Chartered Accountant

Chartered Accountant (CA) is the title used by members of certain professional accountancy associations in the UK. The term chartered comes from the Royal Charter granted to the world's first professional body of accountants upon their establishment in 1854.

In the UK, there are no licence requirements for an individual to describe themselves as, or to practice as, an accountant. To describe yourself as a Chartered Accountant however, you must be a member of one of the following organisations:

• the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW) (designatory letters ACA or FCA);
• the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) (designatory letters CA);
• the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (ICAI) (which is a UK body as it operates in Northern Ireland, designatory letters ACA or FCA);

There is another accountancy body called the ACCA whose members are described as Chartered Certified Accountants (or Certified Accountants) rather than Chartered Accountants. Member entitlements and responsibilities are very similar to those of Chartered Accountants.

Each of these bodies admits members only after passing examinations and undergoing a period of relevant work experience. The ICAEW requires that students complete 15 examinations as well as 3240 hours of relevant work experience. Once admitted, members are expected to comply with ethical guidelines and gain appropriate continuing professional experience.

Chartered Accountants (or/and Chartered Certified Accountants) who engage in public practice work (ie, selling services to the public rather than acting as an employee) must gain a "practising certificate" by meeting further requirements such as purchasing adequate insurance and undergoing regular inspections.

Chartered Accountants holding "practising certificates" may also become "Registered Auditors", providing they can demonstrate the necessary professional ability in that area.