FACTOID # 28: Mexico has the most Jehovah's Witnesses per capita in the OECD.
 
 Home   Encyclopedia   Statistics   Countries A-Z   Flags   Maps   Education   Forum   FAQ   About 
 
 
 
WHAT'S NEW
RECENT ARTICLES
More Recent Articles »
 

SEARCH ALL

FACTS & STATISTICS    Advanced view

Search encyclopedia, statistics and forums:

 

 

(* = Graphable)

 

 


Encyclopedia > Accountancy qualifications and regulation

Accountant, or Qualified Accountant, or Accountancy Practitioner, is a accountancy and financial experts legally certified to originally worked only in public practices, selling advice and services to other individuals and businesses, but today in addition many work within private corporations and government bodies. It has been suggested that Differences between managerial accounting and financial accounting be merged into this article or section. ... Finance addresses the ways in which individuals, business entities and other organizations allocate and use monetary resources over time. ...

Contents

What's accountant works?

Since Accountants are independent business advisers, they are in a position to help the clients build and develop their businesses. Accountants can offer an extensive range of services. Some of the types of services they may offer are listed below.


A. Auditing a company

Accountants, who are legally registered auditors, may audit a company's accounts - such an audit may, in some circumstances, be required by law. An audit is an evaluation of an organization, system, process, project or product. ...


B. Assurance and Information Integrity

Accountants also can provide a variety of services that improve and assure the quality of information, or its context, for business decision-making. And also be ensuring that financial statements reflect fairly the financial performance of the company. Assurance has been defined by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) as Independent Professional Services that improve information quality or its context. Such services are very broad and could include assessments of internet security and quality of health facilities. ...


C. Forensic Accounting

Preventing, detecting, and investigating financial frauds such as embezzlement, securities fraud, tax evasion, and money-laundering schemes. Demand for this specialty has grown significantly as a result of recent corporate scandals.


D. Environmental Accounting

Addressing how companies can be both environmentally responsible and profitable. This includes focusing on a variety of projects like environmental compliance audits and managing and preventing claims and disputes. Environmental accounting aims to develop a system of accounts that takes the flows of both money and energy into consideration. ...


E. Expert witness work

Accountant who has his/her own country's registry of expert witnesses who meet stringent criteria - all hold practising certificates, have undertaken suitable litigation training, have had experience of acting as an expert witness, and have been able to provide references from legal practitioner who have engaged them. This article is about witnesses in law courts. ...


F. Insolvency work

If the clients are facing the possibility of personal bankruptcy or corporate insolvency, an accountant with his/her own country's insolvency license can provide the clients with invaluable advice. If professional advice is sought as soon as the signs of trouble appear, then insolvency/bankruptcy may be avoided. If the clients are a trade creditor and are concerned about a debtor or have been told that a debtor is insolvent, a licensed insolvency practitioner can investigate and advise on the best course of action. To become an accountant with his/her own country's insolvency license, stringent criteria must be met and an ongoing experience requirement must be achieved if the licence is to be renewed each year. Insolvency is a financial condition experienced by a person or business entity when their assets no longer exceed their liabilities (commonly referred to as balance-sheet insolvency) or when the person or entity can no longer meet its debt obligations when they come due (commonly referred to as cash-flow...


G. Accounting and Bookkeeping

Advice can be provided on setting up business systems, from basic bookkeeping (cashbook) to comprehensive management reporting. Some accounting firms will undertake the bookkeeping function, which may also include VAT return preparation. Practitioners can also assist in the preparation of year-end accounts. It has been suggested that Accounting scholarship be merged into this article or section. ... Accountancy (British English) or accounting (American English) is the process of maintaining, auditing, and processing financial information for business purposes. ...


H. Management accounting

Accountants may set up systems to ensure that the clients know how their businesses are performing. Additional services offered include budgeting and performance monitoring and helping to ensure that a business runs in a smooth and efficient manner. Management accounting is concerned with the provisions and use of accounting information to managers within organizations, to assist management making decisions and managerial control functions. ...


I. International Services & Accounting

Provide services to support and facilitate commerce in the global market. Moreover, companies adopting International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) need accountants to help reconcile IFRS with U.S. GAAP. Professionals with knowledge of U.S. GAAP who work well in an international environment are increasingly in demand.


