As a part-qualified professional you’ll naturally considering your next steps. You might be thinking of continuing your journey to becoming fully qualified. Or you might be working towards a new job or a promotion. No matter what your goal is, adding further value to your qualification by gaining a designation along the way can enhance your career prospects and boost your confidence.
The ICAEW Business and Finance Professional (BFP) designation is a professional status provided by one of the largest professional membership organisations globally, and will help you demonstrate your skills and knowledge in finance, accounting and business. Read on to find out how adding letters to your name can benefit your career and how you can become a BFP.
Why gain a designation?
A mark of excellence, a designation is not only proof of the hard work you’ve put in towards your qualification so far – it also demonstrates that you are committed to your continuous development and to adhering to professional standards.
With a professional status you show commitment to keeping your knowledge and skills up-to-date – something employers and clients value more than anything. Even if you’re on your way to becoming fully-qualified, a designation is a great recognition for all the hard work you’ve put in and adds to your credibility as a professional.
Why the BFP designation?
As an ICAEW Business and Finance Professional (BFP) you will build a strong relationship with ICAEW, an institute that places great value on ethics and on professionalism. Being recognised by ICAEW means that you will meet these high standards.
As a BFP, you will gain invaluable support from ICAEW in the form of technical and ethical resources, along with bespoke advice and access to ICAEW’s helplines – a service greatly valued by both professionals and members. If you decide to become a fullyqualified ICAEW chartered accountant, BFP is a great addition to your ACA, and to gaining membership, as you will already have experience of adhering to professional standards and keeping up with your professional development.
How do you become a BFP?
The first requirement towards the designation is the ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (ICAEW CFAB). A stand-alone qualification, it also makes up the first six modules of the ACA.
As a PQ you may have already completed ICAEW CFAB or an equivalent qualification. If the latter, then you will need to sit one or more exams to complete this requirement. In addition to your qualification, you will need to demonstrate 12 months’ work experience in business and/or finance and complete the ICAEW online Ethics Learning Programme.
How can you use the designation?
The designation is a stamp of recognition that you can proudly display next to your name. By adding the BFP letters to your CV, your Linkedin profile and your business cards you immediately show potential employers, colleagues and clients your professional status, standing out from the crowd.
To find out more about the designation and to become a BFP visit icaew.com/aboutbfp
• Thanks to ICAEW for this article
