The-Accountant-Jul-Aug-2016

INSTITUTE NEWS
shape strategic discussions and enable
management to make informed and
quality service delivery decisions. Such
moves would assure a seat for accountants
at decision making table, and contribute in
building trust and enhancing the brand of
accountants with the rest of management
team and in the sector. Similarly, the
accountants should play an active role
of creating awareness on the role of
accountancy profession in the Public
sector: not a bean-counter, but a trusted
advisor who brings value to the Institution.
As suggested during the sessions, ICPAK
should create more opportunities where
the accountants serving in public sector
can share their experiences, formulate
initiatives to build their brand in the
sector and identify thought leadership
initiatives – e.g. develop policy papers -
that would contribute in shaping policy in
public sector and in building credibility on
role of accountancy profession. Preferably,
it could involve establishing Public
Sector CFO Forum, CFO community of
practice, and actively involving many of
the accountants in the Institute’s Public
Sector Committee.
Seminar Delegates
Secondly, the Chapter should create
professional networking forums where
accountants in Diaspora can share
experiences, and design and develop
creative initiatives that can contribute
in achieving ICPAK strategy and in
building institutions in Kenya. Such
forums would provide an opportunity
to tap into in Diaspora’s wealth of skills,
knowledge and experience. The seminar
welcomed FCPA Fernandes Barasa, the
Chairman of ICPAK Council, message
that one of the Institute strategic goal is
to offer opportunities for the members
to share their experiences and formulate
sustainable solutions that would contribute
in improving lives of Kenyans especially
those living in poverty. He commended
the Chapter and the Institute for hosting
the inaugural Chapter Seminar in South
Africa and committed to replicating
similar seminars in other international
Chapters, the next one being scheduled in
UK in October 2016.
Thirdly, to assist CPA(K) who would
like to explore career opportunities
in South Africa, the Institute should
accelerate its negotiations with South
African Institute of Accountants
(SAICA) to enter into qualification
mutual recognition arrangement.
Currently, a CPA(K) are required to
sit and pass Certificate in Theory of
Accounting (fourth year of university) and
2 professional papers; and provide proof
of monitored practical training before
admission to CA(SA). The milestone
will contribute to increased mobility of
accountants in the two countries and
ultimately more intra-country trade in
accountancy professional services.
I cannot forget Alex Granger’s, a
professional speaker and Expert Maverick,
impressive immersion presentation on
“Unlocking future leadership”. It was
inspirational - especially the lyrics of the
song that he taught and led us in singing:
“You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold,
you gotta be wiser. You gotta be hard, you
gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger. You
gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta
stay together”.
He challenged each of us to commit to
stand up to be counted by enhancing our
performance code: by applying what we
learnt during the seminar to improve our
lives and improve institutions that we are
involved in for the benefit of greater good
– improving lives of fellow Kenyans. I
look forward to hearing the achievements
of the delegates during the 2017 Annual
ICPAK Chapter Seminar in South Africa.
“You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser. You
gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger. You
gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together”.
JULY - AUGUST 2016 53