Qualified vs Chartered Accountant

[Isabelle]

haya ! I work for a small charity (1.5 millions pounds turn over per year) which needs an accoutant part-time to replace our accoutant on his way to retire. There is an on-going discussion about whether we should recruit a certified or a chartered accoutant. Can anybody tell me what it the difference between them (sorry for my ignorance I have just passed my intermediate AAT level...) and what is the most appropriate for a charity of this size ??<BR>Ta <BR>Isabelle <BR>isabelle@respond.org

[gaffarn]

Isabelle,<BR><BR>I work for a charity too and my line manager is not a qualified accountant, she did something unrelated to finance at University, but she works as a finance manager now. I work under her and I am about to complete my AAT. I think where accountancy is concerned it's the experience that counts and the qualification is just they to secure your job.<BR><BR>Regards,<BR><BR>Nafisa

[AmandaB]

Public sector accountants have to work within resource constrained environment - tight budgeting and financial reporting are vital. Projects may involve looking at more efficient and economic use of resources. This would seem the case for a charity. Public sector accountants are often advised to sit CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountants) exams.<BR>Alternatively they may consider an ACCA (Certified) to be just as relevant - depend on the needs of the business and job descripiton I would imagine.

[bryan]

The difference between Chartered and Certified is, partly, in public perception. Chartered certainly has a higher profile. <BR>It is also probable,in general, that Chartered trainees have better degrees/A levels than Certified.<BR>The exams are about the same standard.<BR>You will probably have to pay more for a Chartered Accountant.