Online Reporter
Judith Phiri Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe (ICAZ) has called on accountants in the public sector to enhance their competencies in order to keep up with industry changes, technological advancements and evolving business needs.
This involves learning new software, mastering regulations, developing soft skills like leadership and communication, and expanding into areas such as business strategy and environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting.
In an interview on the sidelines of the 9th edition of the Public Sector Convention in Bulawayo on Thursday, ICAZ president Mr Emmanuel Mudefi said as an institute they were rolling out qualifications and courses critical for accountants to upskill their performance.
“As ICAZ we are taking a very active role in ensuring that we are not just taking a seat back on how the professionals within the Government sector are performing.
“We have introduced the Public Sector Professional Accountant (PSPA)(Z) which is the final qualification category for the public sector professional accountant. By that qualification we are seeing ourselves coming on board to try and professionalise the whole Government sector,” he said.
He said at the moment they have got about just under 75 members who have qualified in this three-year practical training in accredited training offices qualification.
Mr Mudefi said they have upskilled their members’ performance and they continue to provide the relevant accounting support which is required in the public sector.
“In addition to that this conference which is one of the support systems we are offering to public sector accountants, we are also provide support in form of workshops and training. We have got short courses that are earmarked and focus on the public sector to ensure the accountants get certified,” he added.
The two-day event is running under the theme: “Reimagining Public Sector Future: Digital Innovation, Inclusive Governance and Resilient Impact to the Public Sector Profession.”
