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ACCA calls for awareness building on professionalism

DUBAI — ACCA, the UK- based Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, yesterday said there is a pressing need for building awareness in the Gulf about accounting professionalism as the region is fast evolving into a sought-after global business hub.

Allen Blewitt, chief executive, ACCA, who was on a short visit to the UAE, said with numerous multinationals which are coming to the region driving the all-round economic growth, there is a tremendous growth potential for accounting professionals in the UAE and other GCC countries. "However, still there is a need for greater understanding for the value of professional qualification in the region," he said.

He said ACCA, in association with some top accounting companies, is seeking to achieve and promote increased professional, ethical and governance standards in the UAE and other Gulf countries. "We seek to build a generation of Emirati professionals in view of the long-term emiritisation strategy of the government. Our aim is to provide opportunity and access to people of ability around the world and to support our members throughout their careers in accounting, business and finance."

Blewitt, who held a meeting yesterday with Edward B. Quinlan, UAE Country partner of Ernst & Young, said being the largest and fastest-growing global professional accountancy body with 296,000 students and 115,000 members in 170 countries, ACCA has now made its presence in 14 countries in the Middle East. "We have over 6,000 students under training in the region, and some 1,800 in the UAE."

"We aim to offer the first choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management. We support our students and members throughout their careers, providing services through a network of nearly 80 offices and centres."

He said ACCA has established more than 50 global accountancy partnerships, through which it delivers qualifications and a range of services which promote global standards, benefit the accountancy profession and enhance the value of accountants in the workplace. "We work closely with more than 470 registered tuition providers and nearly 8,500 employers of accountants and finance professionals."

Blewitt said ACCA uses its expertise and experience to work with governments, donor agencies and professional bodies to develop the accountancy profession. "We aim to achieve and promote the highest professional, ethical and governance standards and advance the public interest."

He said ACCA's reputation is grounded in over 100 years of providing accounting and finance qualifications. Our long traditions are complemented by modern thinking, backed by a diverse, global membership.