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Director of Audit at the National Audit Office, Mauritius

Rajun decided to study ACCA by distance learning as a more affordable option than full-time learning.

"In the 1970s, Mauritius suffered one of its worst economic recessions. Finding a job was very difficult. Accountancy however, was one of the few occupations for which there was a high demand."

He first joined the civil service as a student radiographer. He then joined the National Audit Office, where he steadily progressed through its ranks, becoming Examiner of Accounts in 1977, Auditor in 1983 and Principal Auditor in 1988. In 1990 he joined MIDA as a financial controller and was later appointed Director of the Management Audit Bureau (MAB) at the Ministry of Finance.

"The Management Audit Bureau became the first organisation in the Civil Service to be ISO 9000 certificated. This was the most memorable point in my career because it was my idea for the Civil Service to apply for certification. It was initially opposed because, at that time, ISO consultancy fees were very expensive. After two years the idea was approved. Ten organisations were selected and consultants were provided, but the MAB was excluded. I decided, however, to go ahead without any consultancy help. Despite starting the programme at the same time as the ten other organisations, MAB was the first to obtain the certification. Later, we also helped the other organisations get theirs. I am immensely proud of that."

Rajun is now Director of Audit at the National Audit Office, one of just five constitutional posts within the Mauritian Government, and has plans to reform the Government's budgeting and accounting system.

He recognises that there have been many significant developments in the accountancy profession, not least the increased diversity of the role of accountants.

"My remit has developed over the years from being merely an adviser on financial and accounting matters to being involved in strategic planning and making key decisions".

"Interestingly, while the public's expectations of accountants has been raised, the profession has been faced with a number of challenges. We need to strengthen working relationships with the world's accountancy professionals and enhance our position as information experts and our standing as professionals."