ACCA reaffirms its role as a trusted leader and global body for professional accountants

ACCA ( the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global professional body for accountants. Ms Nilusha Ranasinghe, head of ACCA Sri Lanka, answers a series of questions reaffirming ACCA as the undisputed global leader who grooms world-class accountants & professionals with a high demand amongst employers.

What has enabled ACCA to maintain such a robust global reputation over the years?

Having empowered over 219,000 fully qualified members and 527,000 students worldwide, ACCA accredited accounting professionals are among the world’s most sought after accountants.

Not only are they among the best qualified, but the versatility of the ACCA Qualification has assured the deployment of ACCA accountants in every global industry and sector imaginable.

Through the years ACCA has become a name synonymous with trust and employability where we connect industries across all spheres be they small, large, governmental, educational or opinion formers. ACCA professional accountants are recognised the world over for staying up to date on emerging trends, legislative transformations and legal reforms. Our members are trained to be strategic leaders with ethics at the heart of what they do. It must also be added that ACCA offers an unparalleled level of flexibility to our students, enabling them to pursue and secure the ACCA qualification through the years.

How does ACCA Sri Lanka fit into this paradigm, in upholding the same values as its global body?

Since its inception in 2002 the ACCA Sri Lanka office has worked to offer businessrelevant, first-choice qualifications to professionals who carry the same vision of delivering innovative, industry- specific knowledge. The local office is also responsible for the smooth admin operations that help students’ journey towards membership. The rigorous examination and monitoring process is carried out in strict adherence to systems and processers laid out by ACCA.

Our accounting professionals are acutely aware of the tangible benefits they gain as a result of being a part of ACCA as a professional membership body. These benefits also extend to their employer, clientele and also the general public. Armed with a proactive member network, ACCA Sri Lanka comprises a member network panel that represents all businesses from the corporate sector through to banking, SME, capital markets, BPO and many more.

How stringent is the process of securing an ACCA Approved Learning Provider (ALP)?

The ALP programme gives formal recognition to leading Learning Providers, to deliver quality tuition and support for ACCA students. Adhering to a process laid down globally, the local office is committed to safeguard the ACCA accreditation standards when choosing and renewing the status of its Learning Providers. In close consultation with the accreditation team, the local office is obligated to suspend the accreditation status of any Learning Provider, who does not uphold ACCA’s requirements. ACCA is thus committed to ensure the students are able to obtain the highest quality tuition; as such suspension can even lead to removal of a Learning Provider, if the required level of standard is consistently compromised.

In light of the recent suspension of a Learning Provider, the local office continues to strengthen our relationship with the 3 ALPs, namely KBBS Campus, Achievers Lanka Business School and Icon Business School who continue to be the only ACCA Approved Learning Providers for Sri Lanka at present.

Does ACCA offer support to students & members?

Yes, very much so. Support for students and ACCA members include Continuous Professional Development ( CPD), which assures the harnessing of their skills and abilities through the versatile learning resources we offer. From mentoring programmes, online material, ACCA study materials, networking events to member updates on research and insights; the consistent support we offer further increases the employability of students.

What is your take on the future for ACCA?

ACCA is a global body that has stood the test of time, primarily because we have a clear strategy. Accountability, diversity, innovation, integrity and opportunity are built into our DNA through our core value system. With a track record of creating and sustaining the finest accounting professionals the world over, the legitimacy and strength of the ACCA qualification remains undeterred for the future generations.

Students, parents and members are welcome to visit the ACCA office at Block A, 18th Floor,33, Parkland, Park street, Colombo 2, between 9am -5pm on weekdays ( excluding public holidays) or telephone 0112424801/ 0773874247 to obtain further details.