HOW TO BECOME A

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

ICAB is a leading professional membership organisation that promotes and develops

accountancy profession in Bangladesh. We provide qualification and professional
development, share our knowledge, insight and technical expertise, and protect the
quality and integrity of the accountancy and finance profession.

As leader in accountancy, finance and business our members have the knowledge,
skills and commitment to maintain the highest professional standards and integrity.

ICAB is a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide.

www.charteredaccountantsworldwide.com

Contact Detail:
CA Bhaban, 100 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Kawran Bazar, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh

+880-2-8189255-7
+880-9612612100 facebook.com/icabdhaka
secretary@icab.org.bd www.icab.org.bd

www.icab.org.bd
 CONTENTS

Hello! Why Chartered Accountancy (CA)? 2

A great career choice-You'll never regret! 3

Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) What employers are looking for 4
would like to thank you for your interest on Chartered Why choose ICAB? 5
Accountancy. We understand you have lots of questions to ICAB members working globally 6
ask about this exciting profession. No worries, this guide
Global recognition of ICAB 7
answers most of your questions.
How you can become an ICAB Chartered Accountant 8

So, don't stop here. Just continue reading… Steps to become a Chartered Accountant [Member of ICAB] 12

ICAB and ICAEW Certification Stages: At a Glance 13

All degrees welcome 14

Still have questions? 16

 WHY CHARTERED ACCOUNTANCY (CA) ? A GREAT CAREER CHOICE-YOU WILL NEVER REGRET!

Straightforward - You can start studying for

the CA qualification in an ICAB authorised
organisation.

Unlimited growth
A widely accepted Choice of top-notch
opportunities –
and respected A profession that is graduates Global - The ICAB qualification takes your
whether working for
profession always on demand from prominent career anywhere around the world.
an organisation or
worldwide universities
start own
business

Variety - You can work in many sectors,

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANCY business disciplines, organisations, job levels,
otherwise you can practice.

It unfolds wide
range of exciting Most CAs are hired Rewarded with Start career as Transferable skills - From communication and
career opportunities by high profile local excellent team team working, to problem solving and decision
in every sector of and multi-national compensation leader/decision making, these skills are valuable to all
business and organisations packages maker organisations.
finance

Stability - Organisations, large and small,

benefit from the expertise of ICAB Chartered
Accountants.

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 WHAT EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR WHY CHOOSE ICAB?

People skills - You'll need to communicate complex

financial information and advice to colleagues, managers ICAB is the sole authority in Bangladesh to conduct statutory audit
and clients in an easy to understand way

It has fully adapted the syllabus of the Institute of Chartered Accountants

Team working - Knowing when to operate as a team in England and Wales (ICAEW) which is the epitome of world-class
member or a team leader while supporting and motivating standard
others to achieve common goals
International accounting bodies such as IFAC, CAPA, SAFA recognize ICAB
certifications
Decision making and problem solving - You'll need to be
able to make sound, critical business decisions by collating,
analyzing and interpreting data from a range of sources
Meritorious students would get subject waivers, as well as financial
benefits upon fulfilling certain criteria
Professionalism - You'll need to behave professionally at
all times and demonstrate the ability to conduct business
ethically Full support for exam preparation

Commercial awareness - You'll need to be able to think Under Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), ICAB members are eligible to
creatively about problems to identify solutions and give become the member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England
organizations the competitive edge and Wales (ICAEW)

IT skills - You'll need to have well rounded technical skills, Under MRA, ICAB members can become the members of the CPA Ireland
keep yourself up-to-date with technology and be able to use
these skills to solve problems and develop strategic advice

Under MRA, ICAB members can directly become the members of the
Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountancy (CIPFA) of UK

