In addition to her outstanding qualities, Ministry of Community Affairs’ Chief Financial Officer Stephanie Azan earned the Auditor General’s kudos in October 2014 for being the first CFO in one of the larger ministries to receive an unqualified opinion for her ministry’s 2013-14 financial accounts.
Now, it is for all her attributes that the Deputy Governor has named Ms Azan as the top government employee for November. In turn, she acknowledges her staff as contributors in her getting the award.
Behind the modesty and friendliness that endears her to all her colleagues and subordinates are strong commitments to her job and exceptional professionalism. She also consistently displays leadership qualities that earn her the respect of her superiors, peers and staff at the Ministry of Community Affairs and its departments.
Always holding herself to the highest standards of excellence, Ms Azan motivates her peers and encourages her staff to do likewise. The resulting dedication that the accounts team displays has helped the ministry and its departments’ finances also to earn unqualified audit opinions for two consecutive years.
Her commitment to excellence and superlative organisational skills underscore her invaluable place among her team and the wider civil service. In addition her willingness to share her expertise with financial staff across the entire civil service has inspired others to improve their effectiveness and efficiency, her nominator emphasises.
Apolitical, impartial and courteous in her interactions across the board, from Cabinet Ministers, to the general public and internal customers, Ms Azan is also committed to leading by example. Most inspiring to her colleagues has been her successful completion of two master’s degrees in addition to her Certified Public Accountant qualification.
Thanking her for her “remarkable level of performance and commitment to the government service”, Deputy Governor Hon. Franz Manderson lauded her for constantly being a superior role model for all civil servants.
He also praised Ms Azan’s commitment to her Ministry’s mission of empowering children and families, as well as strengthening communities, which, he noted, has helped identify gaps in financial policies and internal procedures.
Thanking everyone for the accolades, Ms Azan did not stray far from her customary humility when she reiterated that her win was a clear testimony to the good work of her entire team. “I am indeed overjoyed and proud of the consistent efforts of our staff,” she commented.
Photo Caption:
L-r: Deputy Governor Hon. Franz Manderson, Ministry of Community Affairs Chief Financial Officer, Ms Stephanie Azan – with her Employee of the Month for November and Chief Officer’s Choice for November awards -, and Chief Officer, Ms Dorine Whittaker