To help broaden access into the accountancy profession the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has issued a new set of recommended best practice principles.
The newly published Opening Doors: Six Principles of Best Practice to Increase Access to Accountancy Qualifications focuses on:
- Encouraging entry from diverse educational backgrounds.
- Recognising and valuing prior work experience.
- Removing unnecessary barriers to access.
- Offering flexible qualification formats and delivery.
- Enabling career step-off points.
- Driving global reciprocity and mobility.
IFAC acknowledges that some members have already embedded these principles into their operating models, demonstrating how the principles can broaden access to the profession in practice. For others IFAC is hoping Opening Doors will mark a fresh approach – an opportunity to reimagine pathways into accountancy and strengthen engagement with future talent.
Lee White, IFAC CEO, said: “The accountancy profession is enriched through talent drawn from the widest breadth possible. I am excited by the opportunity Opening Doors creates to engage future talent in new ways and respond to the evolving workplace.
“Our members uphold the highest standards of integrity and quality, and together we are building a broader-based, innovative and connected profession – one that is forward-looking and equipped to sustain public trust.”
AICPA and CIMA said: “These principles reflect our shared commitment to broadening access and modernizing the pathways into the accountancy profession. We commend IFAC and the Global Public Policy Committee (GPPC) for championing a framework that welcomes entrants from diverse educational backgrounds, recognizes prior work experience, and promotes flexible qualification pathways. These efforts align closely with our strategic priorities to attract and empower diverse talent and evolve licensure, certification, and learning models to meet the needs of a dynamic global economy.”