G. Corporate finance

Accountants may offer advice on how to finance a business and how to buy or sell a business, as well as other related considerations. Such as providing a variety of services to organizations and individuals that interpret and add value by utilizing a wide range of financial information. These include everything from tax planning and financial statement analysis to structuring investment portfolios and complex financial transactions, and evaluating financial information to assess liquidity, solvency and stability issues of a firm and provide meaningful information which serve as the basis for management to make informed decisions. Corporate finance is a specific area of finance dealing with the financial decisions corporations make and the tools as well as analyses used to make these decisions. ...


K. Investment advice

Advice may be sought on pensions, unit trusts, life insurance etc., from advisers authorised to give investment business advice. Invest redirects here. ...


L. Tax - statutory requirements and planning opportunities

Accountants are able to offer advice on tax including corporation tax, income tax, capital gains tax, PAYE and VAT. In addition, business advisers can also offer tax planning advice and minimise your tax liability now and in the future. A tax is an involuntary fee paid by individuals or businesses to a state, or to functional equivalents of a state, including tribes, secessionist movements or revolutionary movements. ... Jim Callaghan, the Chancellor of the Exchequer who introduced corporation tax in 1965. ... An income tax is a tax levied on the financial income of persons, corporations or other legal entities. ... A capital gains tax (abbreviated: CGT) is a tax charged on capital gains, the profit realized on the sale of an asset that was purchased at a lower price. ... PAYE (or pay-as-you-earn) is a payroll deduction system for collecting income tax in the United Kingdom. ... vat can be a type of barrel used for storage. ...


M. Business Consulting

Accountants can provide independent advice to managers of businesses, such as provides advice and insight on the financial and non-financial performance of an organization's operational and strategic processes through broad business knowledge and judgment. Such help can be used in a variety of ways, including:

  • providing an external independent view
  • overseeing the stewardship of the chairman/chief executive and board members
  • encouraging and developing new ideas
  • assisting the company in difficult situations
  • bringing specialist knowledge
  • maintaining an ethical climate.

N. Advice on starting up a business

Accountants may offer advice on the legal form most appropriate to starting up a business. In addition they may advise on related legal and taxation issues, business plans for presentation to banks, and what you should expect when starting up a business.


Accountancy qualifications and regulation

The requirements for entry in the profession of accounting vary from country to country.


Accountants may be licensed by a variety of organisations, such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Institute of Chartered Accountants, and are recognized by titles such as Chartered Certified Accountant, Chartered Accountant, Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, Certified General Accountant and Certified Practising Accountant. Many countries recognise two or more accounting bodies. There is, however, no legal requirement for an accountant to be a paid-up member of one of the many Institutes and other bodies which are effectively a form of professional trade union. Unlike the Law Society, which can legally stop a solicitor from practising, accountancy institutes do not have such authority. However, certain specialised areas of accountancy such as auditing and insolvency are generally regulated. A license or licence is a document or agreement giving permission to do something. ... The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a British chartered accountancy body with a global presence that offers the Chartered Certified Accountant (Designatory letters ACCA or FCCA) qualification worldwide. ... The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW) is the main English and Welsh accountancy body for chartered accountants and auditors, having 127,158 members (as of 23 June 2005). ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. ... Chartered Accountant (CA) is the title of members of a certain professional accountancy associations in the Commonwealth countries and Ireland. ... Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are qualified accountants in the United States who have passed the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination and have met additional state education and experience requirements for certification as a CPA. In most U.S. states, only CPAs who are licensed are able to provide to the... In the United States, the profession of accounting includes the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation. ... Certified General Accountants (CGAs) are professional accountants and members of the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada (CGA-Canada), which was founded in 1908 and was officially established by an Act of Parliament on June 6, 1913. ... CPA Australia is one of two professional accounting societies in Australia, the other being the Institute of Chartered Accountants. ... The Law Society of England and Wales is the professional association that regulates and represents the solicitors profession in England and Wales. ...


Commonwealth of Nations

In the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and several other Commonwealth of Nations countries, the equivalents of Certified Public Accountant (CPA) include Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA), Chartered Accountant (CA or ACA), Chartered Management Accountant, International Accountant, Certified Public Accountant (CPA - Ireland and CPA - Hong Kong), Certified General Accountant (CGA - Canada), and Certified Practising Accountant (CPA - Australia). The Commonwealth of Nations (CN), usually known as the Commonwealth, is a voluntary association of 53 independent sovereign states, the majority of which are former colonies of the United Kingdom. ... Acca can refer to: Acca of Hexham, bishop of Hexham and saint, d. ... Acca can refer to: Acca of Hexham, bishop of Hexham and saint, d. ... Chartered Accountant (CA) is the title of members of a certain professional accountancy associations in the Commonwealth countries and Ireland. ...


