Why a Chartered Accountant ?

Legally anyone can call themselves an ‘accountant’. Before becoming a ‘Chartered Accountant’ and using the designatory letters ACA and FCA, our member must:

1. Undertake a period of at least three years training with an organisation that is authorised by the Institute.
2. Pass tough examinations embracing financial management, auditing, business strategy, taxation and information technology.

This training and experience also ensures that Chartered Accountants develop communication skills, business awareness and professional judgement.

Institute members are expected to maintain high standards of ethical and professional conduct.

The use of the initials FCA requires the holder to have been qualified as an ACA for at least ten years. To be a partner in a firm of practicing Chartered Accountants the partners must hold a practicing certificate.

These statements are based upon an article named ‘Why use a Chartered Accountant ’ which is written by The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and can be read on the public page of the Institute's web site at www.icaew.co.uk