Grant Thornton launches new accounting qualification

Students at financial and business adviser Grant Thornton have become the first in the country to sign up for a new qualification, the integrated qualification (IQ) in audit.

The IQ has been developed by professional bodies ICAS and CIPFA (the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy) in consultation with specialists at Grant Thornton, who helped shape the curriculum to meet the needs of accountants working in both private and public sectors.

Grant Thornton students who have embarked on the new three-year qualification will benefit from greater flexibility in their careers through the IQ, which draws on the respective strengths and experience of ICAS and CIPFA in corporate and public sector audit.

Jon Roberts, partner at Grant Thornton in Birmingham and one of the team working on the IQ, said: “We’ve thoroughly enjoyed being involved with the development of this innovative qualification, which reflects the increasing collaboration between the public and private sectors as they work together to drive growth and deliver better services.

“It echoes perfectly Grant Thornton’s pioneering approach to nurturing talented individuals and equip them with the skills they’ll need to take our business forward into the future.”

ICAS CEO, Anton Colella, said: “The integrated qualification in audit provides students with a fabulous array of skills that they can use to work in both corporate and public sector audit.

“This is a ground-breaking qualification, with students undertaking 11 ICAS modules and four CIPFA modules, at the end of which they will have dual designation from ICAS and CIPFA. It is unique and demonstrates our commitment to the needs of students and their employers.”

Rob Whiteman, CEO of CIPFA, added: “We are confident that the IQ will fast become the gold standard for anyone who wants to pursue a career in audit.

“Not only will it give students and existing practitioners world-class training, but it will also enable them to work with dual specialist skills across both the public and private sectors in all areas of the economy.”