Accountants summoned over conflict

KIGALI - The Minister of Finance, John Rwangombwa has called for a meeting on Tuesday with accountants following controversy over a list of accounting firms certified by the Institute of Certified Accountants in Rwanda (ICPAR) and allowed to engage in business. The controversial list that excludes renown international firms signed by ICPAR president, Peter Rutaremara was sent to Rwanda Revenue Authority recently. According to ICPAR president, the names of approved legible firms were endorsed by the body’s Governing Council. But some members of ICPAR Council allege the list was sent behind their back, a claim The NewTimes has not independently verified. A source said that in Tuesday’s meeting, the criteria used to pick some firms and leave others out will be “thoroughly looked into.” “The meeting was called after some ICPAR members complained that their firms had been left of out deliberately.” When contacted, Finance and Economic Planning Minister John Rwangombwa confirmed the development but declined to reveal the issues on the agenda. “What I can tell you is that we have invited the accountants on Tuesday. I cannot tell you what we shall discuss,” Rwangombwa said by phone yesterday. Sources had earlier alleged that the list was being circulated within the business community with a message that firms appearing on the new line-up are the only ones allowed to engage in business. Other members claim the possible elimination of some firms could be a strategy by influential members within the Governing Council to sideline potential competitors. The meeting comes days after The NewTimes reported a story on Wednesday in which some ICPAR members alleged that malice and fear of competition were threatening to tear the body a part. Many firms accredited by the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) to carry out auditing and accounting services do not appear on the controversial list. Ends