Etisalat CPA-certified national staff honoured by Etisalat Academy

Addressing the ceremony, H.E Ali Salim Al Owais commended the high-level professionalism displayed by national accountants in Etisalat, which has culminated in a number of them obtaining the CPA certification. He underscored the need for competitiveness and performance excellence to achieve professional leadership. He equally appealed to the hounoured staff to share their knowledge and expertise with national professionals and keep them informed about the latest developments in accounting, financial and auditing systems. These are a key factor for the success of any corporation.

'The fact that a number of Etisalat national staff have obtained the valuable CPA certification from the United States is an achievement of paramount importance. This attests to their perseverance and hard work as well as to the continued support and keen commitment of Etisalat to provide best-in-class training for nationals,' said Abdul Aziz Al Sawaleh, Executive Vice President Human Resources, Etisalat

'The difficulty and comprehensiveness of the CPA exam is a well-known fact to all candidates. However, success in the CPA exam is a reasonably attainable goal if candidates are well prepared. We at the Academy remain determined to make our CPA review course in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, which is conducted by well-trained professional instructors, a rewarding learning experience,' added Dr. Dooa Fares, Etisalat Academy General Manager.

At the end of the ceremony, certificates of appreciation were distributed to the hounoured employees, namely Mr. Obaid Al Sharid, Manager-Finance (Dubai region), Mr. Ebrahim Jafar, Manager-Finance (Eastern Coast region), Mr. Thamer Al Hosany, Manager-Finance (Head Office), Mr.Abdul Al Zarooni, Accountant- Finance (Al Ain region), Ms. Mariam Al Rasasi, Ms. Amal Al Koos, Aysha Al Saliti- Accountant-Finance (Dubai region) and Mr. Mohamed Al Talay, Accountant- Finance (Western Coast region).

Etisalat Academy has already started implementing the new procedures and measures stipulated by the AICPA to make its programmes and curricula in conformity with the new revised CPA exam.

The CPA examination's most visible change is its transition from a paper and pencil exam to a computer based test (CBT). Along with this new delivery method, the examination's content is also being revised. Based on recent practice analysis findings, the revised examination incorporates increased emphasis on information technology and general business knowledge with a broadened scope in the audit area. Significantly, changes include increased skills testing and a stronger emphasis on integration of knowledge.

As part of its commitment to raise awareness of the new revised CPA exam among accountancy professionals and the different industries, Etisalat Academy recently held a symposium in Sharjah in conjunction with the Accountants & Auditors Association on the new revised CPA exam. It also organized similar events in Abu Dhabi for oil and service companies.

The CPA exam covers four sections, namely business law & professional responsibilities, auditing standards and procedures, accounting & reporting and financial auditing and reporting. It is conducted twice a year at the first Wednesday and Thursday of the months of May and November. Passing grade is 75%.

The CPA review course includes, among others, live lectures, continuous exercises, end-of-modules tests, progress monitoring and exam hints and techniques. It is held in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain respectively in order to make it easier for candidates belonging to the different government departments and private sector.