About Acumen
Organizational risk management has become essential due to the interconnectedness of risk and the increasing need for companies to navigate a complex and rapidly changing business environment.
Acumen Audit & Assurance Consulting Ltd. is a boutique-style professional services practice based in Barbados and founded in January 2021. Acumen was established in response to an increasing demand for quality independent audit, risk and compliance services for small and medium-sized financial services firms within Barbados and the region.
Today, five years on, the company stands as a trusted partner within the field of risk management. As we look to the future, the guiding principle remains unchanged - to help small and medium-sized financial institutions navigate complexity with greater clarity, through solutions which safeguard integrity, strengthen governance, and ensure sustainable growth.
Key Management
Kesi Fields CIA, FCCA, CAMS
Kesi is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), and a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), with over 15 years' experience. She has also completed the Quality Assessor Certificate Programme issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), which supports her assessment of the effectiveness of Internal Audit operations. Kesi is also a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Barbados (ICAB).
Ms. Fields' career journey spans the Audit and Assurance Business Services and Risk Advisory divisions of Big Four professional services firms, culminating in a senior risk management role in banking. Having worked across the Caribbean, including the Bermuda financial services and the Cayman Islands public sectors, she has delivered audit and compliance consultancy services that strengthen governance and enhance organizational resilience. Kesi brings deep expertise in governance, risk, and compliance — with a particular focus on compliance, internal control reviews, and risk assurance.
Driven by a commitment to add value, Ms. Fields embodies professionalism, integrity, and purpose — qualities that define her leadership and form the foundation of Acumen's approach to each client engagement.
Damien Chase, FCCA, CIA, CAMS
Mr. Chase has a strong background in governance, risk, and controls, with specific emphasis on internal control, process review and risk management. He is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), and a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) with more than 15 years’ experience.
Damien has worked within a Big-Four global audit and consulting firm before taking up a role in a large conglomerate providing internal audit and risk management services throughout the Caribbean, Bermuda, Cayman Islands and the US Virgin Islands. During this time, Mr. Chase has gained experience across various industries including financial services, insurance, import & distribution, manufacturing, retail, and airline catering before taking up an Internal Audit and Compliance Services role within the Credit Union Movement of Barbados.
At the heart of our firm is a commitment to helping leaders make informed decisions, manage uncertainty, and create lasting value. By combining deep expertise in risk management, internal audit, and compliance with a collaborative approach, we serve as trusted advisors to organizations navigating an increasingly complex business environment. We welcome the opportunity to support your continued success.
Andrew Parsons, MBA, CPA, FCPA
"Knowledgeable, diligent and very effective.... Ms. Fields ensured our Internal Audit programme was conducted to the highest professional standards." - Former Chairman of the Audit Committee, Banking Sector, Bermuda
Jared Siddle, Qualified Risk Director|Qualified Risk Expert
"A consummate professional. Kesi's structured updates and focus on internal controls were instrumental in keeping stakeholders aligned and risk managed." - Former Head of Enterprise Risk Management, Financial Services Sector, Bermuda
Nathan Paget, MSc (IAS), CIA, QiAL, CMIIA, CISA, CGEIT, CISSP
“Highly reliable, collaborative and discreet. Ms. Fields communicates effectively at all levels, handles sensitive matters with discretion and brings a calm, professional attitude to every project.” - Director Internal Audit Services, Public Service Sector, Cayman Islands
What to Expect When Working With Acumen
Working with Acumen is designed to feel clear, structured, and
collaborative from the start. Each engagement follows our Risk-to-Resolution Framework which is aimed at clearly mapping each client's journey from vulnerability to safety.
1.
Start With a Conversation
The process begins with a complimentary consultation to understand your current concerns and goals and determine if Acumen can offer the type of support needed.
02.
Understand Business Operations
Key processes, compliance responsibilities, and internal controls are reviewed to understand business operations.
03.
Risk Assessment & Execution
Areas of risk, opportunity, or concern are identified and evaluated and internal controls reviewed for effectiveness.
04.
Provide Practical Recommendations
Findings are translated into clear, practical recommendations designed to support informed decision-making and measurable operational improvement.
05.
Support Confident Next Steps
The goal is to help your organization move forward with greater clarity and a comprehensive understanding of how to improve operations and increase profitability.
WHAT DEFINES ACUMEN
A Practical Approach Designed Around Clarity, Oversight & Accountability
Acumen Audit & Assurance Consulting Ltd. is built on a commitment to excellence, professionalism, thoughtful guidance, and practical support. Every client relationship is approached with care, discretion, and a focus on helping organizations feel more informed, prepared, and confident in their next steps.
1.
What we do
Through audit, compliance, governance, and advisory support, Acumen Audit provides practical insight designed to strengthen decision-making and support better internal structure.
We help organizations understand where they are, identify what needs attention, and move forward with clearer operational direction.
2.
How We Work
Each engagement is shaped around the organization’s needs, operational environment, and goals. The process is structured, professional, and focused on clear recommendations clients can actually use.
We utilise international best practice risk management standards in the performance of all engagements including:
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The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO)
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ISO 31000: Risk Management
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Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS) Issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors.
3.
What We Value
Our goal is to provide support that feels grounded, informed, and aligned with each organization’s next stage of growth.
Professional integrity, clear communication, discretion, and practical guidance are at the center of every engagement.
