HST, a leading career services provider, has unveiled the Accounting Technician Training Program (ATTP), a hands-on initiative designed to equip Ethiopia’s young professionals with practical financial skills aligned with international standards.
The program, launched in a ceremony attended by industry leaders and government partners, marks a significant step toward bridging the gap between theoretical education and real-world accounting demands in Ethiopia’s evolving financial sector.
HST Chairman and CEO Solomon Gizaw emphasized that while university degrees provide foundational knowledge, they often fall short in delivering the practical experience needed amid rapid economic changes.
“Accounting and finance are the backbone of any organization,” Solomon said. “Without strong financial management, even the best strategies can fail. Many bright young people lack access to hands-on training. Our program is action-based, ensuring entrants to the profession have not only knowledge but also ethics and the ability to serve faithfully.”
Developed over six years at a cost of tens of millions of birr, ATTP is accessible to high school graduates, technical and vocational trainees, and career switchers — no university degree required. This inclusivity aims to democratize access to finance careers across Ethiopia.
A key partnership with FSD Ethiopia strengthens the program’s reach and relevance. FSD CEO Hikmet Abdella noted that “people, institutions, and markets work effectively when they have the knowledge and skills to make sound financial decisions.”
She highlighted ATTP’s alignment with the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) and the National Financial Inclusion Strategy, positioning it as a tool to build capacity for Ethiopia’s growing capital markets and broader economic inclusion.
The curriculum mirrors the internationally recognized Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) standards, making graduates competitive both locally and abroad. Online delivery extends quality training to youth beyond Addis Ababa, overcoming geographic barriers.
With 75% of banking and insurance jobs requiring basic financial literacy, HST expects the program to boost organizational performance immediately. It also addresses Ethiopia’s priority of tax compliance: better-trained accountants will enhance revenue collection, strengthen public trust, and reduce evasion.
Solomon called for collaboration among government agencies, financial institutions, and civil society to scale the program. “We’re not just talking about training — it’s about connecting people to opportunity,” he said.
As Ethiopia navigates economic reforms and capital market development, ATTP positions the country to build a robust cadre of skilled financial professionals ready for the challenges ahead.
