About APAA
A United Kingdom–based professional body established to serve as a global hub for accountants, auditors and finance professionals.
A professional awarding body for the accounting profession
The Association of Professional Accountants and Auditors (APAA) is a United Kingdom–based professional body established to serve as a global hub for excellence in accounting, auditing, and assurance. APAA was founded with the vision of strengthening the accounting and auditing profession by providing a recognized platform for professional development, international certification, and ethical practice.
APAA is formally constituted as a professional awarding body in the United Kingdom, mandated to set and uphold the highest standards in professional accounting, auditing, and finance education. As an awarding body, APAA is inherently accredited and recognized by virtue of its legal registration and regulatory standing. Unlike training providers or educational institutions, awarding bodies do not require separate external accreditation for each qualification. By default, they operate as self-accrediting authorities, empowered to develop, regulate, and award professional qualifications that carry international recognition.
This distinction places APAA in alignment with globally respected professional bodies and institutes. Every certificate, diploma, and professional credential conferred by APAA is issued under the authority of an awarding body, making it a globally portable and professionally respected qualification.
Through a strong focus on international standards, professional ethics, and continuous development, APAA ensures that its members are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and credibility to compete and lead in the global financial marketplace.
Our association is committed to upholding international standards, promoting professional integrity, and preparing members to meet the evolving challenges of financial reporting, audit, governance, and assurance across diverse industries and global markets.
What guides everything we do
Integrity
Promoting ethical practices as the foundation of financial trust.
Excellence
Delivering world-class certifications, resources, and standards.
Innovation
Embracing emerging trends and digital transformation in finance and auditing.
Collaboration
Building bridges between professionals, organizations, regulators, and academic institutions.
Global Reach
Ensuring that APAA’s influence, standards, and certifications are internationally recognized.
Professional Growth
Supporting individuals and organizations in continuous improvement and career advancement.
To advance the profession of accounting and auditing globally by equipping individuals and organizations with internationally recognized qualifications, fostering ethical practices, and building a strong network of competent professionals who drive trust and integrity in financial systems.
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Certified as an awarding body for persons
APAA has been independently assessed against ISO/IEC 17024, the international standard for bodies that certify people — covering competence, impartiality and the consistent operation of its certification schemes.
- Certified by
- British Columbia Inspection & Certification (BCI)
- Certificate No.
- GRCI2044ASSOCI
- Issued
- 18 July 2026
- Valid until
- 17 July 2029
- Scope
- Certification of persons in accounting, finance, auditing, assurance, internal controls and the prevention of financial crime, including professional certificates and CPD credentials.
Independent recognition
Every recognition APAA holds links to the issuing body, so employers and candidates can check it independently.
Registered provider
UK Register of Learning Providers
UKPRN 10100352 Verify
Institutional member
International Association for Accounting Education & Research
Verify
Certified organisation
ISO 9001:2015
Issued by MQA Certification UK Ltd. Verify
Certified awarding body
ISO/IEC 17024:2017
Issued by British Columbia Inspection & Certification (BCI) — Certificate No. GRCI2044ASSOCI Verify