United Kingdom

In the UK, there are no licence requirements for an individual to be describe himself/herself or practice as an accountant (except in the areas of audit or insolvency) but to use certain titles requires membership of one of the many appropriate professional bodies.

  • An International Accountant must be a member of the Association of International Accountants (designatory letters AIAA or FAIA).

Each of these bodies admits members only after passing examinations and undergoing a period of relevant work experience. Once admitted members are expected to comply with ethical guidelines and gain appropriate professional experience. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. ... The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a British chartered accountancy body with a global presence that offers the Chartered Certified Accountant (Designatory letters ACCA or FCCA) qualification worldwide. ... Chartered Accountant (CA) is the title of members of a certain professional accountancy associations in the Commonwealth countries and Ireland. ... The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW) is the largest English and Welsh accountancy body for chartered accountants and auditors, with over 128,000 members. ... The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) is the Scottish accountancy body for chartered accountants and auditors. ... Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) is a United Kingdom professional body that offers a qualification in management accountancy, focusing on accounting for business. ... The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) is one of a number of professional associations for accountants in the UK (others include the ACCA, the ICAEW and CIMA). ...


Chartered Certified, Chartered and International Accountants engaging in practice (ie selling services to the public rather than acting as an employee) must gain a "practising certificate" by meeting further requirements such as purchasing adequate insurance and undergoing inspections.


Accountants holding "practising certificates" may also become Registered Auditors in accordance with the Companies Act, providing they can demonstrate the necessary professional ability in that area and submit to regular inspection. It is illegal for any individual or firm that is not a Registered Auditor to perform a company audit.


Further restrictions apply to accountants who carry out insolvency work.


In addition to the bodies above, the Association of Accounting Technicians offers its members training and support in accountancy skills. The Association of Accounting Technicians, or AAT, is a UK organisation with over 100,000 members. ...


For more details regarding British qualified accountancy professionals, please refer to the page of British qualified accountants. British qualified accountants, that is the term to describe the full members or associateship of United Kingdom accountancy bodies which are CCAB-qualified with Royal Charter, or able to authorise members to conduct practising purposes in United Kingdom and Ireland. ...


Canada

In Canada, there are three recognized accounting bodies: the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CA) and the provincial and territorial CA Institutes, the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada (CGA), and the Society of Management Accountants of Canada, also known as the Certified Management Accountants (CMA). CA and CGA were created by Acts of Parliament in 1902 and 1913 respectively and CMA was established in 1920. Certified General Accountants (CGAs) are professional accountants and members of the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada (CGA-Canada), which was founded in 1908 and was officially established by an Act of Parliament on June 6, 1913. ... The Society of Management Accountants of Canada, which is also known as CMA Canada, awards the Certified Management Accountant designation in Canada. ...


The CA program focuses on public accounting and candidates must obtain auditing experience from public accounting firms; the CGA program takes a general approach allowing candidates to focus in their own financial career choices; the CMA program focuses in management accounting. The CA and CMA programs require a candidate to obtain a degree as a program entry requirement. The CGA program requires a degree as an exit requirement prior to certification.


