JUSTEESE EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (JEDI)

The Justeese Employee Development Initiative (JEDI) is a collaborative and wholistic employee training program that aims to enhance the soft skills, accounting knowledge, and technical capabilities of recent college grads from the Caribbean by placing them with small businesses and nonprofits in need of accounting services here in America.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Caribbean has a plethora of talented, skilled, and motivated graduates looking to break into the accounting industry but are stifled by lack of access to the job market. Meanwhile, there is currently an urgent and unmet need for accessible bookkeeping and accounting support services for small businesses in America.

THE MISSION

CONNECT highly skilled Caribbean graduates to job opportunities that match their expertise.

PROVIDE small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits with high quality accounting services.

EMPOWER clients by delivering accounting services in an open and non-judgmental manner.

THE IMPACT

  • Improved economic growth and stability in the Caribbean by connecting graduates with the training, experience, and opportunities needed to contribute to the region's development.

  • A more engaged and empowered small business community with access to vital information and services.

  • A positive shift in the way small businesses and nonprofits view and approach accounting and bookkeeping services.

MEET THE COHORT

  • With four years of experience in finance and compliance, Chad draws on a strong foundation in financial analysis and management to excel in his role as a Justeese Staff Accountant.

    In his free time, Chad enjoys playing video games, listening to music, and embarking on adventures to undiscovered destinations in Jamaica and beyond!

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    “The international professional networking opportunities provided by Justeese, even while being based in Jamaica, are experiences that I likely wouldn't have obtained elsewhere!”

  • A graduate of UTech Jamaica, Emley's love of problem solving led her pursue a degree in Finance. As Account Coordinator at Justeese, Emley looks forward to growing with her team, helping clients, and becoming the best version of herself possible.

    Emley is also a great cook and lowkey gives really good advice!

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    “It feels great to be part of a team that flows so easily and actually supports each other! You are constantly being reminded that you always have help.”

  • Ever since being introduced to Accounting in high school, Rusheka was determined to turn her passion for the field into a successful career. Now as a Staff Accountant at Justeese, she uses her well-honed skills in analysis and problem solving to support her team.

    Outside of work, Rusheka loves traveling, volunteering, and spending time with family.

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    “Learning is a continuous process. So, I will always strive to expand on what I’ve learned through practical experiences on a day-to-day basis by looking for opportunities to implement my learning and to improve where necessary.”

  • A natural-born problem solver, Shamar has wanted to work in accounting ever since high school. After 3 years in the Finance industry, he now works at Justeese as a Client Account Manager.

    Shamar is also an excellent defender in soccer, very good at video games, and a pretty good driver, too!

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    “At Justeese, I got a better understanding of US accounting law and also experienced working with people from different parts of the world, which is unique. My accounting knowledge has grown massively. I’m now able to adapt to new things a lot quicker. While I used to be extremely shy, now I speak more freely.”

  • Though not bound by any one field, Sherani specializes in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, leaning more on the accounting side. As Grant/Inventory Controller at Justeese, she's always finding ways to boost efficiency.

    Sherani is also a gifted writer and hopes to release a children's book at the end of the year!

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    “It is so refreshing to have a boss who believes in your capabilities and pushes you to make your own decisions! On a professional level, the program made me realize that I should trust my instincts more. I now feel confident in stepping out of my comfort zone and into the unknown, since that is where your potential will shine.”

  • A graduate of University of Technology, Kayla is a hard worker who aims to play a key role in our clients' growth and development as a Client Accounting Manager at Justeese.

    Outside of work, Kayla loves visiting family, having a night out with friends, and going on adventures and road trips!

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    “Working for Justeese is the best! We're trained to give excellent customer service and show love and understanding to both clients and fellow team members.

    Since starting the program, I improved my problem-solving skills and am more able to make calculated decisions. I have also improved massively in time management as well as increased my knowledge in the accounting field.”

Partner with us!

JEDI is a huge endeavor and a labor of love! In order to keep expanding the program and reaching more people, we're going to need some help.

Whether it's through buying merch (coming soon!) or offering pro-bono services, we'd love to find ways to partner up!