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accountant general of the Republic of Cyprus, Treasury of the Republic of Cyprus, Cyprus

'The ACCA qualification is a passport to a world of opportunity,' says Lazaros Lazarou, accountant general of the Republic of Cyprus and ACCA council member. 'It provides opportunities to people of ability because it is highly-regarded in the employment market.' For Lazaros, ACCA membership means being among professionals who have relevant skills, knowledge and competences.

'Finance professionals need integrity, competence, persistence, sound professional judgement, organisational skills and responsibility. What differentiates ACCA members from other finance professionals is their global perspective and networking skills.'

Lazaros decided to enter accountancy because professional accountants in Cyprus have always been leading business professionals due to their technical skills in core areas of accounting, finance, management accounting, tax, audit and financial reporting. 'I felt that it was a challenging qualification which opened great career opportunities for me in both the private and public sector in Cyprus.'

It was while working as a trainee accountant in the UK that Lazaros began studying for the ACCA qualification. 'Studying and working at the same time was a challenge because I had to keep a balance between study and work,' he remembers. 'Gaining the ACCA qualification gave me personal recognition, reputation and respect,' says Lazaros.

'Being appointed accountant general of the Republic of Cyprus in January 2000 was one of the most memorable points in my career,' says Lazaros. 'I felt that it was an acknowledgement of my successful work in the public interest.'

In the future, Lazaros aspires to continue working successfully in the public interest. 'The increased focus on responsibility means that accountants are accountable for their performance and actions. We must carry out our work to the highest standards in ethics and governance and act in the public interest.'