Auditing and Public Accounting are regulated by the provinces. Historically, only CAs can perform audits in Ontario. In 2004, the provincial government of Ontario passed a new Public Accounting Act that would allow qualified CGAs and CMAs to perform audits, conditional on their organizations being able to demonstrate that their qualification and regulatory programs are equivalent in rigour to that of the CA program. As of March 2006, this process of evaluation had not yet begun. In Quebec as well, CAs still have exclusive public company audit rights by statute. In British Columbia and Prince Edward Island, CAs and CGAs have equal status regarding public accounting and auditing; In the rest of Canada, CAs, CGAs, and CMAs are considered equivalents pursuant to provincial and territorial legislation. Motto: Ut Incepit Fidelis Sic Permanet (Latin: Loyal she began, loyal she remains) Official languages English Flower White Trillium Tree Eastern White Pine Bird Common Loon Capital Toronto Largest city Toronto Lieutenant-Governor James K. Bartleman Premier Dalton McGuinty (Liberal) Parliamentary representation  - House seat  - Senate seats 106 24 Area Total... Motto: Ut Incepit Fidelis Sic Permanet (Latin: Loyal she began, loyal she remains) Official languages English Flower White Trillium Tree Eastern White Pine Bird Common Loon Capital Toronto Largest city Toronto Lieutenant-Governor James K. Bartleman Premier Dalton McGuinty (Liberal) Parliamentary representation  - House seat  - Senate seats 106 24 Area Total... Motto: Je me souviens (French: I remember) Official languages French Flower Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor Linné) Tree Yellow Birch Bird Snowy Owl Capital Quebec City Largest city Montreal Lieutenant-Governor Lise Thibault Premier Jean Charest (PLQ) Parliamentary representation  - House seat  - Senate seats 75 24 Area Total  - Land  - Water  (% of... Motto: Splendor Sine Occasu (Latin: Splendour without diminishment) Official languages English de facto (none stated in law) Flower Pacific dogwood Tree Western Redcedar Bird Stellers Jay Capital Victoria Largest city Vancouver Lieutenant-Governor Iona Campagnolo Premier Gordon Campbell (BC Liberal) Parliamentary representation  - House seat  - Senate seats 36 6 Area... Motto: Parva Sub Ingenti The Small Protected By The Great) Official languages English Flower Ladys Slipper Tree Red Oak Bird Blue Jay Capital Charlottetown Largest city Charlottetown Lieutenant-Governor Barbara Oliver Hagerman Premier Pat Binns (PC) Parliamentary representation  - House seat  - Senate seats 4 4 Area Total  - Land  - Water  (% of...


As of year 2006, the Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA or FCCA) is also recognized by Canadian government as an eligible qualification to audit federal government institutions in Canada. Furthermore, The Canadian branch of ACCA is pursuing recognition for statutory audit purposes in the province of Ontario under the province's Public Accounting Act of 2004 It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. ... Acca can refer to: Acca of Hexham, bishop of Hexham and saint, d. ... Acca can refer to: Acca of Hexham, bishop of Hexham and saint, d. ...


Australia

In Australia there are four main local professional accountancy bodies.

  • Certified Practising Accountants (CPA) are members of CPA Australia.
  • Certified Management Accountants (CMA) are members of Institute of Certified Management Accountant Australia.

However, the Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA or FCCA) qualification is also recognised as a prescribed body for insolvency purposes under the Corporation Act 2001, section 1282 and for audit purposes by ASIC under Practice Statement 180 Auditor recognition in Australia. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ACCOUNTANTS AUSTRALIA The NIA is a progressive, responsive accounting body committed to integrity, professionalism and professional development. ... Chartered Accountant (CA) is the title of members of a certain professional accountancy associations in the Commonwealth countries and Ireland. ... CPA Australia is one of two professional accounting societies in Australia, the other being the Institute of Chartered Accountants. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. ... Acca can refer to: Acca of Hexham, bishop of Hexham and saint, d. ...


New Zealand

In New Zealand, there is only one local accountancy body, the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA). // New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants About the Institute The New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants is the operating name for the Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Zealand. ...


To audit public companies an individual must be a member of either the NZICA or an otherwise gazetted body. Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA or FCCA) qualification has also been gazetted under the relevant act (Under Section 199 of the Companies Act 1993: Qualifications of Auditors). An ACCA member can practice as long as they hold an ACCA public practice certificate (with audit qualification) in their country of origin. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. ... Acca can refer to: Acca of Hexham, bishop of Hexham and saint, d. ... Acca can refer to: Acca of Hexham, bishop of Hexham and saint, d. ... Acca can refer to: Acca of Hexham, bishop of Hexham and saint, d. ...


United States of America

In the United States, practicing accountants include Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), Certified Internal Auditors (CIAs), Certified Management Accountants (CMAs) and Accredited Business Accountants (ABAs). The difference between these certifications is primarily the types of services provided, although individuals may earn more than one certification. Additionally, much accounting work is performed by uncertified individuals, who may be working under the supervision of a certified accountant. Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are qualified accountants in the United States who have passed the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination and have met additional state education and experience requirements for certification as a CPA. In most U.S. states, only CPAs who are licensed are able to provide to the... Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a designation awarded by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) to individuals who pass a written examination, have 24 months of internal auditing experience, and hold a bachelors degree or higher. ... In the United States, the profession of accounting includes the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation. ...


