Elizabeth Ann Jones, chairman of The Jamaica Nationwide Group, proudly holds the quotation recognising her because the recipient of the ICAJ’s 2024 Distinguished Member Award.
KINGSTON, Jamaica – From a modest rural upbringing to turning into one of many Caribbean’s well-respected tax specialists, Elizabeth Ann Jones, chairman of The Jamaica National Group, by no means adopted a grasp plan, solely a dedication to doing her finest.
“I used to be by no means one who had particular timelines to perform something. I simply tried to be the perfect that I may very well be at any given time,” she mentioned after receiving the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Jamaica’s (ICAJ) 2024 Distinguished Member Award lately.
Raised in Worthy Park Property, deep within the coronary heart of Luidas Vale, St Catherine, and later despatched to boarding faculty in Kingston, Ms Jones didn’t got down to develop into a tax skilled however solely to do good work. The truth is, she left The College of the West Indies with a level in Chemistry. Nevertheless, after getting a job in auditing and realising early on that it wasn’t for her, she turned to taxation and by no means appeared again.
Her journey was marked by daring choices and a willpower to drive change. Within the tax house, her unwavering dedication to excellence allowed her to form the occupation and depart an enduring legacy.
Years of Service
The tax skilled’s profession spans greater than 40 years of service to the private and non-private sectors, together with her decades-long management of KPMG’s Jamaican tax observe. Her work concerned advising on native and worldwide tax planning, together with double taxation treaties; tax laws and liaising between shoppers and tax authorities on issues of evaluation and incentives.
“It’s an honourable occupation; it provides you nice alternative, flexibility and reward, all relying on what you set into it,” she mentioned.
She additionally served the Authorities of Jamaica in varied capacities together with being particular advisor to the Minister of Finance from 1989 to 1992, the place she contributed to the implementation of the Normal Consumption Tax (GCT), a crucial improvement in Jamaica’s fiscal historical past.
“I feel I’m very lucky to have had, alongside the way in which, individuals who’ve inspired me and have been a giant affect on my improvement and my turning into the particular person I’m at the moment, worthy of being honoured,” she added.
She acquired the ICAJ’s highest honour throughout the Institute’s 60th Anniversary Awards Banquet on Might 1 on the Jamaica Pegasus Lodge in New Kingston. Offered yearly, the award recognises ICAJ members for his or her excellent contribution to the institute and the accountancy occupation in Jamaica.
“We’re proud to have fun an expert whose service, integrity and management proceed to encourage,” mentioned Eric Scott, president of the ICAJ, who led the praises for her dedication and impression on the occupation on the occasion. “What actually distinguishes Ms Jones is not only her experience however her regular principled method to management, her quiet mentorship and her unwavering service to the neighborhood.”
Past her skilled profession, Ms Jones has devoted her time to voluntary service in training, youth improvement, and civic engagement. She additionally serves on the Board of Administrators and audit committee of Radio Jamaica Restricted and is the primary feminine to carry the submit of chairman of The Jamaica Nationwide Group.
Earl Jarrett, chief government officer and deputy chairman of The Jamaica Nationwide Group, who was additionally on the Awards Banquet, described Ms Jones as a powerful and regular chief, with a relaxed and measured method, whether or not in good or difficult instances.
He added that she is unafraid to take dangers or embrace new alternatives, at all times guaranteeing that nobody is left behind.
Hon Earl Jarrett, chief government officer of The Jamaica Nationwide Group, hugs Elizabeth Ann Jones (proper), chairman of The Jamaica Nationwide Group
“I like her consideration to element, her mentorship, and her loyalty. She persistently creates alternatives for private development and studying. I’ve by no means heard her elevate her voice or converse all the way down to anybody, however you’ll at all times know when she’s not happy. I depend on her to maintain me calm,” Mr Jarrett shared.
Different colleagues throughout the enterprise, authorized, and accounting sectors echoed these sentiments, with many crediting her regular management and mentorship for shaping their careers {and professional} values.
