The Accountant-Basic of the Federation and Chairman of the Affiliation of Accountant-Generals of Africa, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, has mentioned that accountants have developed from document keepers into strategic companions shaping the {economic} way forward for establishments and nations.
He made the remarks in an announcement launched by the Workplace of the Accountant-Basic of the Federation following the Africa Accountant-Generals Convention held on the Accra Worldwide Convention Centre, Ghana.
Ogunjimi identified that at present’s accountant capabilities in an setting influenced by digital developments, data-focused governance, and complicated {financial} reforms. He emphasised that the traditional notion of accountants as mere bookkeepers is now not in keeping with trendy realities.
“Accountants are leaders. Our work will not be merely to steadiness books; it’s to steadiness the wants of at present with the desires of tomorrow,” he mentioned.
He added that each Cedi, Franc, Naira or Greenback entrusted to public officers should in the end translate into prosperity for residents, noting that selections made by accountants instantly have an effect on thousands and thousands of lives.
The comment emphasised the rising tasks of accountants in areas akin to strategic planning, managing danger, predicting funds, and following laws.
Ogunjimi suggested accounting professionals throughout Africa to embrace data-driven {financial} management that may navigate {economic} instability, uncover improvement prospects and promote accountability in public authorities.
He known as on accountants to see themselves as “catalysts for {economic} development and nationwide transformation.”
The assertion additionally quoted famend African economist and entrepreneur, Tony Elumelu, who counseled Ogunjimi for inviting him to the gathering. Elumelu mentioned he attended not solely as an entrepreneur however as a believer in Africa’s super potential.
He highlighted the need for better cooperation between private and non-private sectors to foster sustainable {economic} development, stating that Africa’s major problem will not be inadequate assets however a scarcity of belief.
“Belief is constructed via predictability, transparency, and partnership. Belief is the forex of capital. Excellence in public finance will not be a luxurious, it’s a necessity,” he mentioned.
Elumelu urged accountants throughout the continent to stay “vanguards of transformation,” particularly in advancing digitalization and strengthening accountability in public finance methods.
The convention gathered high accounting professionals and authorities officers from throughout Africa to look at how accountants can lead in a quickly altering {economic} setting.