IFA Direct – Take your team to the next level

Undertaking relevant and regular CPD is an important way for you and your team to stay abreast of new developments and best practice in the industry. It can boost team motivation, which in turn will improve the quality of work and lead to increased client satisfaction. And if your team are members of a professional body they will be required to undertake a set amount of verifiable CPD by 31 December.

With the pressures of other commitments such as work and family, CPD can easily be put to one side and forgotten. Fortunately, there is still time to register for IFA Direct, our flexible programme of online study, and gain CPD by the end of the year.

Register by 6 September for the following modules that run from 23 September 2019 – 1 November 2019:

• 107 Financial statements, internal controls and systems in a business environment;
• 201 Management information; and
• 301 Assurance.

Or register by 25 October for these modules that run from 11 November 2019 – 20 December 2019:

• 108 Budgeting in a business environment;
• 209 Financial reporting; and
• 302 Advanced taxation.

Modules are studied one at a time over a six-week period. Materials are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and there is also invaluable access to an expert academic adviser with five hours of contact time per week. Being an IFA student brings access to a community of like-minded professionals who benefit from access to supportive branch meetings, expert technical materials and inspiring conferences and CPD workshops.  

We also ensure that IFA Direct does not cover subjects that are irrelevant to small businesses. For example, there is no audit module as small businesses and practices fall below the audit threshold.

IFA Direct to develop your team case study

Milly is a finance director and a member of the IFA and is looking to develop herself and her team of part-qualified accountants. 

Though qualified she wants to understand assurance and further her knowledge. She also knows that this will be ideal for certain members of her team.

Milly can take the assurance module through IFA Direct and achieve her IFA CPD requirements for the year. She can also register members of her team for the module knowing that the training in this key area will enhance motivation and boost productivity.

An added benefit is that Milly can progress team members who successfully complete the module towards meeting the criteria for becoming an IFA Associate member.

The IFA Direct programme consists of 10 modules in total providing a choice of key subject areas. 

• 103 Principles of taxation;
• 104 Credit management and control;
• 107 Financial statements, internal controls and systems in a business environment;
• 108 Budgeting in a business environment;
• 201 Management information;
• 203 Law for accounting;
• 208 Business finance;
• 209 Financial reporting;
• 301 Assurance; and
• 302 Advanced taxation.

The modules can also be used to study towards gaining IFA membership. Becoming part of a professional body will enhance the professional reputation of your team by developing relevant knowledge and skills. They will gain a broader and deeper understanding of key subjects relevant to accountants in or supporting small businesses. 

To register to use IFA Direct for CPD, please contact us on + 44 (0)20 3567 5999 or email us at education@ifa.org.uk.   

To find out more about the programme, visit www.ifa.org.uk/ifadirect where you will find useful information as well as a webinar that explains the programme. 

Susan Divall is the IFA’s education manager