Graduates of the Solomon Islands Professional Diploma of Accounting (PDA) can gain international recognition and global professional credibility, according to the President of the Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants (ISIA), Mr. Johnson Lobo.
Mr. Lobo made the remarks while addressing 40 graduates from the third cohort of the PDA program, who graduated last week at the Heritage Park Hotel.
“Through easier affiliation with international bodies in recognition, aligned with the effort of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), your qualifications get global credibility,” Mr. Lobo said.
“IFAC recognizes and advises adherence to international acceptance standards of four things, professional competency, ethics, education, and quality assurance.
“This means that the qualifications you are working towards are not only relevant locally, but you are not expected internationally,” he added.
Mr. Lobo said the PDA is a strategic and professional program designed to strengthen accounting capacity in Solomon Islands and the wider Pacific region.
“The PDA equips participants with practical, work-ready accounting skills that are directly relevant to the reality faced by accounting in both the public sector and the private sector,” he said.
The program covers four key areas: Financial Reporting; Management Accounting and Budgeting; Financial Performance Analysis and Internal Control; and Solomon Islands Taxation and Company Law.
Mr. Lobo said these areas provide the foundations on which good governance, transparency, accountability, and sound financial management are built.
“In an environment where organizations such as government ministries, SOEs, NGOs, and private companies are increasingly under-supported, the need for competent, ethical, and professional-trained accountants has never been greater,” he added.
“By completing the PDA, you are taking an important step towards meeting the national and professional demands.”
Mr. Lobo said the journey does not end with graduation, but continues through professional membership.
ISIA is the National Professional Accounting Board of Solomon Islands, and becoming a member is not optional but a professional responsibility.
“By becoming an ISIA member, you belong to a recognized professional community,” Mr. Lobo said.
“You committed to continue professional development; you uphold ethical and professional standards.”
“Apply for ISIA membership. Membership is what transforms your qualifications into recognized professional identities.
“ISIA has committed to support the professional growth through training, advocacy, network opportunities, and alignment with regional and international accounting boards,” he added.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
