ACCA holds its members' night

ACCA which happens to be 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 100 years. They recently held their member's night at the Cinnamon Grand , Atrium Lobby.

The night kicked off with a few words of wisdom from the ACCA president Rajive Casie Chetty , who emphasized the need to keep up ACCA's values of opportunity, diversity and integrity in all walks of life

Casie Chetty mentioned that the total number of associates that received membership this year from Sri Lanka is 60. He 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.

Casie Chetty reminded the members that there were two important things that ACCA emphasizes 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. He stated that "Today you find Accountants and Accountants. But you wont 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 your self."

T. P. L. Raj , a fellow member of ACCA, who has served the council first as secretary and then as President for 9 consecutive years from 1994 - 2003 , served the International Assembly of ACCA - UK for a consecutive period of 6 years and is currently the Chairman of Mercury Institute of Management , the only Platinum accredited ACCA Learning Provider in Sri Lanka, addressed the gathering and pointed out that "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.

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 resident or employed overseas. The newly elected members received their certificates and awards from the 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 ACCAs .

ACCA Sri Lanka has many activities outlined for the coming year with their mission 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 have four events this year to encourage networking. The first event on a Capital Market related subject is planned for this March.