Sun INTERVIEW
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Renu Chand, the newly-elected president of the Fiji Institute of Accountants, has had an extensive career working in chartered accountant’s environment both in Fiji and in New Zealand.
Currently, a partner at KPMG in Fiji, Ms Chand has over 20 years of chartered accounting experience, having worked both in New Zealand and Fiji.
Ms Chand has also carried out a senior corporate role in New Zealand for three years where she was the financial adviser to a very large project which was a great success and official opened by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand-Helen Clarke.
“During my time in New Zealand, I also pursued further studies and attained by CA membership with the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants,” she said. This is now the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
“I have been so privileged to have been mentored and developed by exceptional employers throughout my CA career,” Ms Chand said.
“These employers also provided flexibility to my working arrangements to accommodate my role as a working mother.
“I have three daughters who are currently at university in Auckland so I’m regularly travelling to visit them.”
Some of Ms Chand’s other roles include; Vice President of the Fiji New Zealand Business Council and Chair of the South Pacific Stock Exchange Annual Report competition. She is also involved in various community interests.
Ms Chand said her decision to become a chartered accountant was really something that she followed on from her undergraduate studies.
“After I graduated, I knew if I wanted to have a successful career in accounting then becoming a chartered accountant is required,” she said.
What do you think of the accounting standards in Fiji?
As FIA is a member of the International Federation of Accountants, it adopts international accounting standards get by the International Accounting Standards Board an independent standard setting body.
Compliance can be challenging as we do not have our own differential reporting framework for small to medium sized entities and as a result the international standards are required for adoption.
How many members does FIA have now?
The current membership base is 853 of which female members comprise of 313 (37%). We have received an increase in our membership applications this year with 103 new members since January. We would like to lift the profile of the institute with students encouraging more student affiliate members.
We have proposed secondary school visits and networking functions with students from our three universities scheduled during 2014. Students should see this as an opportunity to “get connected” with the accounting profession including access to information via our website, technical updates, upcoming events and career opportunities.
How has your experience been with the journey in this profession?
It’s a great journey that I enjoy daily. It is challenging but also rewarding when you see the results of your work.
What does it take to be successful in this field ?
Taking whatever opportunity come your way, then work hard to demonstrate your work ethics and true potential. It is also very important to be good communicators as a CA role has changed to become more of experts in our field in today’s complex business and global environment.
What are three things which in your view a CA should do?
Act with integrity, be professional, lead by example.
How important is a CA?
As I had mentioned earlier, the role of accountants is changing and driven by the complex business environment we operate in. Global developments have also led to constant reviews of our International Financial Reporting Standards, our Code of Ethics and becoming more business advisers providing insight and solutions. For businesses in Fiji, by employing a CA you are employing from a pool of the very best.
Feedback: rachnal@fijisun.com.fj