Institute to widen access to the profession with launch of new qualification
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) today launched a new stand alone business qualification, the Certificate in Finance Accounting and Business, intended to widen access to the profession both in the UK and internationally.
The Certificate in Finance Accounting and Business (CFAB) is aimed at aspiring finance professionals looking to undertake a rigorous, industry benchmarked qualification, as well as providing a staging post for those considering the full ACA.
Market research undertaken by the Institute identified that many already in business want to increase their career prospects with a grounding in finance and accounting.
CFAB is also aimed at those with the potential but not necessarily the academic or vocational experience to take ACA in its own right.
The qualification comprises six modules from the ACA professional stage – business and finance, management information, law, assurance and tax – with accounting at the core of the syllabus.
Emphasis is on flexibility. Each module can be tackled at the pace of the candidate meaning that employees can build their study around existing work commitments. Assessment is online with learning undertaken either through self-study or tuition over a 12 month period.
Commenting on the launch of the qualification Dr. Raymond Madden, Executive Director of Learning and Professional Development at the Institute said:
“CFAB responds to a clear market need and is aimed at those wanting a robust grounding in the language of finance both in the UK and internationally.
“The qualification represents an important step in our broader strategic ambition to maintain the premium position of our members while providing broader access to the profession across different markets, people and societies.”
Commenting on his successful completion of the CFAB certificate, Aleem Juma, from BDO Stoy Hayward, said: “I am a technology consultant in an accounting firm. I need to understand how financial systems are used by our clients so I have been working for a qualification that would provide a good accounting foundation. The CFAB offered the best balance between content, duration and value.”
CFAB will be launched at a breakfast event at the Institute at 08.30am, 30 September at Chartered Accountants Hall, London. To book your place, contact Emma Barklamb on Tel: +44 (0) 20 7920 8573 or email emma.barklamb@icaew.com.
For more details about CFAB, visit www.icaew.com/cfab, email cfab@icaew.com or phone +44 (0) 1908 248 070.
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