A CPA is licensed by the state of his/her residence to provide auditing services to the public, although most CPA firms also offer accounting, tax, litigation support, and other financial advisory services. The requirements for receiving the CPA license varies from state to state, although the passage of the Uniform Certified Public Accountant examination is required by all states. This examination is designed and graded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. With over 350,000 CPA members (in 2005), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is the largest CPA professional organization in the United States of America. ...


A CIA is granted a certificate from the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), provided that the candidate passed a rigorous examination of four parts. A CIA mostly provides his/her services directly to his/her employer rather than the public.


A CMA is granted a certificate from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), provided that the candidate passed a rigorous examination of four parts and meet the practical experience requirement from the IMA. A CMA mostly provides his/her services directly to his/her employers rather than the public. A CMA can also provide his services to the public, but to an extent much lesser than that of a CPA.


An ABA is granted accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (ACAT), provided that the candidate passed the eight-hour Comprehensive Examination for Accreditation in Accounting which tests proficiency in financial accounting, reporting, statement preparation, taxation, business consulting services, business law, and ethics. An ABA specializes in the needs of small-to-mid-size businesses and in financial services to individuals and families. In states where use of the word "accountant” is not permitted, the practitioner may use Accredited Business Advisor.


The United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there are about one million persons [1] employed as accountants and auditors in the U.S. The United States Department of Labor is a Cabinet department of the United States government responsible for occupational safety, wage and hour standards, unemployment insurance benefits, re-employment services, and some economic statistics. ... The Bureau of Labor Statistics was founded in 1884 by President Chester A. Arthur. ...


U.S. tax law grants accountants a limited form of accountant-client privilege. Tax law is the codified system of laws that describes government levies on economic transactions, commonly called taxes. ... Tax Practitioner-Client Privilege is a confidentiality privilege available in American federal tax law. ...


Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China

General

In Hong Kong, the accountancy industry is regulated by the HKICPA under the Professional Accountants Ordinance (Chapter 50, Laws of Hong Kong). The auditing industry for limited companies is regulated under the Companies Ordinance (Chapter 32, Laws of Hong Kong), and other Ordinances such as the Securities and Futures Ordinance, the Listing Rules, etc. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. ...


Accounting standards

The regulating of accountancy, auditing, membership, professional, licensing all falls under the HKICPA. However, in many cases, the HKICPA themselves are helpless in concluding what constitutes properly prepared financial statements. There were some attempts in obtaining external professional legal opinions on behalf of its members (e.g. what constitutes "true and fair") but they are non-binding in court. The ultimate True and Fair / True and Correct of a set of published financial statement falls under the Court system in Hong Kong, which relies on the generally accepted practice in Hong Kong. This is consistent with other common law practices. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. ...


In 2005, the HKICPA adopted almost all the most current accounting and auditing standards from the IFAC and its associated standard setting bodies with the additions of a few local written interpretations of these principal based accounting and auditing standards. Local written interpretations try to cater to the unique situations in Hong Kong such as the problem of the remaining land lease. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. ... The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) is the worldwide organization for the accountancy profession. ...


Prior to the formation of HKICPA in 1972 (or formerly know as HKSA before 2004 September), the auditing industry was loosely regulated. Organizations including The Society of Chinese Accountants and Auditors ("SCAACPA") has helped in standardising recognised auditors for financial statements. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. ...


There were also few serious accounting and auditing standards prior to 1986. Before 1972, auditing standards were often upheld by the individual integrity of these professional auditors. Accounting standards were based on the few international firms in the then colony including Lowe, Bingham and Matthews, KPMG, Sanford Yung, etc. KPMG is one of the largest professional services firms in the world. ...


1972 was seen as a turning point for the accountancy profession in Hong Kong. Most international accounting firms (the forebearers of the Big Four accounting firms today) established their presence in Hong Kong within a few years before or after the establishment of HKICPA. // Big Four may refer to: Accounting Firms The Big Four auditors, the four largest international public accountancy firms, Deloitte, KPMG, Ernst & Young (E&Y) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. ...


