Michael Armstrong, ICAEW Regional Director for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA)

Michael Armstrong, ICAEW Regional Director for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA)

Newly qualified chartered accountants from across the Middle East were celebrating at their graduation ceremony yesterday in Dubai. Successful candidates, including the second ever female Emirati to qualify through the ICAEW Emiratisation Scholarship Scheme (IESS), were congratulated by Alastair Long, Deputy Consul General and Director of UKTI Investment at the British Embassy in Dubai.

Certificates were presented to 67 graduates from the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, to acknowledge their successful completion of the examinations required for the prestigious ICAEW Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualification. The qualification – which is held by board members in 83% of FTSE 100 companies – gives individuals an opportunity to gain accountancy, finance and business skills as well as knowledge and experience to become future business leaders.

Michael Armstrong, FCA and ICAEW Regional Director for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), said, “Congratulations to all graduates, future business leaders, for achieving this milestone in your personal and professional development. The knowledge, skills and experience you have gained will play an important role in the growth of your respective countries. We wish each of you a long and successful career.”

Amongst the graduates was Fatma Ahmad Ramadhan Juma, the second Emirati woman to successfully complete the programme through the IESS. Fatima trained for the ICAEW Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualification with PwC and now works there as Senior Associate in Assurance.

Commenting on her graduation, Juma said, “Obtaining the ICAEW Chartered Accountant qualification (ACA) through IESS has given me the opportunity to work at a top tier firm and obtain a highly respected qualification that is directly applicable to business. I have gained an in-depth and unrivalled financial and business knowledge, which I intend to use to contribute to the development of the UAE economy. I would encourage more Emiratis to become Chartered Accountants.”

Internationally recognised as one of the premier finance qualifications in 160 countries, the Chartered Accountants (ACA) qualification from ICAEW is held by more than 146,000 professionals. Individuals who wish to qualify as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant must successfully complete written assessments and extensive practical work experience.