PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on local accountants to be trustworthy gatekeepers of national resources to prevent fraud and corruption.
Mnangagwa made the remarks at the 9th Zimbabwe Accountants Conference held in Harare yesterday.
The conference, which ran under the theme Future Ready Profession: Innovate with Integrity, Sustain with Purpose, was hosted by the Public Accountants and Auditors Board.
“I challenge you, the accountants in both the public and private sectors, to be trustworthy gatekeepers of national resources. Every dollar spent must be accounted for,” Mnangagwa said.
Reports indicate that corruption is costing the economy almost US$2 billion annually, often through the abuse of national resources.
For years, the Auditor-General’s office has been exposing abuse of State funds at public entities which are found wanting in properly accounting for State funds.
Mnangagwa noted that accountants play a crucial role in enhancing financial transparency, accountability and efficiency within public sector entities.
“Further, you are key cogs that enhance financial transparency, accountability and efficiency in public sector entities,” he said.
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“Government counts on professionals in this field to ensure the proper implementation of our budget, reduction of corruption and improvements in audit processes throughout all our institutions.”
He said accountants were architects of economic transformation, custodians of corporate and public finance and enablers of national development.
“Whether in the private sector or the public domain, your work directly influences the efficiency, transparency and accountability of Zimbabwe’s economic activities. As accountants, you play a crucial role in strengthening public financial management,” Mnangagwa said.
The President encouraged the professionals to facilitate industrialisation, modernisation and overall economic growth.
“Accountants are essential in driving digital transformation, enhancing financial inclusion and upholding corporate governance and ethical standards,” Mnangagwa added.
Finance minister Mthuli Ncube urged accountants to commit to financial integrity and economic transformation.
“As professionals tasked with ensuring financial probity and corporate governance, you are the backbone of Zimbabwe’s financial system,” Ncube said.
Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development minister Monica Mutsvangwa urged accounting professionals to be diligent in financial reporting.
