Post a comment 
Former Auditor General of Sierra Leone, Lara Taylor-Pearce, has opened up about the challenges she faced managing staff during her decade-long tenure, acknowledging that strained relationships were part of her leadership journey.
Speaking on Liberty Online TV, Taylor-Pearce reflected candidly on the difficulties that arose as she sought to uphold strict accountability standards within the country’s auditing institution.
Taylor-Pearce, who served as Auditor General from 2011 until her suspension in 2021, became widely respected for her uncompromising stance on transparency and financial accountability. However, her leadership style also drew criticism, with some staff reportedly finding her approach rigid and demanding.
Her suspension, alongside Deputy Auditor General Tamba Momoh, led to the establishment of a tribunal to investigate allegations of misconduct and workplace tensions. The tribunal’s findings highlighted strained staff relations, raising questions about management practices within the Audit Service Sierra Leone.
During the interview, when asked if she had been an obstacle to other staff, Taylor-Pearce acknowledged the challenges but defended her approach, saying her insistence on high standards sometimes created friction with colleagues. She noted that disagreements were inevitable in an institution tasked with holding powerful entities accountable and emphasized that her focus remained on professionalism and safeguarding the integrity of the audit process.
Taylor-Pearce’s reflections have reignited debate about her legacy:
Supporters argue that her strictness was necessary to protect Sierra Leone’s financial accountability.
Critics contend that her management style undermined staff morale and contributed to institutional strain.
Her candid remarks underscore the delicate balance between enforcing accountability and maintaining workplace harmony in oversight institutions.
As Sierra Leone continues to strengthen its governance structures, Taylor-Pearce’s reflections serve as a reminder that leadership in accountability roles often comes with both personal and professional challenges.
