CIOT Welcomes Debate Over Unqualified Accountants And Tax Advisors

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

21 July 2008

The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) last week announced that it welcomed the debate which proposed that unqualified accountants and tax advisers should have professionally recognised qualifications before they can provide services.

The CIOT stated on Thursday that it "notes with interest" the recent Early Day Motion (EDM) asking for legal protection for the term accountant.

However, the CIOT says that it would go further and include not only accountants but also tax and financial advisers under the new rules.

Nick Goulding, CIOT President, explained:

“The time has come to recognise the importance of obtaining professional qualifications in order to provide tax services to both business and the public.”

An e-petition was recently posted on the Downing Street website regarding this issue by Alan Shooter, a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), which at the last count, had resulted in over 4,000 signatures.

Mr Shooter FCCA FCA, who practices in London, submitted the petition to the Number 10 website because he feels strongly about unqualified accountants, tax and financial advisers providing services to the public and to businesses.

Mr Shooter commented:

“Lawyers must have professional qualifications, but anyone can currently provide services calling themselves accountants or consultants without qualifications. These people need to be regulated.”

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