Legally anyone can call themselves an ‘accountant’ without any training or experience. I’m biased and will always say that a chartered accountant is the ‘best’. However to be fair there are some other excellent professional qualifications, CTA and ACCA spring to mind.
Unfortunately there are a few professional organisation which have sprung up solely with the purpose of making it appear to the unwary that the accountant is qualified. Membership of these organisations is secured by paying a fee and often nothing more. If you’re suspicious then take a look at the website of the professional body to see how easy it is to complain about a member.
To make sure your finances are in the right hands then choose an ICAEW Chartered Accoutant (like us!).
ICAEW Chartered Accountants can be recognised by the ACA or FCA after their name.
They are:
– qualified chartered accountants who complete a minimum of three years in-depth training including practical experience
-committed to continuing professional development training every year to keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date
– members of ICAEW – The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
– bound by ICAEW’s Code of Ethics and subject to our disciplinary procedures
– required to hold a practicing certificate and professional indemnity insurance if they offer professional services to the public
– subject to review as part of ICAEW’s Practice Assurance scheme, which demonstrates their commitment to quality assurance, and upholding and developing the highest professional standards