An innovative career awaits
THERE is no denying that we live in a fast moving, ever-evolving world. It has been said that at no other time in recent history has adaptability and agility been more important than it is now. This certainly holds true in the world of business and finance, where there is a growing need for professionals with astute analytical and creative thinking skills.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) is a highly influential, world-leading professional membership body that has been at the heart of the accountancy profession since it was established in 1880.
ICAEW Chartered Accountants (ICAEW ACAs) are internationally recognised and highly respected professionals who exemplify the highest standards of professional conduct, up-to-date technical expertise and proficiency.
ICAEW ACAs are innovators, explorers and thinkers who work in a vast range of roles and industries – helping charities raise money, advising governments and sitting on the boards of multinational companies.
The foundations of the ICAEW ACA programme are built on insight and feedback from industry and employers, and contain five over-arching themes that are key for leaders of the future.
Adaptability
Training for the ICAEW ACA focuses on the ability to recognise that businesses are in a constant state of change and evolution, to be curious about this and to be flexible and adjust one’s thinking, approach or methods as required.
ICAEW ACA professionals develop their resilience and creativity in solving problems and learn how to be agile in managing change and unexpected setbacks throughout their studies and career.
Insight
ICAEW ACAs have the ability to analyse and interpret data and think critically to provide commercial insight. The ICAEW ACA training enables individuals to discern and evaluate options and solutions, employ professional scepticism to identify bias or flaws and tackle key issues in a rational and logical manner.
Collaboration
As leaders, ICAEW ACAs must be able to partner and consider diverse perspectives to create successful outcomes, while being accountable for their decisions and actions.
ICAEW ACAs also need to be able to deliver complex ideas to all people within an organisation and articulate their point of view in an appropriate and professional manner, while being sensitive to a range of audiences and levels of understanding and opinions.
Perspective
ICAEW ACAs are trained to take a holistic view of business issues and decisions, considering external stakeholder interests and enterprise-wide implications. They identify risks and balance these against opportunities when charting strategic moves for an organisation.
Learning and reflection
Apart from thinking laterally and creatively, ICAEW ACAs continuously reflect on their experience to become more efficient and effective. They weigh their thoughts and actions against ICAEW’s Code of Ethics to ensure that every decision is made in the best interest of the public.
The ICAEW ACA programme is open to students from any background including sciences and the arts. SPM, STPM and equivalent certificate holders can study for the ACA programme through ICAEW’s tuition providers, Sunway TES Centre of Accounting Excellence, Sunway College and IPAC Education @ INTEC Education College.
Upon completion of the programme, students go on to become members of ICAEW where they will receive continuous support throughout their career, including advice encouragement, access to thoughtleadership faculties, networking and professional development opportunities.
■ For details on the ICAEW ACA programme, contact Sunway TES Centre of Accounting Excellence at 03-7491 8622 or IPAC Education at 03-5522 7287.
For more information on how to become an ICAEW ACA, visit icaew.ca-sea.asia or contact ICAEW Malaysia at malaysia@icaew. com or 03-2171 6022.
ICAEW Chartered Accountants are internationally recognised and highly respected professionals who exemplify the highest standards of professional conduct, up-to-date technical expertise and proficiency.