Mala Yantee Bonomaully,
Finance Director of Accenture Mauritius

“Integrity is at the heart of everything we do”

Mala Yantee Bonomaully, the Finance Director at Accenture Mauritius, strongly believes that transparency and accountability are central to her role, as are integrity in leadership and professional conduct. In her conversation with BIZWEEK, she shares how her values, shaped by her upbringing, have guided her career, and how her passion for mentoring the next generation of leaders has reinforced her belief that success is built on a foundation of ethical practices and personal growth.

Mala Yantee Bonomaully (FCCA), Finance Director at Accenture Mauritius, has built a remarkable career defined by her dedication to excellence and humility, and a strong commitment to integrity. As the first Mauritian to hold the key leadership positions of Country Controller and Member of the Board of Directors at Accenture Mauritius, her story offers insights into how hard work, discipline, and ethical leadership can pave the way for success. In a conversation with BIZWEEK at the headquarters of Accenture in Ebene, Mauritius, Mrs. Bonomaully shared her professional journey, her role in shaping the future of finance, and her deeply held beliefs about leadership and personal growth.

Born and raised in Mauritius, Mrs. Bonomaully’s early life was grounded in simplicity, support, and family values. “I had a wonderful, carefree childhood,” she recalls. “We were six siblings, and growing up, I always felt secure and loved. There were no major issues in our family, which I know is a privilege.” She credits her peaceful upbringing with instilling a sense of stability that has underpinned her professional approach. “It was an environment without any tension. In fact, I sometimes joked that I wished that my life included the family drama my young adult friends always complained about. I didn’t have the family issues or struggles that so many others shared,” she adds with a laugh. “It took me a while to realise that I was actually lucky to have that stability which was the foundation of who I am today.”

From a young age, Mala Yantee Bonomaully found herself drawn to numbers. “Accounting came naturally to me,” she explains. “The structure, the logic behind debit and credit – it just clicked.” This affinity led her to pursue a career in finance, beginning with her studies at the University of Mauritius, and later earning her ACCA qualification. She began her professional journey while simultaneously studying, a challenging balance that many struggle with. But for Mrs. Bonomaully, the demands of work and study were made easier by her deep passion for the subject. “I was lucky because I genuinely loved what I was doing,” she says.

Accountants need to fully understand the depth of their responsibilities, especially when it comes to related-party transactions and conflicts of interest. A small oversight could lead to serious consequences.

After gaining experience in accounting and internal auditing at one of Mauritius’ largest conglomerates, she joined Accenture in 2005 as Assistant Country Controller following her time in the offshore sector. Her career trajectory at Accenture was characterized by consistent growth, and her competence in managing the company’s finances led to her being appointed as Country Controller in 2013. This was a pivotal moment, as she became the first Mauritian to hold this position in a firm known for its rigorous standards and global operations.

“Becoming Country Controller was significant for me,” she reflects. “Back then, proving that a Mauritian could lead the financial operations locally for a global firm was important. It wasn’t easy initially, but I was determined to show that we are capable.” Her determination and leadership were evident as she navigated the challenges of transitioning into a role typically held by foreign nationals.

Mrs. Bonomaully’s leadership at Accenture extends beyond local responsibilities. She is actively involved in managing financial operations across regions, while also adhering to the global accounting standards of US GAAP and IFRS. “My department ensures that our statutory financial statements meet the required accounting standards, keeping everything compliant with Mauritian regulations while aligning with the global practices of Accenture. We have an extended accounting team in India, handling specific aspects of our financial management,” she explains. 

In her role, Mrs. Bonomaully is also the Country Controller for an Overseas Entity, and works closely with outsourced teams in India, Argentina, and the Philippines. “My role involves coordinating with various global teams, ensuring that our work is aligned with global objectives and upholds Accenture’s high standards,” she adds.

In January 2019, her accomplishments culminated in her appointment to the Board of Directors of Accenture Mauritius, another historic milestone. “When I was informed that I would be joining the Board, it was a surreal moment,” she recalls. “I didn’t expect it. Being the first Mauritian on the Board felt like a recognition not only of my work, but also of the potential for Mauritians to rise in global firms.“

Mrs. Bonomaully’s contributions to Accenture’s financial strategy, her unwavering focus on transparency, and her dedication to ethical practices have made her a key figure in ensuring that the company operates with the highest level of integrity. “Integrity is at the heart of everything we do,” she says. “Whether it’s ensuring compliance with financial regulations or maintaining transparency in our dealings, my role is to uphold these values.“

Beyond her leadership at Accenture, Mala Yantee Bonomaully has played an important role in the broader financial sector through her involvement with the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and the Mauritius Institute of Professional Accountants (MIPA). She has served on the ACCA Network Panel as Vice President and President, and has sat on Sub Committees of MIPA involved in maintaining the highest ethical standards for Accountants.

Mrs. Bonomaully considers whistleblowing as a key aspect in upholding integrity within the profession. And to foster an environment where individuals feel safe to report misconduct, ensuring anonymity is crucial. “If people fear being identified, it becomes tough to get them to come forward. It’s not going to work if there’s a concern that they will be exposed,” she explains. “However, it’s also important to recognize that some whistle-blowers may have their own agendas, so thorough investigations are essential.“

For the Country Controller, an accounting professional should be disciplined and demonstrate high ethical conduct. “Accountants have a responsibility to uphold the highest ethical standards,” she says. “Accountants need to fully understand the depth of their responsibilities, especially when it comes to related-party transactions and conflicts of interest. A small oversight could lead to serious consequences.“

While Mrs. Bonomaully’s career achievements are impressive, her commitment to giving back to the community is equally remarkable. For over a decade, she has been involved with Befrienders Mauritius, an organization that provides support to individuals struggling with mental health issues, particularly those contemplating suicide. Her motivation to join Befrienders stemmed from her realization of how fortunate she had been in her own life, and her desire to give back.

“I joined Befrienders because I wanted to help those who didn’t have the same support system that I did,” she explains. “Mental health is something we don’t talk about enough, but it affects so many people. Through Befrienders, I was able to offer a listening ear to those who felt they had no one else to turn to.“

Her role as President of Befrienders for four years allowed her to lead various initiatives aimed at raising awareness about mental health and providing much-needed support to those struggling with suicidal thoughts. “Sometimes, it’s not about solving someone’s problems,” she says. “It’s about being there for them, listening without judgment, and offering them emotional support.“

Outside of her professional life, Mala Yantee Bonomaully has a passion for philosophy and personal development. She is an avid listener of podcasts that explore themes of self-improvement, spirituality, and thriving in life. “I love learning about different philosophies and perspectives,” she says. “It’s important to always be curious about life and to never stop reinventing yourself.“

As she continues to be a leader at Accenture Mauritius and contributing to the financial profession, Mrs. Bonomaully is passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders. Her advice to young professionals is to maintain strong ethical standards, work hard, cultivate discipline, and be authentic. “If you embrace core values and believe in yourself, success will naturally follow. Never let anyone undermine you,” she says.