ATTITUDE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN INTELLIGENCE OR QUALIFICATIONS

I’ve have noticed several times how most of us on this platform feel we are better off than others because of the
qualifications we have. We feel the qualification we have puts us in a better position to succeed than others. I
personally think this is being narrow-minded
.
First things first. A bachelor of Accountancy degree opens up certain opportunities that professional qualifications do
not. Some employers, and I repeat, *Some employers* put a degree as a pre-requisite to giving you a job. We have a
number of commercial banks in Zambia that give degree holders first priority regardless of what they have studied. A
few years ago, I interacted with a lady who had a degree in Veterinary medicine from UNZA at one of the commercial
banks. Her understanding of the various financial products offered by the bank was simply amazing. Every time I
presented financial statements or Management Accounts on behalf of my client, I was always shocked at how she
would quickly interpret the financial statements. She would easily pick up any inconsistencies and advise on any
adjustments to be made to the cash flow projections. She was quickly promoted leaving her colleagues with business
qualifications behind.

A renowned Banker and motivational speaker who is an inspiration to many including myself Sonny Zulu is a holder of
a Bachelor's degree in Mineral Sciences (Metallurgy) from UNZA. Sonny holds a senior position at Standard Chartered
bank which many of us in this group might think should be held by someone with a Bachelor of Accountancy,
ACCA/CIMA/CA or “some business qualification”. You see, if you have any degree, you are considered teachable in any
area.

A professional paper is a powerful qualification that comes

with its own advantages compared to a degree. Some employers prefer employing Accountants that have a
professional qualification. If you only have a degree, they will think twice before giving you a job. Serious companies
will not allow you to sign off Financial Statements if you are not a Chartered Accountant with a professional
qualification. That’s why it’s advisable to top up with a professional qualification after getting your bachelor’s degree.

The purpose of a professional qualification is to impart knowledge, understanding and practical experience to the
learner to enable the learner to use the knowledge and skills acquired in a practical manner. Having successfully
completed my professional Accounting qualification myself, I can attest to the fact that Professional programmes can
be very challenging to complete. But, it would be foolish for me to think I’m better off than a degree holder.

So which is better. Professional or Academic? I think this is a stupid debate that should not even be entertained by any
progressive thinking professional. At the end of the day, what matters is what you do with your qualifications and your
attitude towards work. Two people can graduate with the same qualification from the same university or college at the
same time. However, that is not a guarantee that their career progression will be the same. Some of you will choke
with jealous when you get a job and discover that your supervisor is younger than you and was your junior during
your studies. You will die with chikonko when you discover that the owner of the company you work for had no option
but to start his business after failing to get the 6 points you acquired at grade 12. Which qualification is harder to
acquire?? Well, everyone thinks the burden they carry is the heaviest.

Earlier on in my career, I witnessed my boss (Chief Accountant) who was a Degree holder from CBU with full ACCA
and several years of experience being fired. He was replaced with his Assistant who had ATD from NIPA and was an
ACCA finalist. You see, each time he went on leave, the ATD guy produced better & timely reports. He explained the
figures better in the weekly management meetings. He worked very well with other departmental heads and treated
his subordinates (Accounts Clerks) including myself with respect. Eventually, the 6 points guy from CBU with full ACCA
was fired and replaced with a younger guy who was still struggling to clear his last 2 papers in ACCA. Your
qualification will get you the job. But your career progression heavily depends on your attitude towards work and how
well you work with others (Teamwork).

For you to practice as an accountant in Zambia, you must be registered with ZICA. ZICA regulates the Accountancy
profession in Zambia. However, that does not make the Zica qualification more superior than others. Professional
courses might be perceived to be more challenging to acquire. But that does not make the professional graduates
better Accountants than Degree holders. Attitude is all that matters.

In conclusion, I would urge each one of us to make better use of this platform. Let’s avoid despising each other based
on our qualifications and experience. We are all one.

Have a productive week friends