Veteran chartered accountant Elizabeth Ann ‘Betty Ann’ Jones was honoured by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica (ICAJ) as the 2024 recipient of the Distinguished Member Award at its annual awards banquet.

The event was held on May 1 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in recognition of her exemplary service and unwavering commitment to integrity and people-centred leadership.

The Distinguished Member Award is the highest honour conferred by the Institute. It recognises individuals who have demonstrated a lifetime of outstanding service to the accounting profession and made meaningful contributions to national development.

With over 40 years of experience, Jones is widely respected for her principled leadership and dedication to nation-building.

She currently serves as chairman of the Jamaica National Group, making history as the first woman in that role, and sits on the board and audit committee of Radio Jamaica Limited. She also spent over three decades leading the tax practice at KPMG Jamaica, where she advised on tax reform, treaty negotiations, and international tax planning.

Reflecting on her journey, Jones spoke candidly about the values which have shaped her career and life. She encouraged Jamaicans to lead with compassion, humility, and understanding – principles she said were forged through decades of service.

“Life is a long journey, and along the way, you learn what’s important; how to treat people and how to respond to them. It’s not something you learn overnight,” she said. “There’s a saying that until you’ve walked a mile in someone else’s shoes, you shouldn’t criticise. People may be going through challenges you know nothing about. That’s one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the years.”

She also highlighted the quiet power of simple gestures.

“Sometimes you say something to someone in passing, and you never know the impact it will have,” she added. “But years later, they come back and tell you how much it meant. That’s something I really treasure.”

Her contributions extend beyond the boardroom. From 1989 to 1992, she served as special advisor to the Ministry of Finance during the implementation of Jamaica’s General Consumption Tax (GCT), a landmark reform of the national tax system. In 2015, she was awarded the Order of Distinction, Commander Class (CD), by the Government of Jamaica for her outstanding service to the accounting field.

ICAJ president Eric Scott praised Jones as a trailblazer whose distinguished career has left an indelible mark on both the institute and the country.

“She is a chartered accountant who has served with distinction for over 40 years within the profession in Jamaica. We at the ICAJ believed that she was a fitting awardee for this year. To receive it, one must have made a significant and lasting impact, not only on the ICAJ, but on nation-building,” Scott said.

Tributes poured in from prominent members of the legal, business, and accounting communities, including Hilary Phillips, Joseph Matalon, and Earl Jarrett.

A touching video message from her former colleagues at KPMG, where she spent much of her career, paid tribute to her enduring legacy. Her children, Kyla and Jonathan, were also in attendance, adding a deeply personal touch to the celebratory evening.

Visibly moved by the accolades, Jones expressed heartfelt gratitude.

“To hear all the tributes that people made and the wonderful things they said about me,it’s unbelievable,” she remarked. “It brings you to tears almost. As my daughter said, it was like a living funeral. You get to hear all the things people would say after you’re gone, while you’re still alive. I really appreciate it. It’s not something I ever expected, but on reflection, it has been wonderful. I thank the ICAJ once again for presenting me with this award.”

The evening also marked the official start of ICAJ’s 60th anniversary celebrations, commemorating six decades of service to the accountancy profession and the nation.

“We are looking forward to hosting a number of special events, most of which will take place in October. Between now and the end of the year, we have a full schedule of activities to mark this milestone, and we will be announcing details in the coming weeks,” Scott noted.