Within an ever-evolving and vibrant economy, B-KELANA International (R) Ltd – an audit and financial advisory firm – has recruited new staff members to drive and enhance professional business services in Rwanda.
In a ceremony dubbed "Directors’ Cocktail”, the firm, established in 2010, celebrated the transition from Consultancy and Services Company Ltd to B-KELANA International (R) Ltd, a restructuring move aimed to pave the way to scale up on the international scene.
This was after registered with and was accredited by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (ICPAR) – the accountancy profession regulator in the country –as an audit firm.
Beatrice Mujawayezu, Managing Partner, B-KELANA International (R) Ltd, said that centering clients’ needs at the core of the business operations is what will distinguish the firm from others in the market.
In the quest to become an internationally renowned audit firm, she noted, the new members, both nationals and foreigners, bring a mix of talents, skills, and knowledge that will contribute to customer satisfaction.
"We believe that they bring new expertise in areas of audit, accountancy, and international taxation, which will boost the company’s profile and growth in Rwanda’s market and on an international level, driven by our core values of integrity, professionalism, teamwork, customer-centric and innovation (IPCTI).”
In addition, she said that in collaboration with the National Bank of Rwanda, the firm audits more than 10 forex bureaus in the country, providing them with other services such as anti-money laundering.
The firm’s new staff includes Franciscah K. Kitheka, Business Service and Outsourcing (BSO) Supervisor, Odile Batamuliza, Senior Accountant, Josphat Ng'ang’a Ngigi, Audit Supervisor, Angelique Nishimwe, Senior Auditor, Divine Kanyange, Assistant Auditor, and Hope Ruzibiza Uwanyirigira, Assistant Auditor.
Fidele Ukwishaka, Tax Director, B-KELANA International (R) Ltd, said that the company comes as a player in a fast-growing economy that needs more qualified professionals in the fields of auditing, accounting, and tax expertise, among others.
For instance, he said that while businesses are being registered now and then because of the easy-of-doing-business climate in Rwanda, there is still a gap of knowledge when it comes to finance management, especially, taxing and auditing, which can be bridged by education but also such services provided by advisory companies.
"Rwanda has been undergoing tax reforms and this is what normally happens in a country that is on the journey of development. We can expect to see more of this but it is always done based on informed decisions,” Ukwishaka added.
Jean-Baptiste Habarugira, Director of Business Service and Outsourcing (BSO) at B-KELANA International (R) Ltd, explained that they provide different services including accounting, tax compliance, staff payroll, business registration, and filing of annual returns, among others.
He emphasized that businesses operating in an ever-evolving economy need advisory services to keep up-to-date with different system changes that are linked with the way they conduct their business.
According to him, welcoming new staff members in the company will enhance service delivery to an international standard to meet clients' needs, and this will be through continuous training programmes for in-house staff, in addition to what is provided for external professionals.
Alice Umwali, Senior Accountant at B-KELANA International (R) Ltd, has grown with the company since 2013 after finishing secondary school in accounting. She received training which allowed her to match her theoretical knowledge with the practical reality of the market.
After years of experience, according to her, welcoming new members means an acceleration of the company’s vision in contributing to the development of the country, especially with knowledge sharing that comes with staff from other countries in the region.
Currently, ICPAR, the regulatory body, has granted accreditation to 56 firms, allowing them to operate in Rwanda.