10 Oct 2016

Senior policy advisor at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Dr Wilfred Mandlebe, has called upon the newly qualified chartered accountants to take lead in their industry.

Six graduates, all women, were awarded the BICA qualification during the first cohort, graduation ceremony of Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountant (BICA).

It was at the ceremony where Dr Mandlebe challenged them to use their knowledge to ensure that there was return on investment of all players in the economy and to take challenges presented by the Economic Diversification Drive and the Public, Private Partnerships.

“You have an obligation to offer sound advice to Government and other participants and contributors of our economy, let us seize the moment, lead and leave the rich legacy of a prosperous Botswana, This can only be achieved by practicing fearlessness and integrity,” he said.

He explained that this could only be achieved by giving advice without fear or favour and adhering to ethics even if it sometimes may not endear to their employers.

He said the role of accountants has become sophisticated as they were expected to provide strategic guidance while looking after the entity’s financial wellbeing.

“It is the accountant’s tenacity that helps an organisation to adapt to any situation and positions,” he said.

Dr Mandlebe appealed to companies and other players in the industry to assist in funding students to study BICA qualification, adding that Government could only act as an enabler by passing laws that lead to the developments and funding where possible.

“There are many ways that you can take the lead and develop the profession from the ground, for instance you can start sponsoring employees to persue the BICA qualification,” he said.

He reiterated that the competitive edge of the qualification relied more on the element of technical work experience, adding that, companies had the advantage of applying to be accredited as an Approved Training Employer (ATE) and give in giving back to the community.

“Becoming ATE will also assist BICA to close the gap which exists between the qualification and the Industry needs,” he said.

Dr Mandlebe said the BICA qualification was uniquely positioned to produce graduates who understood the rigorous of a quickly changing professional landscape, evident in the recent uncertain economic times.

“It is now more than ever that we need the expertise and innovative thinking of the accountant,” he said.

He explained that the BICA qualification intake took place in july 2011, with atleast 60 students registering for the qualification, adding that to date the qualification has managed to attract 343 students, of which all of them were active at various stages of the qualification.

For her part, the President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Whales, Ms Hilary Lindsay told the graduates that success was an their success was an excellent demonstration of the ability and commitment of students of Botswana.

“Passing your BICA is no mean feat, and you should all be proud of yourselves, completing all aspects of the CA-Botswana, with examinations written at the same time is extraordinary,” he said.

He explained to the graduates that they were in a profession, of which the term profession, was derived from the concept of belief, commitment and making a promise, a pact with society about what they will do.

“You have opened the door to a varied and exciting career: doing meaningful work and making a difference. Those are not just slogans. What you will do now and in your career will help businesses, companies, the economy of Botswana and the society at large as you build trust and protect public interest,” he said. ENDS