The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, has advised newly inducted Accounting Technicians to uphold the five fundamental principles of the accounting profession.

Speaking at the 60th Association of Accounting Technicians West Africa, AATWA, Induction Ceremony of 828 Associate Accounting Technicians, AATs, into ICAN, President of ICAN, Chief Davidson Alaribe, said that the induction was a prerequisite to become part of a community that upholds standards of professionalism and part of the 32,000 AATs of the institute under the umbrella of the Association of Accountancy Bodies in West Africa, ABWA.

Alaribe said: “It is pivotal for you to continuously make Accuracy and Integrity your watchword. Ensure you uphold the highest standard of professionalism, ethics, and integrity in all your endeavouras.

“As you progress in your career, remember to constaantly uphold the five fundamental principles of the accounting profession – integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, professional behaviour and professional competence and due care.

“The Institute does not hesitate to mete out appropriate professional discipline to any erring Accounting Technician through our disciplinary mechanism. As you are being inducted, let the Association’s Code of Ethics, Constitution, and By-Laws be your professional holy book. Let the code guide you in the provision of your professional services.

“As you embark on your exciting journey as newly qualified ATS Accounting professionals, remember the wisdom of Jim Rohn: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”