Accountancy bodies committed to developing the profession and strengthening relationships

TORONTO, July 2, 2013 /CNW/ - ACCA, CGA Ontario and CGA Manitoba announced today that they are currently exploring how relationships among the three accountancy bodies might be further strengthened to help develop the profession, as well as benefit their members and students.

Since 2006, ACCA has had mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) with the Certified General Accountants Associations within Canada and welcomes the opportunity to build on these arrangements. ACCA strives to develop local partnerships which recognise the proven skills and experience of its members.

Helen Brand, chief executive of ACCA, said "We are pleased to have this opportunity to consider how relationships might be further strengthened.  Partnerships are essential to ACCA and enable bodies to share resources for the benefit of the wider profession, as well as helping deliver benefits for our members and students.

We seek to provide access to, and choice within, the profession and are always open to exploring partnerships which help promote these values."

The MRAs have provided an opportunity for many qualified members of the bodies to gain a second designation and to enjoy the benefits the respective associations offer.  ACCA members in Canada have access to the extensive career opportunities, professional and networking resources of provincial CGA Associations. CGAs have access to ACCA's internationally recognized designation and unrivalled global network.

"Strengthening this partnership makes sense," said Doug Brooks, FCGA, chief executive officer, CGA Ontario. "Our shared commitment to access to the profession for all who can meet its high standards is a strong foundation on which to build additional opportunities for our organizations' members and students."

"In a world where business is increasingly interconnected globally, a stronger relationship between ACCA and CGA can add value for our members and students, as well as their employers and clients," remarked Grant Christensen, FCGA, chief executive officer, CGA Manitoba.

Notes to Editors:

About ACCA: ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants. We aim to offer business-relevant, 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 162,000 members and 426,000 students in 170 countries, helping them to develop successful careers in accounting and business, with the skills required by employers. We work through a network of over 89 offices and centres and more than 8,500 Approved Employers worldwide, who provide high standards of employee learning and development. Through our public interest remit, we promote appropriate regulation of accounting and conduct relevant research to ensure accountancy continues to grow in reputation and influence.

Founded in 1904, ACCA has consistently held unique core values: opportunity, diversity, innovation, integrity and accountability. We believe that accountants bring value to economies in all stages of development and seek to develop capacity in the profession and encourage the adoption of global standards. Our values are aligned to the needs of employers in all sectors and we ensure that through our qualifications, we prepare accountants for business. We seek to open up the profession to people of all backgrounds and remove artificial barriers, innovating our qualifications and delivery to meet the diverse needs of trainee professionals and their employers.

ACCA is not affiliated with any chartered accountant (CA) organization.

About CGA Ontario: CGA Ontario is a self-governing body that grants the exclusive rights to the CGA designation, and controls the professional standards, conduct and discipline of its members and students in Ontario. Certified general accountants (CGAs) are committed to meeting the needs of businesses and organizations with strategic insight, leadership and demonstrated abilities. In Ontario, there are more than 22,000 CGAs and 9,000 students working toward their designation.

About CGA Manitoba:  CGA Manitoba is a self-governing body that grants the exclusive rights to the CGA designation, and controls the professional standards, conduct and discipline of its 2,200 members and 1,600 students in Manitoba.

SOURCE: Certified General Accountants of Ontario

Helen Thompson, ACCA Newsroom
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: [phone]

Amy Mulhern, CGA Ontario
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: [phone] / Mobile: [phone]

Bruce Granke, CGA Manitoba
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: [phone] / Mobile: [phone]