By Mubanga Mubanga
Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZiCA) has advised ministries to focus on paying outstanding bills on time, to avoid incurring penalties and legal obligations, as the government is battling to restructure huge debt.
ZiCA president Yande Siame Mwenye observed that ministries are spending agencies of the government and should have stringent controls in the process of expenditure.
She said controlling officers should enhance controls to minimise leakage of funds through procurements and over payment of salaries.
She added that controlling officers should encourage data exchange between ministries to ensure that no one benefits twice from social programs.
Mwenye also said management at the Ministry of Health should enhance controls on drug management.
She said the government should continue with a recruitment program for teachers and delivery of desks with emphasis on quality.
“We note strides that have been made thus far through utilization of CDF towards purchase of desks. The 2023 budget is covering more recruitment of teachers,” Mwenye said.
She also commended the Office of the Auditor General for the work undertaken for the checks and balances that continue to be provided to the government and the Zambian people as a whole, in spite of the understaffing challenges.
Mwenye also advised Zambian citizens to build and safeguard the country’s resources and report all matters of abuse of resources to law enforcement agencies.
And Mwenye has urged members of the public to report anyone masquerading as an accountant.
She said before someone is engaged as an accountant, the employer should ensure their membership with ZiCA is valid.
“Before engaging an accountant, auditor, tax expert or any finance professional, employers have a statutory obligation to check the validity of ZICA membership. As the public is aware, it is an offence to employ a person in a finance role without that person being registered by the institute. Both the employer and employee commit an offence according to section 18 of the Accountants Act of 2008,” she said.
Mwenye said in the year to come and in line with their mandate, the institute is strengthening the compliance unit and regulation which will see enhanced prosecutions for those found wanting.
