QC mayor cites vital role of accountants

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. cited yesterday the vital role played by accountants in good governance, effective fiscal management and fighting graft and corruption in government.

"Accountants are information gate keepers, correct and comprehensive information that are available at the fingertips of accountants can spell the difference in organization, survival, sustainability and growth", said Belmonte, who was the luncheon speaker during the first membership meeting and induction of officers of the Government Association of Certified Public Accountants (GACPA) held at the Tejeros Hall, AFP Commissioned Officer Club in Camp Aguinaldo.

GACPA, the first sectoral association organized in the country, has for its members accounting professionals individually working in various government agencies all over the country.

Belmonte said that apart from interpreting financial reports from their respective agencies, accountants also serve as intelligence officers who can detect fraud and other financial irregularities in government.

He said information provided by accountants can help leaders make the proper decision in implementing various programs of government.

Citing his experience as president and general manager of the Government Service Insurance System and President and chief executive officer of Philippine Airlines, Belmonte said accountants were his partners in reinvigorating PAL which had been in the brink of financial distress when he took over.

He said that by studying financial records and working with the Commission on Audit (COA), he was able to trace the cause of financial problems and introduced reforms that later proved effective in bringing in more profits for the company.

"Accountants are major players in helping officials manage resources efficiently and effectively. Their work is critical in helping organizations detect fraud," the mayor said.

Citing their vital role in nation building and effective fiscal management in local government units, Belmonte urged accountants to maintain high ethical standards in their public and private lives.

The mayor said it is important for government accountants not only to be well versed in their areas of operation, but have knowledge about the plans, programs and priorities of the entire organization .

"The challenge for government accountants now is to play his role dynamically and to contribute higher value to the organization in which they work," Belmonte said.