ICAI - Fastest Growing Accountancy Board

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

03 July 2009

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (ICAI) is the fastest growing professional accountancy body in the United Kingdom and Ireland according to the latest statistics from the Professional Oversight Board, an operating board of the United Kingdom’s Financial Reporting Council.

Between 2003 and 2008 ICAI’s membership in the UK and the Republic of Ireland grew in annual terms by 5.9% compared to 4.5% of its nearest competitor. ICAI’s student growth also surpassed that of the other bodies with an annualised increase of almost 15% in the same period. ICAI also does well in terms of gender balance with 39% female membership and leads the way with 53% of its student base female. ICAI also scores well in demographics with 67% of its membership 45 years and under.

Commenting ICAI President Tom Fitzpatrick said:

“These figures attest not just to the success of ICAI but the enduring strength of the accounting profession in general. Undoubtedly we have entered more difficult times but it is pleased to see how ICAI, as Ireland’s oldest professional accounting body, has adopted to the modern age.”

“We have recently launched a new programme called the Elevation programme to open up a path into Chartered Accountancy for more experienced graduates. This process of being open to change has been a key element of ICAI’s strength in recent years and will be critical to ensuring we come out of these global economic difficulties in a position of strength.”

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