Monique Anthony keeps it all in balance

Monique Anthony’s journey began at the Immaculate Conception High School, where she discovered a passion for reading alongside a love of numbers and problem-solving. “I started working straight out of high school as an audit trainee and ended up pursuing the professional accounting qualification through the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. This experience provided a strong foundation in finance that continues to guide my career,” the vice president and chief financial officer at Sygnus Capital Limited told Living.

That foundation allows her to navigate complex financial landscapes with the precision of a star chart, aligning processes and strategies to highlight growth opportunities. She describes herself as “detailed, resilient, reliable” and credits her hobbies with keeping her balanced. Outside of work, she nurtures creativity and wellness through writing, interior decorating, strength training, and Pilates. “I also enjoy activities that help me stay grounded, whether that’s reading, gardening, or spending time with family and friends,” she said, noting that these practices support her in maintaining focus while navigating the responsibilities of leadership.

Her path to finance and leadership was shaped by structure, discipline, and the generosity of mentors. “I didn’t initially envision a career in finance, and I would say I more or less fell into the profession. Although I studied accounting, I got my first job opportunity in auditing, where the structure, discipline, and rigour of the work shaped how I tackled problems and made decisions. Over time, that foundation opened my eyes to the broader strategic impact of finance and paved the way for me to pursue finance and leadership in the financial services sector.”

The principle of giving to gain has guided her throughout. She credits her mentors, peers, and bosses for investing in her development, and she has, in turn, shared her knowledge and skills with others. “This mindset opened the doors to many new opportunities for me and reinforced the importance of collaboration and generosity in achieving long-term success,” Anthony said, describing how giving has created both professional and personal connections that keep influencing her career.

Anthony joined Sygnus Capital Limited in late 2019, stepping into a critical role during a pivotal stage for the company, and shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the world. She was entrusted with building out the financial reporting infrastructure for a rapidly growing business. “Stepping into the role of CFO at that early phase allowed me to contribute in a tangible way from day one, and I would say that my journey with Sygnus has been one of purpose and meaningful contribution,” she explained. Her early experiences set the stage for her broader leadership responsibilities and established her as a guiding star in the Sygnus constellation.

In her current role as vice president and CFO, Anthony oversees the fiscal functions of the Sygnus Group, providing strategic financial input, strengthening governance, and aligning regional finance teams across multiple jurisdictions. What she finds most rewarding is seeing the collective efforts of her teams translate into real, measurable benefits. “Contributing to Sygnus’ evolution while also mentoring emerging leaders and fostering an environment where individuals feel empowered to excel is something I take great pride in,” she said.

Mentorship has played a central role in her career trajectory. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by mentors of both genders who identified my potential, and their sound advice has been fundamental to my development. I have paid that forward by mentoring others over the years. Giving my time, knowledge, and experience has not only supported the growth of others but has deepened my own sense of purpose as a leader,” Anthony explained.

Looking ahead, her focus remains on meaningful contribution, both professionally and personally. With her daughters approaching post-college years, she is intentional about modelling mentorship, purpose, and generosity. “Giving to gain will remain central to how I lead and live,” she said. In the galaxy of Sygnus, Anthony’s constellation is defined not just by individual brilliance but by the connections she fosters and the pathways she creates for others to shine.

lifestyle@gleanerjm.com