University of Guyana’s School of Entrepreneurship & Business Innovation (SEBI) Partners with the Guyana Revenue Authority and the World Bank to develop nation critical programmes

The University of Guyana’s School of  Entrepreneurship & Business Innovation (SEBI) have entered a strategic partnership with the  Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the World Bank to introduce two pivotal educational  programmes: an Associate Degree in Oil & Gas Accounting/Taxation/Audit and a Graduate  Executive Diploma in Oil & Gas Accounting/Taxation/Audit. 

In response to the growing need for diversified skills within the country, the University of  Guyana (UG) has developed these programmes at the behest of the GRA, (and the regional  demand for professionals in this field). The Associate Degree is a comprehensive two-year, 72- credit programme designed to meet high global industry standards. It features a rigorous  curriculum covering technical communication, an introduction to the local and global industry,  fiscal regimes, and other essential areas of accounting, taxation, and auditing. Participants will  also gain practical experience through attachments with the GRA and other agencies involved  in the Oil & Gas sector. 

The Graduate Executive Diploma, a one-year, 45-credit programme, aims to enhance the skills  of GRA employees. It includes modules on analytics, risk management, Oil & Gas Law, and  the core areas of accounting, taxation, and auditing. 

Prof. Leyland Lucas, Dean of SEBI, highlighted the importance of these programmes in  addressing the skills gap in monitoring revenue flows. He noted that while the GRA has been  striving to manage the sector, the rapid expansion of the industry and recruitment efforts by 

other agencies have underscored the need for these educational initiatives. With the support of  GRA and IMF personnel, SEBI has developed these rigorous programmes to meet both  immediate and long-term needs. 

Prof. Lucas emphasized that participants will be trained by top-tier faculty, including experts  from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the GRA. To ensure sustainability, local  faculty will also be involved, building their knowledge and reducing dependence on  international experts. 

Vice Chancellor Prof. Paloma Mohamed expressed her appreciation for the collaboration,  describing it as a critical response to the growing sophisticated training needs of the country  and region. She lauded the efforts of the development team at SEBI, the World Bank, and the  GRA in developing and introducing this ground-breaking opportunity. 

The GRA also commented on the significance of these programmes for the Authority and  Guyana, underscoring their potential to build the human capital necessary to tackle the  challenges in the Oil & Gas sector. 

The Associate Degree in Oil & Gas Accounting/Taxation/Audit programme, which  commences in the new Academic Year, is open to qualified individuals who have either  graduated from an accredited tertiary institution or have completed their secondary education  and meet the entry requirements. The Graduate Executive Diploma in Oil & Gas  Accounting/Taxation/Audit, which also begins in the new Academic Year, is primarily open  to individuals either currently or interested in entering this sector, with experience in the areas  of Accounting/Taxation/Audit.