Institute of Financial Accountants takes over Federation of Tax Advisers

[private]Formed in 1997, the FTA’s main objective is to provide professional organisation support for tax advisers in practice through a code of conduct and disciplinary processes and to provide the public with confidence when dealing with a member of the organisation. In 2006 the FTA introduced an exam qualification and since that time new applicants are required to sit and pass the tax exam in order to qualify at associate member level.

‘The FTA feels it has reached a point in its development whereby it can no longer grow organically with the available resources and joining the IFA provides potential for expansion’, said David Woodgate, Chief Executive of Institute of Financial Accountants.

For the IFA, the takeover will broaden knowledge and support by adding tax expertise, enabling it to compete with other organisations for membership, as well as extending the range of qualifications on offer.

“We are over 500 members strong but feel we need additional support to increase this number and help develop the business. The IFA will enhance the benefits of membership for existing FTA members and provide the best framework within which to grow,” said Paul Harmsworth, CEO of the FTA.

Joining the IFA will provide many benefits to both organisations, including an immediate increase in the combined membership that will increase the overall representation in the accountancy sector. There is the possibility to expand within the UK with regional branches set up across the country to encourage regular and informative meetings for members.

The FTA Annual Conference is being held at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham and this will be a great opportunity for members of the two organisations to network. It will also be a great benefit for those working in the tax profession as one of the highlights of the day includes a key note speech from ‘Tax Guru’ Mike Warburton.

Mr Harmsworth continues, “We are looking forward to the new changes that joining the IFA will bring and know that working with the IFA will only make the tax profession stronger.”[/private]