Accountancy Qualifications

Recognised Supervisory Bodies (RSB) and Recognised Qualifying Bodies (RQB)

The five Recognised Supervisory Bodies (RSB) in the UK are AAPA, ACCA, ICAEW and ICAS. Their members may also become a Statutory Auditor in accordance with the Companies Act, providing they have the necessary professional ability in that area along with regular inspections.

AAPA Association of Authorised Public Accountants A professional body for auditors

ACCA - Association of Chartered Certified Accountants UK based, a global body for finance professionals

ICAEW - Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales A professional membership organisation for chartered accountants across the world

ICAI - Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland A membership body representing 28,500 influential members throughout the globe

ICAS - The institute of chartered accountants of Scotland The world's first professional body of Chartered Accountants

The six UK Recognised Qualifying Bodies (RQB) are ICAEW, ICAS, ICAI, ACCA, (outlined above) and the AIA and CIPFA. Members may also become Statutory Auditors providing they are also a member of one of the five Recognised Supervisory Bodies mentioned above.

AIA - Association of International Accountants a leading professional body for accountants and finance professionals

CIPFA - Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy UK based international accountancy membership and standard-setting body

Professional Membership Bodies

AAT - Association of Accounting Technicians Professional body offering skills-based accountancy and finance qualifications.

ATT - Association of Taxation Technicians Providing UK tax compliance services

CIMA - Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Largest professional body of management accountants

CIOT - Chartered Institute of Taxation Highest level tax qualifications available in the UK

CIPP - Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals The only Chartered Institute for payroll, pensions and reward professionals in the UK

ICB - Institute of Certified Bookkeepers Largest bookkeeping institute in the world.

ILFM - Institute of Legal Finance and Management The professional institute for legal finance & management professionals, including Legal Cashiers, Accounts Managers, COFA's, Practice Managers and Finance Directors.

SOLAS - Society of Law Accountants in Scotland Education and advancement of individuals with a view to assisting them in becoming proficient in all aspects of law accounting

STEP - Society of Estate and Trust Practitioners International professional body for advisers

Accountancy and Finance Qualifications

AATQB - Bookkeeping membership A professional status to demonstrate your expertise to employers and clients

ACA - Associate Chartered Accountant Advanced learning and professional development programmes

ACCA - Member Chartered Certified Accountant The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Qualification.

AFA - Associate of the Institute of Financial Accountants Equivalent of a Level 6 accountancy qualification

AIA Certificate in Accountancy- Foundation level of the AIA Professional Qualification

AIA - Diploma in Accountancy Level 1 of the AIA Professional Qualification

AIA - Diploma in Professional Accountancy Final level of the AIA Professional Qualification

AIA - Recognised Professional Qualification (Audit) Statutory Auditor Training Programme

AIA IFRS - Diploma in International Financial Reporting Standards Practical course of study, covering a broad range of IFRS topics

AIA MAC - Diploma in Management Accounting and Costing Understanding of costing systems for products, processes, operations and services

AIA - Diploma in Auditing Accounting and finance professionals who wish to build on their existing knowledge of auditing

AIA Certificate in IFRS for SMEs International Financial Reporting Standard for Small and Medium-sized Entities

AIPA - Associate of the Institute of Public Accountants Entry level membership for accountants beginning their career

ATA - Associate Tax Adviser IFA Tax Adviser

B.Acy., B.Acc., or B. Accty. - Degree in Accountancy

CA - Chartered Accountant Highest ICAS professional level

CAI - Chartered Accountant Ireland Member of CAI membership body

CAT - Certified Accounting Technician Part of ACCAs Foundations in Accountancy suite of qualifications

CFA- Chartered Financial Analyst One of the highest distinctions in the investment management profession

CGMA - Global Management Accountant Expert strategist connecting all aspects of business

CIMA - Cert BA  Standalone qualification and a route to becoming a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

CIPFA - Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountant Member of  international accountancy and standard-setting body

CPA - Certified Public Accountant Licensed accounting professional, protecting the public interest

CTA - Chartered Tax Advisor Highest level tax qualification in the UK

FAIA - Fellow of Association of International Accountants Able to undertake company audits of companies of all sizes in the UK

FCA - Fellow Chartered Accountant Fellowship Designates those who have achieved a higher level of professional experience

FCCA - Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant Highest achievement awarded to ACCA members 

FFA - Fellow of the Institute of Financial Accountants IFA’s highest membership grade

FIPA - Fellow of the Institute of Public Accountants Highest level of membership of the IPA

FMAAT - Fellow Member of Association of Accounting Technicians Highest level of AAT membership

FQA - Fellow Qualified Accountant Fully qualified professional accountant operating at Strategic level

FTA - Fellow Tax Adviser IFA Tax Adviser

MAAT - Member of Association of Accounting Technicians Internationally recognised AAT accounting qualification

MIPA - Member of the Institute of Public Accountants Mid level membership of the IPA

RQA Registered Qualified Accountant Fully qualified accountant operating at Professional level

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