Demand high for Sri Lankan accountants abroad

Friday, 24 January 2014 06:42 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Demand for qualified certified accountants from Sri Lanka is high in the international market, International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) President said on Wednesday. Warren Allen, visiting Sri Lanka after some ten years noted the ‘outstanding’ development of the country as ‘truly remarkable’, the credit of which is also partly due to the chartered accountants serving at high levels and disseminating solid and ethical accounting practices within the country.

“One of the greatest exports from Sri Lanka is its chartered accountants,” Allen said adding that local accountants are now serving in over 30 countries worldwide. “They are highly regarded and sorted by many, and are in high demand.” CA Sri Lanka President Arjuna Herath added that out of the institute’s membership that goes beyond 5000, 22% of the members are serving overseas. Regarding accounting profession as the ‘only truly global profession’, linked by a globally accepted set of rules and regulations, Allen added that the profession is led by IFAC which aims at supporting the profession globally and facilitating establishment of international standards. This is what sets apart the profession from others. They implement, adopt and abide by a set of international standards relating to accounting, auditing, ethics, education and public sector. “Regardless of where you practice it is the same set of standards,” he said. “Education and training in Sri Lanka on this regard is done not only to cater to the local market, but for the global market as well.” (CM)