ICAEW introduces new business qualification as next stage in increasing presence in Gulf

"The Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (CFAB) in the Gulf is designed for those people working, or aspiring to work in either practice or business. For those who complete CFAB, it provides an open door to become an Associate Chartered Accountant, ACA, the leading business and finance qualification," said ICAEW President David Furst. "The Gulf is an important market for the ICAEW and the availability of CFAB in the region is an important step in the ICAEW's strategy".

CFAB is made up of six modules: business and finance, law, management information, accounting, assurance, and principles of tax. CFAB is flexible and designed to meet the needs of individuals and businesses, including:
- Individuals who want a career in accountancy and finance but do not have the training
- Businesses who need to develop their staff's accounting and business skills
- Individuals at any stage of their career, who want further professional development specifically in accounting, business and finance

Assessment is computer-based with learning undertaken with a tuition provider or self study. The time frame to complete CFAB typically takes one year.

Over 500 members of the ICAEW now work in the Gulf across not just in the largest accounting firms but also in a range of industries including banking, tourism and sovereign wealth funds. In the next few years, the ICAEW is looking to grow its presence in the region, both in terms of the service and support available to members and qualifications. It launched the ACA qualification in the Gulf in 2007 and the first 100 students have now started their training contracts.

"We believe that the concentration of ICAEW members demonstrates the demand for our qualifications. We are attracting many talented trainees with the ACA and are hoping for similar success with CFAB. Later this year, we plan to open an office in the Gulf to better serve our members and students. The launch of CFAB is another part of the strategy."

said Furst.

CFAB classroom tuition is available from 2009 in the Gulf. For further details please visit the CFAB website below.