The Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) said it is committed to nurturing a community of professionals who uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and ethics.
BICA CEO, Verily Molatedi was speaking at the fifth graduation ceremony to celebrate 11 of its students who completed chartered accountancy studies.
“Our mission, our vision, and our values are all centered around the idea that the graduates we produce are the cornerstone of our organization and indeed the drivers of our national economy,” Molatedi said.
Molatedi said that the BICA qualification is a testament to the unwavering dedication to professionalism and ethical conduct.
“Our graduates become members of a community that extends beyond these walls, and they carry with them the responsibility to maintain the high standards that we uphold,” she highlighted.
Molatedi added that the graduates are the future of the accounting profession in Botswana as they act as stewards of financial integrity and guardians of fiscal responsibility who protect the public interest.
“In an ever-changing world, where economic challenges and uncertainties are the norm, the role of chartered accountants becomes even more critical. Our graduates, with their knowledge and values honed at BICA, are prepared to take on this responsibility with dedication and excellence,” she highlighted.
Commissioner General of Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS), Jeannete Makgolo noted that the graduation was a culmination of collaborative efforts that started in 2010 with a vision that sought to elevate the standards of accounting and finance in Botswana.
She said the collaborative effort aimed at cultivating a cadre of professionals who would stand shoulder to shoulder with their global counterparts.
“Following the enactment of the Accountants Act of 2010, BICA introduced its professional accountancy qualification in collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and funded by the World Bank, aimed to fortify Botswana’s economy by establishing a robust accountancy profession,” she explained.
According to Makgolo, the goal was to establish BICA and lay the foundation for a qualification that would be recognised globally.
Acknowledging the crucial support of stakeholders, particularly the government in participatory development, she called for broader involvement from various sectors of the economy.
“It is evident that a shortage of professional accountants has been identified, and the BICA Qualification has been a response to this need. However, a collective effort is required to ensure sustainable development,” Makgolo said.
She urged all stakeholders to consider ways they can contribute to the future of the BICA qualification and the development of the accountancy profession.
“The government acts as an enabler, but other sectors must join the effort. Sponsoring employees for the BICA qualification and becoming accredited as Approved Training Employers are tangible ways to actively participate in shaping the future of Botswana’s accountancy profession,” Makgolo said.
BICA President, Susanne Swaniker-Tettey said his organisation plays a crucial role in the society and represents its members’ interests, develops the accounting profession, protects the public interest, and ensures observance of the highest professional and ethical standards by its members.
