KARACHI: The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Pakistan welcomed its new members and recognised its high achievers from across the country in glittering ceremonies in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad on February 18, 19 and 21, respectively.
Themed ‘Strategic Business Leaders | Capacity & Character’, the New Member Ceremonies celebrated the achievement of ACCA members who attained the membership milestone from January 01, 2018 till December 31, 2018 as well as national and global place winners during the same period. The new members are part of the vibrant global ACCA community of more than 208,000 members in 183 countries.
The British High Commission Islamabad joined ACCA as a co-organiser for the all three ceremonies.
The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests from Government, public-sector businesses, leading organisations and think tanks. These celebratory evenings were also a useful networking opportunity for new ACCA members to meet senior members and renowned employers.
The Honourable Governor Sindh, Imran Ismail attended the ceremony in Karachi, Senator Walid Iqbal graced the event in Lahore and Shafqat Mahmood, Federal Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, National History and Literary Heritage was the Chief Guest of the evening in Islamabad.
Mr. Robert Stenhouse, President, ACCA formally welcomed the newly-inducted ACCA members in his address and reminded them that becoming a member of the ACCA meant full support from a professional accountancy body with global reach. He said that ACCA fully understands the important roles accountants play in both the private and public sectors and seeks to provide members with access to resources that will ensure they develop into future strategic business leaders and can reap the full benefits of what he called an exciting profession.
“ACCA-qualified accountants are integral to ensuring economies around the world continue to stay on track. Employers recognise us as trustworthy, ethical and highly professional. Our qualification is seen as the preferred qualification for employers around the world, who appreciate the practical approach and flexible delivery which allows them to hire well-rounded financial professionals.” he said. “A career in the finance profession can be immensely satisfying: it is rewarding, challenging, sustainable and can eventually provide a path to leadership where you continue to contribute to and effect change.”
Sajjeed Aslam, head of ACCA Pakistan also delivered a passionate keynote address and reminded ACCA members, “The world needs a finance profession that provides value; makes a positive contribution; fosters sustainable growth; and problem-solves new challenges. So when you join this immensely rewarding profession, you also take on our common purpose and shared responsibility. It is up to all of us to provide this and more to businesses, societies and economies. This concept of the public value of accountancy is at the heart of everything ACCA stands for. Our mission, our vision, and the various things we do around the world are centred on the concept of ‘doing the right thing’.”
During Sajjeed’s speech, a short video was played presenting ACCA Pakistan’s vision for an emerging Pakistan and its members’ commitment to country’s social and economic wellbeing.
The Association also presented awards to notable member advocates and public value champions for their outstanding performance in their field of work, recognizing them for going beyond in expressing public support for the accountancy profession, embodying ACCA’s values, delivering public value and displaying ethical professionalism.
“The Advocacy Awards are not about career achievement; but about the way that ACCA members give back to their communities, and help ACCA to develop the next generation of professional accountants.” – Haroon A. Jan, Regional Head of Member Affairs, ACCA.
At the ceremonies, ACCA also formally welcomed organisations who’ve recently joined ACCA under its ‘Approved Employer programme’ – a recognition of high standards of staff training and development. Moreover, ACCA Practical Experience Supervisors were also recognised for their mentorship to ACCA trainees at various organisations.
ACCA holds the New Member Ceremonies every year to commemorate the achievement of its new members with fanfare. This year’s ceremonies were special because ACCA is globally celebrating the successful launch of its Strategic Business Leader case study based exam, requiring students to demonstrate the right blend of technical, ethical and professional skills. Says in press release
