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About

Established in 1916, the Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA) is an internationally recognised professional accountancy membership body. We are a full member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) the global accounting standard-setter and regulator.

The IFA is part of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) of Australia Group, the world’s largest SME-focused accountancy group, with 36,000 members and students in 80 countries.

Our members work within micro and small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or in micro and small- to medium-sized accounting practices (SMPs) advising micro and SME clients.

Focusing on SMEs and SMPs

At the IFA, we put SMEs first. We recognise their role as vital wealth creators, as employers to more than half of the UK’s private sector workforce and as the power behind vibrant urban and rural communities.

We hold the interests of SMPs in the accounting profession in equal regard. We are proud of our unique relationship with our members, who predominantly come from a SME/SMP background.

As a professional accountancy body, we aim to provide the very best support and guidance to our members who operate within this arena, frequently tailoring policies and recommendations to meet the unique challenges and trading relationships associated with smaller business.

Our aim is to continuously meet the needs of SMEs within the UK and throughout the international market. We offer a range of services and benefits that have been specifically considered as part our focus on supporting our members within the SME/SMP sector.

  • Professional finance qualifications
  • Industry news and technical resources
  • Advice, support and guidance
  • CPD courses and training
  • National events and local branch meetings.

We offer a programme of study towards membership of the IFA as well as resources, events, training and workshops.

We are recognised by HM Treasury to regulate our members for the purposes of the Money Laundering Regulations 2017.

We are also an awarding organisation recognised by Ofqual, the UK public body responsible for maintaining and monitoring standards for general and vocational qualifications and examinations.

Our Core Values

Standard-setting: demonstrating the highest standards of professionalism, reliability, and customer service.

Professional: responding to members’ challenges with consistently relevant, commercially- focused advice.

Enterprising: innovative and commercial thinking.

Dynamic: agile and responsive, no matter the speed or magnitude of changes in the business environment or economic climate.

Ethical: championing integrity, fairness, diversity, transparency and responsibility.