Home > News > February 2004 > 09-Feb-2004

ACCA implements continuing professional development scheme

Continuing professional development (CPD) for all ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualified accountants is to come into force in 2005.

ACCA believes that this will provide its members with the opportunity to fine tune their skills on an ongoing basis. This in turn should maintain the highest standards and boost confidence in the profession.

Andrew Harding, Executive Director of ACCA UK, says: "Users and employers of accountants will be assured that they continue to develop and maintain their skills after qualification, ensuring they keep abreast of new developments and concepts within the industry."

"We see CPD as continual maintenance, development and enhancement of the professional and personal skills which accountants will need throughout their working lives. A personal programme of CPD can comprise attendance at professional level courses and/or appropriate self-study."

As a prelude to the introduction of CPD as a requirement for all its members, ACCA has launched a newly extended range of lectures and seminars, which are open to members and non-members alike.

Andrew Harding added: "CPD is not just about spending a certain number of hours per year on courses - it is now much more concerned with the application of learning, especially in the workplace. The CPD scheme will also be flexible enough to address the difference in skills between, for example a financial analyst as compared to an auditor."

The range of courses, conferences and lectures have been structured to be accessible to all in terms of location and timings. These include Saturday conferences, evening lectures, full and half day seminars and longer residential courses. ACCA also offers an in-company training service, allowing clients to control the content, location and program of an event. Clients that have already made use of this include Barclays Mercantile Business Finance, HM Customs & Excise and The National Trust.

Andrew Harding, Executive Director for Finance and ACCA UK continues: "We are very encouraged by the interest our diverse range of courses is attracting, demonstrating the rise in awareness of best practice within the industry. Last year we saw an increase across all sectors which was led by the in-company training programmes - these saw an increase of over 80%. Strong demand for training was also apparent for open courses with a 25% rise."

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