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Can you contribute to the campaign?

14 May 2008

ACCA members and accountants belonging to the other five UK-based institutes that collectively make up the Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies (CCAB) were recently invited to take part in a survey that sought to gauge the level of support for a possible campaign for the term 'accountant' to be legally recognised.

If successful, the CCAB believes that this initiative would help to protect consumers by differentiating qualified accountants from unqualified providers of accountancy services. The response was overwhelming. More than 93% of respondents said they would support such a campaign, and so preliminary discussions have taken place among the presidents of the CCAB bodies. But initial soundings from consumer organisations have reinforced the belief that, if it is to succeed, the case to the UK Government needs to be backed by compelling and substantive evidence.

In particular, it has been suggested that a substantial body of case studies demonstrating the consequences for the consumer of work carried out by unqualified providers, and poor advice received from them, would constitute a vital and persuasive plank in the argument that will be put forward.

ACCA members in the survey are clearly in favour of action being taken. But their help is needed to put together a strong and convincing case. As many case studies as possible are required that demonstrate adverse consequences for clients who choose to hire unqualified accountants. These cannot just be simple matters, such as inadequate accounts disclosure, and must show material loss or disadvantage. 

Finding these examples is crucial. Of course, it is appreciated that there is sensitivity involved, as clients may be concerned about the potential implications of spelling out their experiences. But case studies submitted under condition of anonymity will be accepted, provided that members are satisfied that the substance of the example is factually accurate.

If you have a case study that you think would be useful to the campaign, please e-mail clive.booth@accaglobal.com or ian.welch@accaglobal.com in the first instance. A member of staff at ACCA will then make contact with you.