ACCA hosts Members Night 2012

ACCA, one of the most far-reaching professional qualifications, which is not only growing in size but is also spreading its tentacles across countries, borders and business sectors, has students and members in over 170 countries and a track record of a 100 years. ACCA recently held its Members Night at the Cinnamon Grand’s Atrium lobby.

ACCA Sri Lanka President Rajive Casie Chetty (right) presents ACCA membership certificate to Mukhlis Ismail at the event

The night kicked off with an address delivered by ACCA president Rajive Casie Chetty who emphasised the need to keep up ACCA’s values of opportunity, diversity and integrity in all walks of life. Casie Chetty noted that 60 associates received membership this year from Sri Lanka and also affirmed that the number of associates that gained membership this year is the highest they have had in a single year, with a 50% increase, bringing their membership to 294.

He went on to remind the members that there were two important things that ACCA emphasises to all its members, the first being to engage in continuous education and secondly, it being imperative to maintain a very high standard of ethics.

Casie Chetty stated: “Today, you find accountants and more accountants but you won’t find many who practice ethics at a high level. ACCA is keen that its members practice and maintain high standards of ethics. Ethical behaviour amongst professionals is much sought after by employers. It is your integrity and loyalty to your employer and your profession that will help you carve a niche and distinguish yourself from others.”

T.P.L Raj , a fellow member of ACCA, who has served the council first as secretary and then as President for nine consecutive years from 1994-2003, and served in the International Assembly of ACCA – UK for a consecutive period of six years, and is currently the Chairman of Mercury Institute of Management, the only platinum accredited ACCA learning provider in Sri Lanka, addressed the gathering next.

“Your unique combination of technical knowledge and practical experience now qualifies you to use the ACCA letters after your name and enjoy the flexibility of career choices, reputation and leading range of services associated with being a member of the global body for professional accountants,” he pointed out.

“Your membership provides access to what is widely regarded as the profession’s most comprehensive range of career and professional development resources including free accounting and auditing standards, technical updates, online and face-to-face learning opportunities and further qualifications. It also demonstrates to employers and clients your commitment to maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.”

Today, the ACCA qualification is a passport to work anywhere in the world. In fact over 50% of those who passed the exams in Sri Lanka are now residing or are employed overseas. The newly elected members received their certificates and awards from Casie Chetty and the Country Manager of ACCA Sri Lanka, Nilusha Ranasinghe. These members will now join a global membership of over 150,000 fellow ACCA professionals.

ACCA Sri Lanka has many activities outlined for this year, to make their membership an influential body that could influence opinion and provide advice in the spheres of business and commerce in Sri Lanka. Thus they have planned to have technical sub committees on taxation, capital markets, corporate governance, etc. and also plan to host four events this year to encourage networking. The first event on a capital market related subject is planned to be held this March.