Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, Zimpapers Business Hub
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe (ICAZ) has launched two accounting qualifications as part of its contribution to Zimbabwe’s economic growth through enhanced financial literacy and the formalisation of small businesses.
According to ICAZ, the two qualifications are (GIZ), which is the General Accountant in Zimbabwe, as well as the Accounting Technician in Zimbabwe (ATZ).
In an interview on the sidelines of the launch in Bulawayo yesterday, ICAZ president Mr Emmanuel Mudefi said the GIZ was coming in at a lower level, where students, straight from high school, get professional or workplace training in preparation for the job industry.
He said the ATZ was for professionals who are already working, trained and experienced, but want to enhance their qualification or pivot.
“As you may be aware, the Zimbabwean economy has been on a growth trajectory over the years. And that growth trajectory requires support in terms of financial literacy, as well as in terms of accountability and ethical leadership,” said Mr Mudefi.
“So, as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe, what we have done is we have launched two qualifications, which we believe are very important, and they are supporting that issue of national growth.
“We believe that these qualifications can be affordable to SMEs. At the moment, obviously, the GIZ is top-notch; it’s at a high level designed for big companies. But these two designations can also then assist in formalising the SME.”
Mr Mudefi said launching these two qualifications in Bulawayo would also complement the city’s strategic position as part of the heartbeat of Zimbabwe’s economy and status as the country’s second largest city in the country.
“We would want to support this city in terms of all these qualifications,” he added.
“So be it public sector, be it private sector, be it the mines, be it the universities, be it any form of an economy, these designations are there to give that support.”
Financial intelligence and formalisation of small businesses have been in the limelight with developmental partners, the Government and private players continuing to partner in offering different initiatives towards the goal.
ICAZ chief executive officer Mr William Mandisodza said that officially launching ICAZ’s new set of professional qualifications in Bulawayo was not merely the introduction of new policies, but a strategic intervention in the national economy.
He said it was a direct response to modern industry demands and a commitment to empowering the nation, one business at a time.
“Our country is on a positive economic trajectory. At the heart of this growth are small and medium enterprises,” said Mr Mandisodza.
“The dynamic, ambitious SMEs that are the true engines of job creation and innovation. Yet we recognise a critical gap. For these businesses to thrive, to scale up and attract investment, they require a solid foundation and financial literacy, robust accounting practices and sound capital.
“This is the market imperative laid by the Government. And today, we are proud to present our response.”
He said ICAZ was de-democratising financial literacy, ensuring that every growing enterprise had access to the talent it needs to manage its finances effectively and sustainably.
He said there was a direct positive correlation between the number of professional accountants in a country and its economic growth.
“By expanding the pipeline of accounting talent to these new destinations, we are not just training bookkeepers,” added Mr Mandisodza.
“We are cultivating a generation of financial professionals who will enhance transparency, drive efficiency and foster investor confidence.
“We are quite literally investing in the financial infrastructure that will fuel Zimbabwe’s economy to grow faster and sustainably.”
Chartered Accountants Academy (CAA) group CEO Mr Anesu Daka said the launch of the two qualifications in Bulawayo was a vision to professionalise the entire finance function in Zimbabwe, from the finance clerk to the finance director, from the technician to the general accountant, as it were.
CAA is a tuition provider working with ICAZ in different qualifications.
The launch saw representatives from the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), Lupane State University, students from Milton High School, accountants from different institutions and ICAZ staff attending.
Londile Moyo