As we move into April, we want to keep you updated on key developments at ACCA as we all continue to deal with the unprecedented impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Recently, UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s issued a statement where he said: ‘COVID-19 is the greatest test that we have faced together since the formation of the United Nations’. As the global professional accountancy body, this very much resonated with all of us at ACCA.

He added that global co-ordinated action is needed to tackle the virus, concluding that ‘with the right actions, the Covid-19 pandemic can mark the beginning of a new type of global and societal cooperation.’

A force for public good

We’ve always believed that the profession and ACCA members work for the public good, and we’ve heard from members all around the world who are helping to tackle the virus.

Although the accountancy profession may not be in the front-line like the medical profession, ACCA members are all playing a part. We know that professional accountants are providing business and financial leadership, helping organisations seek innovative solutions and make difficult decisions.

As we emerge from the crisis, society will expect professional bodies to act sustainably and fairly, and to contribute to the safety and security of our world. So the purpose of our profession is more important than ever. We’ve recently developed a new purpose statement, a clear distillation of ACCA’s reason for existing: ‘We’re a force for public good. We lead the global accountancy profession by creating opportunity.’ This has never been more important than now. And we’re here to support our members in serving all those who rely on their expertise and judgment in these exceptional times.

Sharing ideas and advice

The world needs a connected profession, sharing information and perspectives, such as the discussion our global SME Forum had recently about how they’ve been responding to the virus on our Covid- 19 Hub.

There’s lots happening across our markets to bring people together, such as ACCA Singapore’s Annual Conference on the 19 May 2020 which will examine issues such as business partnering and value creation in these unchartered waters. This will be the first time this conference will run online – and we’re also continuing to increase the number of webinars and other online events we run in response to the crisis.

Impact on ACCA’s operations

Like many organisations, over recent weeks we’ve taken significant decisions that affect our members and students; our guiding principle in taking these decisions is always to put people’s health and safety first.

We’ve cancelled June exam sittings in various countries where the virus is spreading fast – a full list of cancellations is online here – and we’ve decided to postpone planned price increases for exam sittings.

We’re looking urgently at digital options to help us offer some exams under the Covid –19 restrictions, using software that mirrors exam centre controls and conditions in the home, while ensuring the integrity and fairness of our exams by including strict online invigilation. If you want to know more, please read the message from Alan Hatfield, executive director – strategy and development.

We’ll continue to keep you updated, but in the meantime and above all else, we hope you and yours are safe and well.

Jenny Gu, ACCA President and Helen Brand, ACCA Chief Executive

Notes for the media
For more information on ACCA’s global coronavirus hub, featuring the latest news, research and advice to businesses and practitioners, visit https://www.accaglobal.com/gb/en/cam/coronavirus.html

Any queries from the media about ACCA’s responses to Covid-19 can be directed to Helen Thompson – helen.thompson@accaglobal.com on 44 +(0)7725 498 654
Twitter: @ACCANews

About ACCA
ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants, offering business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management.

ACCA supports its 219,000 members and 527,000 students (including affiliates) in 179 countries, helping them to develop successful careers in accounting and business, with the skills required by employers. ACCA works through a network of 110 offices and centres and 7,571 Approved Employers worldwide, and 328 approved learning providers who provide high standards of learning and development.

Through its public interest remit, ACCA promotes appropriate regulation of accounting and conducts relevant research to ensure accountancy continues to grow in reputation and influence.

ACCA has introduced major innovations to its flagship qualification to ensure its members and future members continue to be the most valued, up to date and sought-after accountancy professionals globally.

Founded in 1904, ACCA has consistently held unique core values: opportunity, diversity, innovation, integrity and accountability. More information is here: www.accaglobal.com