ICAN Passport to the World – If They Can I Can with Oscar Capelao

Welcome to the ICAN Passport to the World series.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Namibia have invited 99FM’s Kirsty Watermeyer to meet some of their members. Namibians who have built their careers and lives around the field of accounting. These Namibians are the shapers of industry, captains in their fields, who are growing and building business in Namibia.

One such Namibian whose journey to become an accountant is pure Namibian inspiration is that of Oscar Capelao, Chief Financial Officer of First National Bank Namibia.

Capelao has served as Chief Financial Officer, Executive Director, Member of the Group Executive Committee of FNB Namibia Holdings Limited before becoming CEO.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and is a Certified Chartered Accountant.

“…somebody early in life saw the raw talent in me.”

He is a registered Chartered Accountant having completed his articles at PWC and prior to joining the FNB, he worked at Old Mutual Namibia.

“Ultimately we are custodians of wealth of the nation…It’s keeping the system honest. It’s something noble.”

Capelao joined the FNB Group in 2006, initially as Treasury Accountant and then Group Finance Manager during which time he assisted the FirstRand Group in assessing new ventures.

“No-one is self- made. There is always a mentor, a family member, who invested in one so when you achieve success you are a hero, you are self- made. And it’s recognising that with success you also need to do your part.”

Watch his incredible story with us… If You Can #ICAN.

“…you are never done learning. You need to constantly reinvent yourself.”