Merger No Longer a Priority?

Accountancy Age reports that Michael Izza, CEO of the ICAEW, no longer believes that consolidation is a priority.

We shall see.

Hat Tip

I tip my hat to Martin Waller of The Times, for mentioning this site again.

Can an accountant be a rebel?

Inspiring Confidence

The ICAEW is, as is the tradition at this time of year, asking its long suffering membership to stump up for another increase in subscriptions.

We are told that the rise of 4%, is "in line with inflation".

Now, correct me if I am wrong, but the inflation figure for March was 3.1%, and is expected to be around 2.8% in April (Bloomberg).

Therefore where does the ICAEW get its 4% from?

I know that it may not seem to be much of a difference (43% actually). However, as accountants we are meant to be reasonably accurate when it comes to numbers...aren't we?

"Inspring Confidence"?

I think not!

Needless to say, I will be voting against the rise.

I recommend that you do the same.

CA Qualification To Be Offered Outside The UK

ICAS is to offer its CA Qualification outside the UK for the first time. ICAS will offer students in Luxembourg the CA course.

ICAS Chief Executive, Anton Colella said:

"We are breaking new ground by taking the CA qualification outside the UK and onto the continent.

We are responding to clear employer demand for our qualification, which is regarded by many as the 'gold standard' in accountancy training. CAs work successfully in a global business environment – so it made sense to offer business outside the UK the chance to train the leaders of the future through our CA programme."

John Li, Managing Partner, KPMG in Luxembourg said:

"We welcome this excellent initiative from ICAS... We have found that the CA is admirably equipped to satisfy these and other demands from our clients and KPMG are therefore delighted to be at the forefront of supporting this initiative."

Why doesn't the ICAEW opt for in house training, instead of farming it out to third parties?

The ICAEW could then offer its qualification globally, and earn money for doing so, without diluting the brand.

ICAS To Go Global

The Scotsman reports that the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) is to unveil plans to offer its "Chartered Accountant" qualification worldwide.

ICAS's CEO, Anton Colella, is quoted as saying that he is identifying major capital markets for expansion:

"People are looking for a premier accountancy qualification and that's what we provide. ICAS-trained accountants have a global reputation and the term CA is well-known. I want people to see the institute as one of the nation's 'jewels in the crown'. I don't think Scots realise the impact it has on global business."

It seems that despite reports of being on good terms with Michael Izza, Colella has no intention of merging with the ICAEW:

"We will stay ICAS and we will not be merging with any other body; it's just not on the horizon. We are the oldest and first and want to stay that way."

The dividing line between ICAS and ICAEW policy is clear. ICAEW believe that size matters, and that growth should be achieved by the short term fix of acquisition and absorption. ICAS believes in growth through "student sign ups", by marketing its qualification as the brand leader.

Ethics and The World Bank

It looks like the World Bank could do with a lesson in ethics and effective corporate governance.

Happy to oblige!

Accountancy Auction Now Closed

The auction of my collection of Accountancy magazines has now closed.

My congratulations to the highest bidder who, by bidding £100 and offering to pick them up from me, has won the auction.

Accountancy Auction

My thanks to Martin Waller of The Times, for featuring my Accountancy auction for the third time in his City Diary.

The auction closes this Tuesday at 17:00.

Accountancy Auction

The auction of my collection of Accountancy magazines will close at 17:00 this Tuesday 10th April.

The highest bid received, so far, is £100.

Praise Indeed

I see that The Times reports that Accountancy, the official organ of the ICAEW, has described me as "meticulous".

High praise indeed!

In other news, I have today received a bid of £100 for my copies of Accountancy, dating back to 1984; any other bids?