Government Partnership Lauded At Fiji Accountants Meet
"The past two years there's been a lot more close public relationship with the government, which is good.
Monday 29 April 2024 | 18:08
Outgoing president of the Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants Rajeshwar Singh (left), with his successor Wiliki Takiveikata at the Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Coral Coast. Photo: Frederica Elbourne
The Government's engagement in consultations with the Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants was commended by delegates at the institute's annual congress.
The past two years of collaboration between the institute and the government culminated in a successful congress that brought together the Leader of Opposition and the Deputy Prime Minister to share on topics of national interest.
The success of last weekend's congress was a parting shot under the leadership of then outgoing president Rajeshwar Singh, before he handed over the presidential baton to Wiliki Takiveikata.
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Mr Takiveikata said the institute would continue to collaborate with stakeholders including the Government. "It started over the last two years," Mr Takiveikata said.
The institute would also look into other ways of delivering services through the use of technology.
"We're going to take stock," Mr Takiveikata said.
"The past two years there's been a lot more close public relationship with the government, which is good.
"People are willing to share ideas openly and come up with a lot of suggestions for nation building."
Labour mobility
While labour mobility challenges have not spared the accounting fraternity, it has brought with it opportunities for the sector, Mr Takiveikata said.
"It's about building our resources from young accountants," he said.
A stopgap measure was to bring in people from abroad, he said.
"A lot of firms are getting people to fill in that gap," he said.
"We're not sure when this will slow down, but it will.
"For us, it's about building with what we have.
"It's probably a good problem because when one leaves, it provides an opportunity for somebody else; maybe that's the way to look at it."
Still, the lack of experience was a challenge, Mr Takiveikata said.
"We have a role to play in upskilling our people, and building up capacity," he said.
"And that's where the institute will collaborate with the learning institutions, to look at the curriculum."
Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj
