Andrew grew up in the coastal town of Amanzimtoti on
the East Coast of South Africa, just south of Durban. His father, Costa, was a pastor of a local church and his mother, Jane, was a nurse before they both immigrated to the UK in
2003.
Andrew and his only sibling, Timothy, attended the
prestigious Kearsney College, where they both enjoyed the strong sporting culture of the school and played rugby, cricket and swam with some of the country’s best talent, including England Rugby
Player, Matt Stevens.
Andrew entered into the Bachelor of Commerce programme at the University of Natal in 2002
after being part of the Management Team at “Chick-fil-A” – Durban for two years post-matric. While at the University of Natal, Andrew acquired specialised knowledge in Financial Accounting (IFRS),
Management Accounting, Finance and Auditing with the view of acquiring advanced UK Tax knowledge, after his planned immigration to the UK in 2006.
In 2003, while at university, Andrew was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition which
continues to affect his gait, motor skills and balance. This diagnosis did not prevent him from finishing his degree on schedule and to-date, it hasn’t affected his achievements, attitude or work
ethic.
In 2006, Andrew continued his professional accounting studies with the Association of
Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and became a Member of the Association in 2010. As planned, he specialised in Advanced UK Tax, IFRS, Business Analysis and Management Accounting. He was
sponsored to study with the ACCA by Pendragon PLC, Europe’s largest automotive retailer, while he worked for them as a Finance Team Member. In 2015, with great pride, Andrew accepted Fellowship
status with the ACCA.
Andrew returned to South Africa in 2008 and after a couple of years, was asked to join the
small team at Columbus McKinnon – South Africa. Columbus McKinnon is a large, multi-national company listed on the NASDAQ and has grown its presence in SA from less than 30 employees to over 140 at
present. Andrew was made the Financial Director of the SA Group, while also acquiring his Fellowship with the Institute of Directors of Southern Africa during 2015.
During his time at Columbus McKinnon, Andrew also tried his hand at entrepreneurship opening
Cape Town’s first WakaBerry Frozen Yoghurt Bar, and studying towards a PG Dip. in Finance with the London School of Business. Andrew quickly learnt that spreading himself to thin was not wise and in
2014 closed the Frozen Yoghurt Bar and received his diploma from the LSBF shortly thereafter.
In 2017, Andrew commenced his Master’s Degree with the University College London (UCL),
currently ranked joint 7th in the QS World University Rankings and completed the programme in June 2018. During this same period, he married the love of his life, Samantha Schreiner in an intimate
ceremony at their church in Amanzimtoti and they relocated to the UK.
Print 