Defining What Chartered Accountants Are

| Sunday, April 24, 2011
By Bradley James


Generally speaking, chartered accountants are found in countries outside the US. In order to have this title they must be registered as a part of a professional group. For example, Britain they may be members in the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. There are several different groups found in Britain.

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.

The first professional body of accounting was formed by a group of chartered accountants in Britain back in 1854. Since that time many more organizations have been formed. Within the United States of America these would be referred to as a Certified Public Accountant. Individual governing rules and regulations are created within the group themselves. In addition each country has their own requirements regarding the ability to perform of each person.

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 US, the examination for a CPA accreditation if broken into several parts. A person will need to be very sure of themselves as well as dedicated to the profession to proceed through the many steps that will need to be followed. It is estimated that less than 90% of those sitting for the CPA exam pass on their first time they try.

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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