Irish and South African Accountants Ink Deal

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland and the South African Institute of Public Accountants have signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a partnership to distribute an online CPA Certificate in International Public Sector Accounting Standards Financial Reporting  in South Africa.

Last week, the Irish group, also known as CPA Ireland, announced a similar agreement with a Russian accounting organization (see Irish CPAs Strike Deal with Russian CPAs). CPA Ireland also recently signed a deal with an accounting group in Nigeria and hopes to ink an agreement with organizations in other countries as well.

The memorandum of understanding with the South African Institute of Public Accountants builds on an MoU signed between the two bodies some years ago agreeing to cooperate on matters of mutual interest. CPA Ireland noted that there is a significant interest in the adoption of IPSAS in Africa, because of the increased transparency and accountability these standards yield.

“We are very pleased that SAIPA has decided to partner with us in the delivery of IPSAS training in South Africa”, said CPA Ireland CEO Eamonn Siggins in a statement. “Governments and the public around the world are increasingly pressing for good management of public finances. We, as accountants must lead from the front, as we are all still continuing to learn the lessons of the global economic crisis. This new and exciting partnership between CPA Ireland and SAIPA will help ensure that strengthened public financial management is delivered within South Africa.”

The CPA online Certificate in IPSAS Financial Reporting comprises nine modules, including an assessment for each module and an overall assessment. The course takes approximately 70 hours to complete, and on completion graduates are issued with the CPA Certificate in IPSAS Financial Reporting.

The latest partnership brings to three the number of international partnerships entered into by CPA Ireland to deliver the program in international markets. South Africa now joins Russia and Nigeria in providing the Certificate to its members.

“The adoption of IPSAS is an important decision taken by South Africa,” said SAIPA CEO Shahied Daniels. “It becomes imperative that people tasked with the implementation, auditing, monitoring compliance of the standards are thoroughly conversant with them. For SAIPA to partner with CPA Ireland to offer the CPA online Certificate in IPSAS Financial Reporting is an important milestone in achieving the required standards.”