04 05
 ICAB MEMBERS WORK GLOBALLY
Chartered Accountants are valuable to all organisations and you will have the flexibility
to shape your career to suit your interests and aspirations.
The ICAB qualification is internationally recognized. Many careers in chartered
accountancy come with international travel and worldwide prospects.
As a Chartered Accountant you will find yourself at the heart of business. You will be
making decisions that affect the strategy, direction and profitability of organizations
around the world. Imagine a career where you can investigate fraudulent activities and
deliver your findings as an expert. It gives you the opportunity to make a real difference.
With a range of industries and sectors to work in, a career in chartered accountancy really
does offer limitless and exciting opportunities.
ICAB members have been working all over the world. See below some countries where our
members are working currently.
Canada: 44 Members UK: 74 Members
USA: 11 Members UAE: 07 Members Australia: 14 Members
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GLOBAL RECOGNITION OF ICAB
Recognition of ICAB membership by ICAEW
Membership scheme of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
allows the members of ICAB to apply for ICAEW membership based on their experience, without
appearing in any examination for any paper.
Eligibility criteria of this membership scheme are a series of questions which assess ICAB members’
experience, achievements, skills and expertise. Each application must be supported by an eligible
sponsor. Applicants need to complete an Examination of Experience.
ICAB signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Chartered Accountants
in England and Wales (ICAEW) in 2009 and in continuation and successful implementation of the
said MoU, the follow up phase of the same was signed with the ICAEW in 2014. ICAB has been
working with ICAEW as the learning and professional development partner, and is also recognized
as an approved tuition provider of ICAEW.
As per MoU, ICAB Members can be the members of ICAEW after successful completion of three (out
of 15) papers which is the highest level of exemption from ICAEW to any professional Institute.
Those members have the opportunity to apply for UK Practicing Certificate (PC) subject to meeting
the standard of ICAEW PC requirement.
CPA Ireland membership is open to ICAB members
ICAB has signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with the Institute of Certified Public
Accountants in Ireland (CPA Ireland) in December 2012.
According to the MRA, to attain the CPA Ireland membership, ICAB members require to pass only
one paper (Strategy and Leadership) and complete an online overview of Irish Tax and Law.
Recognition of ICAB membership by CIPFA, UK
ICAB members are eligible to apply for direct membership of the Chartered Institute of Public
Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). CIPFA is the globally recognised membership body for the public
sector.
Member of international accounting bodies
ICAB is an active member of International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), Confederation of
Asian and Pacific Accountants (CAPA) and South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA). ICAB is
very proactive in SAFA and CAPA. ICAB has been highly appreciated by IFAC for its continued
commitment and compliance with Statement of Membership Obligations (SMOs), which cover the
requirements of quality assurance, education in line with international education standards,
auditing, financial reporting and public sector accounting standards, auditing, investigation and
disciplinary matters.
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 HOW YOU CAN
BECOME AN ICAB
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

Successful Chartered Accountants need the right mix of knowledge, skills and hands-on Knowledge
Level Assurance Management Information
experience. To follow the footsteps of our members and become a Chartered
Accountant, you will need to complete our global standard study modules and complete Accounting Taxation I
training. This means that you will develop the skills and expertise you need as you
progress through the qualification. Business and IT
Business and Finance Knowledge
Commercial Law

Application
Level Audit and Assurance Financial Management

Financial Accounting Taxation 2

Business Strategy Corporate Law & IT

Practices Knowledge

Advanced
STUDY MODULES
Financial & Corporate
Level Business Analysis
Reporting
Advanced Audit & Case Study
Assurance
The CA study modules cover a wide range of subjects, to enable you
to develop a broad understanding across accountancy, finance and Total subjects have been reduced to 16 from existing 18 in the new syllabus effective from the
business. They progress over three levels and are designed to examination to be held in November-December 2018.
complement the practical experience, professional development
and ethical learning you gain throughout your training period. This
means that you'll be able to apply your knowledge in the workplace
Exemption
right from the start. Don't forget! If you are studying for, or have completed an accountancy, finance or business-
related undergraduate degree or a Masters or professional qualification, you may be eligible to
apply for exemption.

ICAB has implemented an exemption policy for prior learning. Under this policy, ICAB has entered
into agreements with some universities. Please visit our website (www.icab.bd.org) for more
details.

