Many people don’t realise that anyone can call themselves an accountant even if they have no professional qualifications and are not members of a recognised accounting body. Often the first time people realise their accountant is not qualified is when they apply for a mortgage or a loan. Normally the providers will only accept accounts which have been prepared by a suitably qualified accountant. This can create an expensive problem especially if the provider has asked for several years’ accounts as often the only solution is for the accounts to be redone by a qualified accountant proving very costly.
Other advantages of using a qualified accountant include the following:
- To qualify as an accountant, individuals must undertake a number of examinations and prove they have obtained a certain level of on the job experience. This ensures they have a high level of professional knowledge and competence
- All qualified accountants are required by their association to undertake regular training ensuring they retain a high level of competence.
- If your accountant has not acted with a high standard of ethical and professional conduct, you have a body with wish you can issue a complaint and who are in a position to take further action if necessary.
- All qualified accountants will be required by their association to have professional indemnity insurance so should they give out incorrect advice you can make a claim against their policy.
Michael Paul Accountants are regulated by the ACCA which is the largest international accountancy body.