Project Will Help PAOs Navigate ICT Infrastructure Challenges
Strong information and communications technology (ICT) systems are crucial for effective operations and facilitating interaction and communication with stakeholders. The role of such systems is particularly important for emerging professional accountancy organization (PAOs) as they seek to build capacity and serve the accountancy profession. In a step toward improved ICT systems for emerging PAOs, the International Federation of Accountants® (IFAC®) today announced the selection of a joint venture between the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) to provide guidance on building strong ICT systems for PAOs in Africa.
“This joint venture between ACCA and ICPAK is an excellent example of north-south cooperation, and will result in south-south cooperation as ICPAK continues to support other PAOs in the region,” said Alta Prinsloo, IFAC Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer. “This project will assist PAOs in navigating information and improving communications with their key stakeholders.”
The joint venture will develop guidance on designing and implementing an ICT system. The guide, which will include a model ICT implementation roadmap, will be tailored for wide application in Africa through extensive consultation with representative PAOs in the region.
“With members in all corners of the world, ACCA uses technological innovations on a daily basis, and has extensive experience of adapting these systems to suit the needs of the PAO,” said Stephen Heathcote, ACCA’s Executive Director – Markets. “To solve ICT challenges, any organization needs to have a good understanding of the principles and good practices, and have a roadmap for its end destination. We are delighted to work with ICPAK on this important project.”
“As a leading PAO in Africa, ICPAK brings a great deal of Africa-specific knowledge to this partnership—we are well versed in the ICT infrastructure challenges faced by PAOs in our region,” said Dr. Patrick Ngumi (PhD), ICPAK’s Chief Executive. “We look forward to working with ACCA, in consultation with neighboring PAOs, to develop relevant and practical tools for emerging PAOs to address these challenges.”
In 2014, IFAC received almost £5 million from the UK Department for International Development (DFID) to fund PAO capacity building in ten emerging countries over seven years. The selection of ACCA and ICPAK was made following a global Call for Expressions of Interest and an extensive proposal and review process involving multiple global organizations and the IFAC PAO Capacity Building Program Oversight Committee and Independent Selection Panel. This joint venture will continue to build on the funding agreement and support projects currently underway in Africa.
About IFAC
IFAC is the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of more than 175 members and associates in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing almost 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.
About ACCA
ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants. It offers business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management.
ACCA supports its 178,000 members and 455,000 students in 181 countries, helping them to develop successful careers in accounting and business, with the skills required by employers. ACCA works through a network of 95 offices and centres and more than 7,110 Approved Employers worldwide, who provide high standards of employee learning and development. Through its public interest remit, ACCA promotes appropriate regulation of accounting and conducts relevant research to ensure accountancy continues to grow in reputation and influence.
Founded in 1904, ACCA has consistently held unique core values: opportunity, diversity, innovation, integrity and accountability. It believes that accountants bring value to economies in all stages of development and seek to develop capacity in the profession and encourage the adoption of global standards. ACCA’s core values are aligned to the needs of employers in all sectors and it ensures that through its range of qualifications, it prepares accountants for business. ACCA seeks to open up the profession to people of all backgrounds and remove artificial barriers, innovating its qualifications and delivery to meet the diverse needs of trainee professionals and their employers. More information is here: www.accaglobal.com
About DFID
The UK Department for International Development (DFID) leads the UK’s work to end extreme poverty. They are ending the need for aid by creating jobs, unlocking the potential of girls and women and helping to save lives when humanitarian emergencies hit. For more information, visit www.gov.uk/dfid.