Young Professional Accountants Network inaugurated
The Young Professional Accountants Network (YPAN) Ghana, a group that aims at bringing young accountants under one umbrella, has officially been launched in Accra.
The group was formed to ensure that Accountants use their knowledge acquired to transform not only their various organisations, but the economy as well.
Mr Oheneba Kwabena Kena, Founding Chairman of YPAN, said there were young talented accountants across the country with the desire to make an impact in society.
He said in 2014, YPAN conducted a survey on the public perception about accountants which showed that many perceive accountants as “debit and credit masters”.
Mr Kena said: “Accountants in the 21st century are not just debit and credit masters but business leaders and strategy drivers”.
He said among YPAN’s flagship programmes were the Young Accountants Conference, Young Accountants Mentorship Sessions and Young Accountants Dialogue; where all accountants come together to digest and scrutinize the budget and share ideas on socio- economic issues.
Mr Sydney Casely Hayford, Chief Executive Officer for Africa Media Service, said as Chartered Accountants especially in Ghana their challenges were enormous and urged young accountants to play an integral role in the society.
He urged accountants to avoid all forms of temptation saying “if you cut someone a cheque ahead of time and they feel like rewarding you; make it very clear to them that you did what you did out of your own efficiency, competence and integrity”.
Mr Casely Hayford said there was nothing wrong with receiving gifts from clients as means of showing appreciation, however it should be clearly pointed out to them that the gift will not influence your roles.
Mr Patrick Nana Kena, Chairman of YPAN’s Advisory Committee, said Ghana was in an era where the society needed a new focus, a focus that can transform the economy.
He said “we need accountants who are of much confidence, bold, disciplined, have integrity and are trust worthy”.
The event was on the theme: “The Role of the Accountant in the Economy”.
Many registered for the programme including students pursuing accounting related courses, journalists; and representatives of ACCA and CIMA.
YPAN is a non- profit and non-partisan organisation established to raise young accountants to be business leaders impacting positively on the society and economy.
The network provides platforms for accountants to share ideas to bring transformation to the various sectors of the economy, provide networking opportunities, mentorship sessions and professional development.
Source: GNA