ICWAI plans course for 'Accounting Technicians'

Chennai, Sep 12 (UNI) The Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India (ICWAI) has chalked out a new plan to introduce a certificate course for 'Accounting Technicians' with an aim to meet the current shortage of finance professionals.

Talking to UNI here today, ICWAI President Chandra Wadhwa said in addition to the current shortage of 25,000 qualified finance professionals, there would be demand for ten lakh accountancy-trained personnel in the next ten years at the junior level.

''We are in the process of introducing a certificate course for Accounting Technicians to meet the shortage,'' he added.

To upgrade students' skills, the institute was introducing new syllabus with effect from January one, 2008.

''Under the new syllabus, a student will be required to undergo a mandatory practical training for three years,'' he said adding the institute was taking all measures to upgrade the knowledge of the members by introducing specialised post qualification courses such as Valuation, Financial Services and System Audit.

Mr Chandra said the ICWAI had taken the initative to arrange campus visit of corporates for recruitment of fresh cost and management accountants.

''During the corporate recruitment drive, we expect many industrial establishments in the southern region to actively participate and select candidates suiting their requirements,'' he lamented.

UNI