Master’s in Accountancy for Auditor

BY: .

Mr Amos Zungu, Manager in the KwaZulu-Natal office of the Auditor General, was capped with a Master’s degree in Accountancy for research he conducted into the financial discipline at KZN municipalities.

Zungu’s study specifically involved determining a managers’ perceptions of irregular expenditure in the municipalities, councillors’ oversight of such expenditure, and managers’ views on the capacity of Municipal Public Account Committees (MPACs) to fulfil their oversight role.

He found that irregular expenditure harmed the image of local government and impacted negatively on socio-economic transformation. Compliance with Supply Chain Management Regulations remained a problem due to inadequate internal controls.

Zungu said the degree had improved his confidence to assist clients and his audit teams on audit related matters.

‘My Master’s in Accountancy has provided me with confidence to confront real life challenges with confidence, knowing that I am now aware of all accounting standards,’ he said.

‘I work in an auditing environment so a lot of technical issues crop up and my newly-acquired knowledge assists me in giving guidance and coaching to my audit team.

‘A lot of credit must go to my wife Mpho for her unconditional support, as well as my children. A big thank you also to my employer, Auditor - General of South Africa (AGSA) for their support and for providing a conducive environment for me to further my studies. The academic success of my colleagues also kept me motivated,’ said Zungu.

He thanked his supervisor Dr Msizi Mkhize for his motivation and guidance.

Words: Lungile Ngubelanga 

Photograph: Rogan Ward