Katija Jaime-Gonsalves: Driving impact through finance, leadership and innovation

What is your professional and educational background?

I am a Chartered Accountant (South Africa) with a Bachelor of Accounting Science Honours (Taxation) degree. My professional journey spans a broad range of sectors, including multinationals, listed Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and more recently, the research and health sector.

I began my career at Ernst & Young (EY), one of the Big Four auditing firms, where I completed my articles. This experience provided me with a strong foundation in financial reporting, auditing, risk management and compliance across a wide range of industries.

After EY, I progressed into senior finance roles at various organisations, including a listed property fund where I was responsible for financial management, reporting under IFRS, budgeting, strategic planning and board-level engagement. I then transitioned into the health and research sector, where I currently serve as Head of Finance for a leading research centre within the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. In this role, I oversee financial operations for clinical research projects, donor-funded programmes and a new clinic, ensuring compliance with both institutional and funder requirements.

My diverse background has equipped me with a unique combination of technical accounting expertise, commercial acumen and a deep understanding of regulatory and donor frameworks, particularly in the non-profit and healthcare environments.

What is the most exciting thing about your work?

One of the most exciting aspects of my work is the ability to adapt to changing economic conditions while ensuring the financial sustainability of the organisation. I thrive on the challenge of navigating complex and evolving environments, whether it’s adjusting to shifts in donor funding, economic pressures, or regulatory frameworks and developing strategies that keep the organisation resilient and future-ready.

What makes this even more meaningful is the broader impact of our work. In the research and health sector, we are not only managing finances, we are contributing to projects that change government policies and save lives. Knowing that the work I do behind the scenes directly supports clinical breakthroughs, improved healthcare access and informed public health decisions gives me a profound sense of purpose.

It’s this combination of strategic financial leadership and the opportunity to drive social impact that makes my work both exciting and deeply fulfilling.

What attracted you to Cambridge Judge Business School and the Global Executive MBA?

I was drawn to Cambridge Judge Business School because of its global reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and leadership. I wanted to pursue an international MBA at one of the best institutions in the world, one that would challenge me intellectually and expose me to a diverse network of professionals and thought leaders.

The Global Executive MBA, in particular, aligns strongly with my career aspirations. It offers a rigorous curriculum that enhances both strategic and operational thinking, while also providing a truly international perspective, something that’s critical for navigating today’s interconnected business environment. The programme’s emphasis on leadership development, entrepreneurship and real-world impact resonated deeply with my professional goals.

Additionally, being part of a globally recognised institution like Cambridge opens up opportunities to engage with cutting-edge research and policy dialogue, which is especially valuable in my current role in the research and health sector. The experience not only broadens my skillset but also equips me to think more holistically, lead more effectively and make a broader impact in Africa and beyond.

What are you hoping to get out of the Global Executive MBA?

I am looking to bridge the knowledge gap between my technical financial expertise and the broader strategic, leadership and global business skills required at the executive level. While my background as a chartered accountant has provided a strong foundation in finance and operations, I recognise the importance of evolving into a well-rounded leader who can drive organisational growth, influence policy and lead through complexity.

Through the Global Executive MBA, I hope to gain deeper insight into areas such as global strategy, innovation, leadership and change management. I am also eager to enhance my ability to think critically and make high-impact decisions in diverse and rapidly changing environments.

Most importantly, I want to become a more effective and visionary leader, one who can inspire teams, influence systems and contribute meaningfully to both the private and public sectors, particularly in Africa. The programme will not only sharpen my business acumen but also provide the global perspective and network needed to create sustainable, long-term impact.

What are your career ambitions in the long term?

My long-term ambition is to become a successful entrepreneur who drives meaningful social and economic change. I am passionate about building businesses that not only generate value but also create jobs, stimulate economic growth and uplift communities, particularly in developing regions.

A key focus for me is empowering women to become active and equal participants in society. I want to create opportunities for women to access employment, develop skills and achieve financial independence, especially in environments where societal norms and legal frameworks have historically limited their potential. By doing so, I aim to contribute to more inclusive and resilient economies.

Entrepreneurship, for me, is a powerful tool for transformation. Through it, I hope to design innovative, sustainable solutions that address real challenges, create employment and contribute to long-term economic development, while also inspiring others to do the same.