1. Jonathan Barber – Head of Business Development
SMEs – an accountants role, the need for continual learning & professional membership
Jonathan Barber – Head of Business Development

2. Terminology SMEs – Small & Medium Enterprises
SMPs – Small & Medium Accountancy Practices

3. Content SMEs – relevance & definition An accountants role
Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA)
Institute of Public Accountants of Australia (IPA)
Learning & Personal Development
Professional Membership

4. SMEs
Globally relevant
Definition

5. Definition – numbers RUSSIA EU SME Segmentation Revenue (eur min)
Number of employees
Medium
10-25
10-50
50-250
Small
1.5-10
15-100
2-10
Micro
Less than 1.5
Less than 15
Less than 2
Less than 10
Source: European Investment Bank report 2013

6. SMEs – an accountants role
Small accounting or finance department
Need for all-round & generalised experience & knowledge
Ability to multi-task
Knowledge of non finance matters
Part of senior management team – strategic input
Work closely with external professional advisers
Trusted Business Advisers

7. IFA & IPA Group IFA established 1916
IPA Group – members and students
Worlds largest SME/SMP focused accountancy group
Both Institutes FULL members of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC)
IPA Group 20th largest member body of IFAC
Members work as accountants / finance professionals in SMEs or SMPs serving SMEs

8. Professional Qualifications & Learning
IFA qualifications
Diploma in IFRS for Accounting Professionals
Endorsed local programmes

9. Progression Routes to Membership
Programme
Membership level Available
Diploma in IFRS for Accounting Professionals + Ethics
Financial Accountant Executive (FAE)
Certified Financial Manager + Ethics
Certified Financial Director including endorsed tax unit + Ethics
Associate Financial Accountant (AFA)
IFA Level 4 regulated qualification + Ethics
IFA Level 5 regulated qualification + Ethics
Associate members of FULL IFAC bodies
ACCA students who have achieved units F1-F9

10. Professional Membership – why?
International recognition
Enhanced credibility – designatory letters
Portability – global acceptance
Standards & Quality
Relevancy – specific support to members in SMEs & SMPs
Continual Professional Development – opportunities
Top Up degree – Northampton University
MBA Programme – Australian University
Relationship with other bodies

11. Summary SMEs “life blood of many economies”
Need for continual learning
Strength and reassurance from professional membership
IFA / IPA Group can help