Abbreviation CPAA Membership > 1,300 | Region served UK; Overseas Member's designations ACPA, FCPA | |
Headquarters Unit F Lostock Office Park, Lynstock Way, Lostock, Bolton BL6 4SG UK | ||
The Certified Public Accountants Association (CPAA) (formerly Association of Certified Public Accountants and CPA UK) was formed in 1989 to represent the interests of certain accountants in the United Kingdom.
The Association's National Administration Centre and Head Office is in Bolton, England.
Qualification
CPAA offers the designations of Certified Public Accountant (ACPA or FCPA). The American CPA Institute is the main accounting qualification in the United States; there are also many CPAs in China, Australia and elsewhere. CPAA was founded in 1989 to offer a British version.
The Association is a non-examining body, and admits members based on their existing accountancy qualifications and experience. As of April 2015 it is pursuing Ofqual recognition as an awarding body. Minimum entry requirements are a degree in Accountancy from a recognised university and two years experience. All applicants to the Association must complete a practical assessment of their work by providing the Association with copies of working-papers which they have prepared. The Association has a 1,500 square foot training suite which can seat up to 60 trainees.
Members wishing to use the designation Certified Public Accountant, or the designatory letters ACPA/ FCPA, in connection with offering services as a practising public accountant to the general public/business community, must be in possession of a valid, current practising certificate.
For a firm to use the designation Certified Public Accountant(s), all the partners or directors/shareholders must be members of the Association and the principal must hold a current practising certificate.