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SMEs – an accountants role, the need for continual learning & professional membership. Jonathan Barber – Head of Business Development. www.ifa.org.uk. Terminology. SMEs – Small & Medium Enterprises SMPs – Small & Medium Accountancy Practices. Content.
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SMEs – an accountants role, the need for continual learning & professional membership Jonathan Barber – Head of Business Development www.ifa.org.uk
Terminology • SMEs – Small & Medium Enterprises • SMPs – Small & Medium Accountancy Practices
Content • SMEs – relevance & definition • An accountants role • Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA) • Institute of Public Accountants of Australia (IPA) • Learning & Personal Development • Professional Membership
SMEs • Globally relevant • Definition
SMEs – an accountants role • Small accounting or finance department • Need for all-round & generalised experience & knowledge • Ability to multi-task • Knowledge of non finance matters • Part of senior management team – strategic input • Work closely with external professional advisers • Trusted Business Advisers
IFA & IPA Group • IFA established 1916 • IPA Group – 35000 members and students • Worlds largest SME/SMP focused accountancy group • Both Institutes FULL members of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) • IPA Group 20th largest member body of IFAC • Members work as accountants / finance professionals in SMEs or SMPs serving SMEs
Professional Qualifications & Learning • IFA qualifications • Diploma in IFRS for Accounting Professionals • Endorsed local programmes
Professional Membership – why? • International recognition • Enhanced credibility – designatory letters • Portability – global acceptance • Standards & Quality • Relevancy – specific support to members in SMEs & SMPs • Continual Professional Development – opportunities • Top Up degree – Northampton University • MBA Programme – Australian University • Relationship with other bodies
Summary • SMEs “life blood of many economies” • Need for continual learning • Strength and reassurance from professional membership • IFA / IPA Group can help