In 1974, the british based accountancy body with a global presence - Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) assisted with setting up the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (formerly named "Hong Kong Society of Accountants") as the local statutory accountancy body in Hong Kong. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a British chartered accountancy body with a global presence that offers the Chartered Certified Accountant (Designatory letters ACCA or FCCA) qualification worldwide. ... Acca can refer to: Acca of Hexham, bishop of Hexham and saint, d. ...


HKSA looked upon the exams from 2 accountancy bodies - the aforementioned ACCA from UK and the ASCPA from Australia. At that time university education in the Colony was less common than nowadays. Both accountancy bodies did not require university degree and so HKSA deemed these as suitable for the Hong Kong admission standards.


Around 1985, the HKICPA adopted most of their auditing and accounting standards from ICAEW. Abstract The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales is the main English accountancy body for chartered accountants and auditors, having over 150,000 members. ...


Around 1994, the HKICPA slowly adopted their auditing and accounting standards from the IFAC and its associated standard setting bodies. Full integration was achieved by the HKICPA within 10 years, i.e. in 2005. Senior accountants in Hong Kong may consider this a period of re-learning, adoption of frameworks and principle based standards and a more stringent in governance and regulation of the accounting profession. The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) is the worldwide organization for the accountancy profession. ...


Accountancy practitioners

There are no restrictions to call himself an "accountant" in Hong Kong as long as it does not imply that he is actually a qualified accountant or "Professional Accountant". However, non-qualified individuals (including those who were qualified overseas but not registered with HKICPA as an International Associate) who call themselves Professional Accountants, CPA or CPA(practising) in Hong Kong probably will face actions from HKICPA.


After 2004, all Professional Accountants are designated into Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Fellow Certified Public Accountant (FCPA).


Individual CPAs who are licensed by the PAO to sign-off audited reports for financial statements of Limited Companies under Companies Ordinance would be known as Certified Public Accountant (Practising) (CPA(Practising)). To make it more confusing, there are no restriction for CPA(Practising) to call themselves simply as CPA. This "Practising" title appears to be similar in meaning as an "Registered Auditor" (R.A.) in some countries and is seen to be a form of (and the only) professional speciality.


From 1972 to 2004, all Professional Accountants in Hong Kong would call themselves either "AHKSA" (Associate member of HKSA) or "FHKSA" (Fellow member of HKSA). The individuals who were then licensed to sign-off audit reports were known as Certified Public Accountant or Public Accountants ("CPA or PA") prior to September 2004. These peculiar terms appears to be unique in Hong Kong, and has created confusion for the rest of the professions around the world, and even some accountants themselves, as to what AHKSA is. There were accounts for lay persons who cannot differentiate the differences between AHKSA and ACCA. Acca can refer to: Acca of Hexham, bishop of Hexham and saint, d. ...


All the CPA and CPA(Practising) need to pass a set of examinations designated by the HKICPA. CPAs(Practising), in particular, have to go through more rigorous examinations and have to demonstrate that he is competent in local taxation and audits.


Memberships and other Affiliations

Accountancy is a well established and sought after profession in Hong Kong. A functional constituency in the house of legislature in Hong Kong is elected solely by the professional accountants themselves. Function constituency is unique in Kong Kong. A functional constituency, in Hong Kong politics, refers to professional and special interest groups involved in the electoral process. ...


CPAs in Hong Kong has this peculiar phenominon, enjoying cross-membership with other local and overseas professional bodies. (Please feel free to add links to these bodies). Unscientific survey has been collected so far in identifying members with the following bodies.


Local bodies relevant to accountancy:

 The Taxation Institution of Hong Kong (TIHK) The Society of Chinese Accountants and Auditors (SCAACPA) The Institute of Financial Planners of Hong Kong (IFPHK) ITAccountants Associations (ITAA) 

Overseas bodies:

 Association of International Accountants (AIA) Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) The Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CICPA) Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) CPA Australia (CPAA) Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA) Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ireland (ICAI) New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA) Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe (ICAZ) South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) 


 
 

COMMENTARY     


Share your thoughts, questions and commentary here
Your name
Your comments

Want to know more?
Search encyclopedia, statistics and forums:

 


Lesson Plans | Student Area | Student FAQ | Reviews | Press Releases |  Feeds | Contact
The Wikipedia article included on this page is licensed under the GFDL.
Images may be subject to relevant owners' copyright.
All other elements are (c) copyright NationMaster.com 2003-5. All Rights Reserved.
Usage implies agreement with terms, 1022, m