Global demand for accountants growing much faster than other occupations
View(s):Demand for accountants is increasing throughout the world at a substantial rate. Figures from the U.S. Department of Labour’s Bureau of Statistics forecast growth in employment of accountants between 18 and 26 percent annually through to 2014. In many other parts of the world it is projected that employment of accountants and auditors will grow by 22 percent between 2014 and 2018, much faster than average for all occupations.
Choosing accountancy as a career and becoming a CPA is shrewd move. Globally, employers and business partners understand and respect the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualification. CPA is one of the best known international accounting designations and upon qualification the CPA joins a global network: out of some two and a half million accountants across the world, one million plus describe themselves as CPAs.
Maximise your potential with the CPA Ireland professional accountancy qualification
Once you have chosen accountancy, you can be sure that a qualification from CPA Ireland will provide you with all-round business expertise, enabling you to succeed in a wide range of challenging and rewarding careers throughout the world.
CPA Ireland qualification enjoys wide international recognition. Its current membership operates in public practice, all areas of private and public sectors. CPAs work in many countries around the world and are allowed to engage in private practice in more than 32 countries. Its members are well qualified to operate in any jurisdiction internationally.
Employers are looking for professionally qualified, competent accountants with a strategic perspective who can add value to the bottom line. A CPA qualification provides you with a strong skill set that allows you to do just that.
Curriculum
The CPA syllabus comprehensively covers the technical, practical management and strategic skills accountants are expected to master. The CPA syllabus recognises that finance professionals are increasingly required to demonstrate strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, people skills and fluency with information technology.
The syllabus is continuously updated to ensure that CPA accountants are progressive, innovative and proactive strategists capable of understanding and contributing towards every facet of business.
Training and Competence Development
The professional competence of CPA accountants equips them to be effective in a number of roles in business. There are two elements: technical expertise and behavioural attributes, which are developed over time through a process of formal study and practical experience.
Prior to qualification, this process is structured for CPA students through exams and a defined training regime. Each student must acquire at least three years of relevant supervised experience prior to being eligible to apply for membership. Training must be recorded on the CPA training record and submitted to the Institute annually.
Flexibility
The CPA Ireland route to professional accountancy qualification is one that offers a high level of proficiency, freedom and flexibility during study, training and subsequent employment. Flexible study options are available, including full time, part time, weekend, distance and e-Learning options.
Training can take place in industry, commerce, practice or combination of all in both private and public sector. As a CPA student you are not tied down to a contract with only one employer. You are free to choose your job sector and your employer and you are in control of your career from the start, deciding where you work and the type of experience you want to develop.
International Recognition
CPA Ireland is a founding member of IFAC, the global organisation for the accountancy profession. Members are statutorily recognised in 27 Countries in the European Union and New Zealand. Irish qualifications are highly respected and held with very high regard throughout the world.
Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs)
CPA Ireland has MRAs which provide a route for qualified CPA Ireland members to become members of the peer bodies in the following countries:
CPA Australia – eligible to apply for CPA Australia full membership, see website, MRAs
CGA-Canada – full membership on completion of the online overview of Canadian Tax and Law course
New Zealand – CPA Ireland has been statutorily recognised as an approved body of auditors in NZ
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India – eligible for membership of ICA India on completion of (a) Corporate and Allied laws and (b) Direct and Indirect Taxes of India
Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh – eligible for membership of ICA B’desh on completion of (a) Corporate and Allied laws and (b) Direct and Indirect Taxes of B’desh
Memoranda of understanding (MOU) with:
SAIPA South African, Rwanda, Zimbabwe
CPA Ireland
CPA Sri Lanka
The CPA Ireland and the CPA Sri Lanka have entered into a MOU, which will see both bodies offer service and support to each others’ members and collaborate on joint research, education, member body development and on other areas of mutual interest. CPA Ireland is committed to supporting the long term development of CPA Sri Lanka.
A substantial amount of cost saving to Sri Lankan Students
The CPA programme comprises seventeen examinations, made up of nine at formation level and eight at professional level, and a fully integrated practical experience requirement. Formation levels I and II are examined by CPA Sri Lanka and Professional levels I and II are examined by CPA Ireland, leading to dual qualifications of CPA (Ireland) and CPA (Sri Lanka); or any one of them. This arrangement has resulted in a substantial amount of cost savings to Sri Lankan students pursuing CPA Ireland membership. CPA Sri Lanka is an approved educator and examination centre for CPA Ireland.
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