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
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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
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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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