered Accountant to earn a Doctor of Philosophy, Ph.D degree in Forensic Accounting and Audit.
The native and elite of Kedjom Keku, in the North West Region of Cameroon, achieved the significant academic milestone with distinction from Charisma University.
Charisma University is a Turks and Caicos Islands non-profit private higher institution approved by the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Education through its Higher Education Advisory Board to offer online and on-campus degree and certificate programs.
The prestigious graduation ceremony to celebrate Dr Vutumu’s academic feat took place on June 28, 2024, at Hilton Garden Inn in Billings, Montana, in the United States of America, USA.
The highly motivated and professionally trained accountant, with decades experience of in-depth line finance management and financial planning, has through the advanced program, been equipped with specialised skills in fraud prevention, detection and the maintenance of ethical standards.
About the Ph.D program
Charisma University’s Ph.D. in Forensic Accounting and Audit, it should be said, is meticulously designed to impart extensive knowledge and skills in the realms of Forensic Accounting and Auditing.
The program covers forensic accounting techniques, fraud detection, data management, cyber forensics, business valuation and ethical considerations.
The program ensures a comprehensive understanding of the profession by integrating case studies and real-world exercises, prepares professionals to tackle the complexities of forensic accounting and auditing with practical expertise.
Zoom on Dr Vutumu’s academic background
Aside his recent Ph.D., Dr Vutumu, it should be noted, is holder of a Master of Sciences, M.Sc., degree in Accounting and Finance, obtained in 1999 and a Bachelor of Sciences, B.Sc., degree holder in accounting, earned in 1997, from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
The alumnus of the prestigious Cameroon College of Arts, Science and Technology, CCAST, Bambili, has a career which is a blend of professional practice, academia and industry expertise in finance and accounting.
Ace Chartered Accountant
Dr Vutumu is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN and the International Institute of Certified Forensic Investigation Professionals, IICFIP.
He is also a CEMAC Commission registered accountant and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Cameroon, ONECCA, since 2004.
Dr Vutumu’s professional journey includes significant roles in the industry, practice and academia, with over 24 years as a Chartered Accountant.
Since 2012, he has been with the Castel Group. He currently serves as the Finance Director for its Cameroon operations (Les Boissons du Cameroun, SOCAVER, and SEMC).
Prior to joining Castel Group, Dr Vutumu worked with Diageo Plc, world’s number one drinks company, where he served as manager with the Global Audit and Risk team based in London, UK, Commercial Finance Manager for the Venture Markets and Spirit Business, GTME, in Europe and Russia and Head of Accounting for Diageo Cameroon from 2007 to 2011.
While in practice, he rose to an Assurance and Advisory Manager, during his six years, from 2001 to 2007 at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, PwC, managing audits across oil and gas, mining, banking and manufacturing sectors in Cameroon, Angola and other CEMAC countries.
Dr Vutumu the varsity don
In academia, Dr Vutumu served as a Graduate Assistant Lecturer of Accounting at the Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria, from 1997 to 2000 and as a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Buea, Cameroon, from 2001 to 2004.
He later taught Financial Accounting, Governance and Ethics in the MBA program at the same University from 2015 to 2016.
Dr Vutumu currently serves as Chief Invigilator of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN’s examinations in Cameroon and as sub-committee head in-charge of Anglo-Saxon professional accounting education of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Cameroon, ONECCA.
He is also National Adviser to the Cameroon bureau of the International Institute of Certified Forensic Investigation Professionals, IICFIP and an Associate, with the Precious Cornerstone University Centre for Professional Development and Consult in Ibadan, Nigeria.
Dr Vutumu’s extensive experience and academic achievements reinforce his commitment to excellence in financial management and ethical standards.
His contributions continue to inspire and serves as a benchmark for professionals in the field of accounting and finance.
