ACCA Responds To Dire Shortage Of Accountants

MBONGENI MGUNI
Staff Writer | Monday May 10, 2010 00:00

ACCA Botswana has 350 members, as well as students and affiliates who have finished their examinations but lack the necessary experience to become full and recognised chartered and certified accountants.

Presently, ACCA Botswana has 2, 500 students registered in Botswana studying for Certified Accounting Technician and the ACCA professional qualifications.

Last week, ACCA officials revealed that demand is highest in the commerce or corporate sector that already accounts for 43 percent of ACCA members. Another 23 percent are employed in the private sector while the remainder are employed in the public and financial services sectors.

The statistics were unveiled at an ACCA launch addressed by Trade and Industry Minister, Dorcas Makgato-Malesu.

ACCA Botswana Network Panel Vice Chairman, Sylvester Tshomane, said the challenge was to attract more young people to study accounting, qualify and enhance the profession in Botswana.

To this end, ACCA Botswana has unveiled a calendar of events aimed at triggering interest in the accounting profession. These include a New Members Luncheon for accountants who have received their membership in the last year, the Employers Forum, Mentor Workshop, Family Fun Day and an Annual Gala Dinner.

'There's a pronounced shortage of chartered accountants in this country and we hope that these events will help develop more accountants and have more come through into the association,' Tshomane said.

He explained that many qualified accountants use public sector practice as a 'training ground' before they leave for other sectors such as commerce, private practice and the financial services sector.

'The majority of accountants are in commerce because public practice is used as a training ground for accountants,' he said. 'Most of them leave for commerce once they have gained some experience.

'There's a general view that commerce is more attractive, but we want to stress the value of getting practical training, which is very important for affiliates as it guards against issues of competence and reputation.

'During the time that they are affiliates, they must get the right experience. I would say accountants are generally needed everywhere. The need is more pronounced in commerce because this sector is bigger than other sectors.'

Local chartered and certified accountants hope the new ACCA Ambassadors initiative will also encourage youths to pursue accounting studies. ACCA members recently elected three Ambassadors who will, among other duties, attend student meetings and raise awareness of ACCA in Botswana.

The Ambassadors programme takes place throughout ACCA branches worldwide. ACCA Ambassadors for Botswana are Cosmos Moapare, Tshegofatso Modise and Jonnah Pongaponga.