What Will Be Chartered Accountants - A Definition


by Dr Kimberley Coldwell


Chartered accounts are found in countries outside of the United States. They are basically members of professional organizations of their own country. For example, in Austria they are registered members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia.

Education and training will be where the greatest variance is found between those who are not chartered and those who are. Testing requirements and the amount of time they will be required to put into their own education will determine the title they receive.

Looking back in history one will find that this type of professional was one of the first to form a professional membership in Britain in 1854. In America, these people who be known as a Certified Public Accountant or CPA. Individual rules and regulations govern each of the different bodies. Many differences can be seen from one country to the next.

Outside the United States, mainly in Canada, this type of professional is known as a CA. Until recently, only those registered would be allowed to perform audit functions on any company which was publicly traded. Every country has their own set of rules and requirements for each individual segment of the profession. They have individual license requirements also. Normally one finds that in addition to their own regulations there will be a government run office which also oversees their work.

The decision to become certified or registered as an accountant is not one to be taken lightly. Currently the United States has the highest education requirements before one is allowed to take the examinations leading to a certification. Most only require an Associate's Degree plus some training. The United States currently requires a Bachelor's Degree plus an additional 18 credit hours before one is allowed to sit for the different exams.

In the United States, the CPA exam is made up of several different parts. Today one needs to be very dedicated to their work to continue and obtain a license of this type. It is estimated that approximately 85% of those who take the exam do not pass on the first try. This can become very expensive for someone just setting out to build their career.

Finally, the difference that one notices between the types of accounting personnel seems to center around licensing and education. Without the education you will not receive a license and likely will not be allowed to join any of the professional groups for bookkeepers. It's a matter of how much time and effort you can afford to put into your education.




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