Fiji National University (FNU) student Vineel Chand (pictured) credits the skills and passion for enhanced accounting practices and standards which he developed during his studies, for helping him land him a supervisory role at the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF).

Chand, who joined FNU as a Diploma in Business Accounting student in 2010, is currently undertaking the Bachelor of Accounting programme offered by the College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism (CBHTS).

“I am pleased to say that through FNU you will get into the work field after you complete your programme of study as I did when I graduated with my Diploma in 2015,” said Chand.

“I started my first job as the Credit Officer at Asco Motors and later joined Shreedhar Motors as a Credit Controller,” he added.

Now the Team Leader Debt Management at WAF, Chand thinks it was a combination of theory and skills he learnt at FNU that played a crucial role in his career progression.

“I learnt the use of International Financial Reporting System (IFRS) at FNU and I use this knowledge when I prepare monthly revenue reports and board papers for the management in my current role,” he added.

“FNU is very connected with the industry and as a student, I feel privileged to be part of this institution.  It was through this good relationship that the University has with various companies and organisations which made it possible for me to enter the workforce,” he explained.

Chand, who oversees seven staff under his leadership has also commended FNU for providing affordable fees which makes tertiary education accessible to ordinary citizens.

“I am a private student hence I can say that if the cost of studies was high at FNU, my parents Viren Chand and Angila Wati would not have been able to cater my fees during my Diploma studies,” he said.

Working whilst completing Bachelor studies can be tough however Chand shares some good memories as a full-time student back in 2010.

“Playing cards with friends under the breadfruit tree during breaks and free time was the best out of all,” he smiled and said.

Chand has encouraged prospective students who take interest in the Accounting field to join the national university as he believes FNU has the right set of programmes and courses to meet the interest and career goals for students.