| This question may be raised by anyone who is | | | | partially fair, it doesn’t still mean that |
| going to build his career in accountancy profession. | | | | possessing such qualifications in industry will not |
| Of course it’s very natural that smart people | | | | entitle you to higher salaries and opportunities. |
| always keen to get some proof of the | | | | * What are the most recognized and respected |
| competence and skills they possess. Same | | | | professional qualifications in accounting ? |
| happened with me when I’ve just started my | | | | Mainly all such certificates can be obtained upon |
| career in accountancy firm, but it was easy for | | | | passing certain set of examinations and proving |
| me to decide on as there were too many good | | | | practical experience. However most of accounting |
| advisers around. However there are lots of people | | | | certificates are recognized only within the country |
| who considering to develop in accounting but they | | | | where the issuer (professional body or institution) |
| are currently not employed in any accounting area | | | | resides. When it comes to internationally |
| and don’t have any relevant academic | | | | recognized and really valuable certifications there |
| background. | | | | are not so many around the world. If we take |
| Therefore, in this article I’ll try to briefly | | | | only those which may really add value to your |
| address the following issues: | | | | resume records the list will be like following: |
| * What do you need for obtaining professional | | | | ACCA – issued by UK based Association of |
| qualification and becoming recognized in | | | | Chartered Certified Accountants ( – more |
| accountancy profession ? | | | | practice oriented, internationally recognized |
| Professional qualification in accounting is granted | | | | certificate. |
| through various certificates issued by accounting | | | | ACA – issued by UK based Institute of |
| bodies in the most countries worldwide. This | | | | Chartered Accountants of England and Wales. |
| qualification can be obtained after you already | | | | www1.icaew.co.uk – more practice oriented |
| have some academic degree. Such bodies are | | | | certificate. |
| acting throughout the world in the form of | | | | CIMA – issued by UK based Chartered |
| organizations, associations, societies, etc. Mainly | | | | Institute of Management Accountants. – more |
| they all have 2 objectives: | | | | industry and management accounting oriented. |
| Protect public interests by setting high standards | | | | CPA – issued by USA based American |
| in profession’s practice (including certification | | | | Institute of Certified Public Accountants – |
| process) and protect interests of professionals. | | | | widely recognized in practice and industry within |
| However in real life their activities often repeat | | | | US and Canada. |
| ones of labor unions. | | | | * What are entry requirements for starting |
| But today across the job market accountants | | | | professional qualification ? |
| possessing such qualifications are considered to be | | | | Minimum entry requirements vary depending on |
| capable and credible for wide range of careers, | | | | country, but the most of professional qualifications |
| offered higher positions and paid almost twice | | | | in accounting are open to anybody with some |
| more than those who doesn’t have it. Apart | | | | previous higher education. In some countries it |
| from that accounting qualification automatically | | | | even possible for school leavers to start with |
| gives an opportunity for ordinary accountant to | | | | certain terms and conditions met. For more details |
| be promoted for managing positions in any | | | | you should refer to web pages of bodies stated |
| company. | | | | above. |
| There is a presumption that such qualification is | | | | Generally what you need for sure, it is good skills |
| necessary only for people who work in practice | | | | of English especially written. Previous experience |
| (under practice it means companies providing | | | | or knowledge of basic accounting would be an |
| accounting, auditing, tax, financial advisory and | | | | asset as well, but not that critical. |
| similar services). But even assuming it to be | | | | |