08 09
 TRAINING
Training is mandatory to become a member of ICAB. The
duration of training depends on a candidate’s prior level of
education/certifications. It covers the areas of real-life work
in accounting, auditing, taxation, information technology,
and finance. Most importantly, it develops your professional
skills and ethical capabilities that ensures you have a good
hands-on experience while you are ready to start your career
journey.
Ethics and Professional Training
Ethics is more than just knowing the rules around confidentiality, integrity and
objectivity. It is about being able to identify an ethical dilemma, understand the
impact and behave appropriately. Ethics is an essential part of the accountancy
profession. We integrate ethics throughout the CA qualification to develop your
ethical capabilities - so you'll always know how to make the right decision, even
when no one is looking!

Professional Development You’ll develop your ethical capabilities in three ways:

Professional development is an essential part of training. It prepares you to
successfully handle a variety of situations that you will come across throughout Learn - not only is ethics integrated throughout the CA
your career. The skills framework is made up of seven ladders, each containing modules, you’ll also need to complete our training
seven steps that represent particular skills. programmes.

Communication Practise - our resource persons help you understand ethical

Team working dilemmas through a range of scenarios.

Decision making

Consideration Apply - once you understand the principles, you’ll need to

Adding value show your employer that you are able to apply ethical
capabilities in your day-to-day role.
Problem solving

Technical competence

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 STEPS TO BECOME A CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT ICAB AND ICAEW
[MEMBER OF ICAB] CERTIFICATION STAGES: AT A GLANCE

Find your entry route

Exemptions Knowledge Application Advanced
It will depend on Eligible students Complete 3 Level Exams Level Level Level
your prior may apply Knowledge level,
academic backgroud for exemptions. Contact Application level,
and ICAB for details about Advanced Level
professional exemptions
qualifications
Complete Training

Contact ICAB Get Support from ICAB Complete Training Congratulations !!!
You are an
ICAB will guide you Exam preparation Training period may be Associate Member
how to materials, completed prior to (ACA) of ICAB
find your trainer Library Facilities, Classes completion of exams

ICAB members are

ICAB members having
automatically awarded
five years’ experience
11or 12 of the 15
Complete Registration ICAEW exam modules.
need to complete a
series of questions,
In collaboration with your Exam Preparation Celebrate! Complete 3 or 4 of the
presently 11.
Prepare for exams outstanding modules
training organisation, Become an associate
complete registration that are currently offered
member (ACA) of ICAB
with ICAB and in June and December
become a CA Student

Congratulations !!!
You are an
Associate Member
(ACA) of ICAEW

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 ALL DEGREES WELCOME

ICAB Chartered Accountants come from a wide variety of disciplines. Because

successful businesses and organizations need people with varied backgrounds, Engineering - Solving problems by using your numerical skills
interests and knowledge, you can train to become a Chartered Accountant, whatever and adapting to deadlines are an essential part of exceeding
your degree background. your client's needs without running out of time.

Languages - Many global businesses highly value those who

Employers recruit from a variety of degree disciplines are multilingual; being able to communicate with international
clients is a great attribute employers look for.
because they want people who can think differently.

Accounting or Accounting and Finance - Developing your Law - Impeccable accuracy and attention to detail are essential
knowledge on commercial awareness is essential when when reviewing financial records, conducting audit reports, and
understanding a business's needs, concepts, and financial goals. communicating financial matters to clients.

Arts and Humanities - Creativity, flair, research and analytical

Maths - An obvious link is numeracy, as is the ability to think
skills are immediately transferable qualities, should you pursue
clearly, investigate, review and be thorough with your works.
a career in chartered accountancy.

Science - The ability to summarise analytical data to reach an

Business and Management - Appreciating the complexities
objective conclusion is the foundation of being a chartered
of changeable business landscapes is extremely useful when
accountant, as is having a strong understanding of ethical
working with companies as an ICAB Chartered Accountant.
implications within your work.

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 STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Deciding on your future career is a big commitment. So we

understand that you may need more information. There are
several ways to find out more.

Visit our office: CA Bhaban

100 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue
Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh
Call us at: 880-2-9115340, 880-2-9117521

Visit us at: www.icab.org.bd

Find us at https://www.facebook.com/icabdhaka/

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