WHO IS A CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT?

THE INSTITUTE of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica (ICAJ) is the professional organisation for chartered accountants in Jamaica. Formed on January 18, 1965, ICAJ was incorporated under the Public Accountancy Act (PAA) 1970. The PAA regulates the accountancy profession in Jamaica as well as the use of accountancy designations – CA and FCA.

OBJECTIVES

· Promote and increase the knowledge, skill and proficiency of its members and students

· Regulate the discipline and professional conduct of its members and students

· Promote and protect the welfare and interest of t he institute and the accountancy profession, both in Jamaica and abroad

· Make provision for t he training, education and examination of persons engaging or intending to engage in the profession

· Do all such things as are incidental to realising the objectives of the profession

VISION

The ICAJ is committed to being a cohesive national body of trusted and influential professionals that seeks to regulate and advance the accountancy profession, consistent with world standards, for the benefit of its members, its students and its publics and, through creative thought leadership, encourages national development and the advancement of positive global changes.

WHO IS A CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT?

· The designation ‘chartered accountant’ is reserved for persons who are members of ICAJ. Members wishing to practise, offering assurance services as accountants in Jamaica must also be registered with the Public Accountancy Board.

· The institute has two main categories of members designated chartered accountants:

1. Those in public practice

2. Those not in public practice

· Chartered accountants are by training and experience qualified to provide the highest level of services in the areas of accounting, auditing, taxation, finance and various aspects of business management. The designation is obtained on successful completion of the institute’s qualifying examinations and fulfilment of relevant practical experiences.

HOW TO BECOME A CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

· Must be over the age of 21

· Be of good moral character

· Be recommended by two ICAJ members in good standing

· Fulfil a minimum of three years’ practical experience with demonstrated competence in certain key areas (such as auditing, preparation of financial statements, etc.)

· Pass any of the following qualifying exams – UWI MSc (accounting)/ACCA/AICPA/ CPA Canada