The annual Accountants Meet 2024, a gathering for financial personnel of Salesian institutions, was held on August 12 at the Provincial House in Mumbai. The one-day training program saw the participation of 36 accountants from various Salesian establishments across the Mumbai Province.

Fr Gregory D'Almeida inaugurated the meet at 9 a.m., setting the tone for a day of learning and professional development.

The first session, focusing on finance, was conducted by CA Meena Rao and Mr Ashok. Their comprehensive presentation covered a wide range of topics including new updates in the field of accounting, best practices, intricacies of TDS and 26AS, the do's and don'ts of FCRA, and the nuances of auditing. This session aimed to bring the accountants up to speed with the latest developments in financial regulations and practices.

Following a tea break, Mr Savarino took the helm to discuss province matters. His session provided an insightful overview of ACME and delved into various issues relevant to the province. This segment helped participants understand the broader context of their work within the Salesian province.

After lunch, the focus shifted to different matters with Adv Amrita Patel leading an informative session. She elaborated on crucial aspects such as change reports, schedules, statutory returns to be filed with the Charity Commissioner's office, the intricacies of Schedule I, penalties for non-compliance, and the maintenance of statutory books.

The day's proceedings concluded with Fr Gregory D’Almeida providing important instructions, aligning the financial practices with the overall vision and mission of the Salesian province.

A highlight of the meet was the felicitation of Mr Valerian Rosario, the accountant from Don Bosco Walwanda, who was honored as the Best Accountant of the Year. This recognition not only celebrated Rosario's exceptional work but also served as motivation for all participants to strive for excellence in their roles.

The Accountants Meet 2024 served as a vital platform for knowledge sharing, skill enhancement, and networking among the financial stewards of Salesian institutions.