IPD FAQs
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I have just registered as an AIA student but am not working at the moment what should I do?
Can I use work experience gained before I registered as an AIA student?
How many hours do I need to work for my employment to be counted as full-time?
Will AIA count any part-time work as IPD?
Will AIA consider contract work as part of my IPD?
Do I have to gain my IPD in a particular sector or employment position?
I work in a specialist area can I use this experience towards gaining my three years IPD?
Will AIA accept lecturing as part of my IPD?
I am self-employed; will my work count towards my IPD?
I have just left my current job after 4 months – can I still count this as part of my IPD?
How much detail do I need to record?
Can I complete my IPD record retrospectively?
Who can be a supervisor?
Can my employer also be my supervisor?
I am the most senior member of accounting staff, who can I ask to sign my IPD Work Experience Profile?
What if my employer is not appropriate or my supervisor is not appropriately qualified?
Q: I have just registered as an AIA student but am not working at the moment what should I do?
A: AIA strongly recommends that IPD is completed alongside the exams or shortly after their completion. If you are not in employment when you apply for student registration you need do nothing further; however, it is very important that you inform AIA as soon as you secure full-time employment within the accountancy profession.
Q: Can I use work experience gained before I registered as an AIA student?
A: AIA will accept up to two years prior work experience (work undertaken before registration as an AIA student) towards your IPD. To be eligible for consideration as part of your three years IPD, prior work experience must have been gained in full time employment in the accountancy profession under appropriate supervision and must be appropriately documented and certified by a professional qualified accountant (an International Accountant, a member of an IFAC member body or a member of a statutorily recognised professional body).
Q: How many hours do I need to work for my employment to be counted as full-time?
A: Full-time work is considered to be employment consisting of more than 35 hours per week.
Q: Will AIA count any part-time work as IPD?
A: Appropriate and supervised part-time work may be considered on a pro-rata basis. Please contact AIA if you are in a part-time position for further guidance.
Q: Will AIA consider contract work as part of my IPD?
A: Contract work may be acceptable if it is agreed by your supervisor to be equivalent to that of other employees and is relevant within the AIA IPD Requirements.
Q: Do I have to gain my IPD in a particular sector or employment position?
A: IPD may be acquired in any business sector (e.g. industry, commerce or public practice) or in more than one sector.
Q: I work in a specialist area can I use this experience towards gaining my three years IPD?
A: IPD may be acquired in a specialist area (e.g. corporate finance, internal audit) provided it is relevant and appropriately supervised.
Q: Will AIA accept lecturing as part of my IPD?
A: AIA will accept lecturing providing it is at the equivalent level of the AIA Foundation Level exams and above (i.e. at least comparable to the year of a UK degree). A maximum of 12 months lecturing experience will count towards the qualifying period.
Q: I am self-employed; will my work count towards my IPD?
A: AIA will only recognise appropriately supervised accounting experience as contributing to your Initial Professional Development; however, some supervised sub-contract work may be acceptable. Please contact AIA directly for further advice if you are self-employed.
Q: I have just left my current job after 4 months – can I still count this as part of my IPD?
A: In order to ensure that trainees receive the best possible start to their career, AIA will only accept IPD periods of six months or more as qualifying towards your IPD on the basis that sufficient knowledge of a company and experience in working practices cannot be acquired if the time spent in one position is less than six months. Shorter periods will be eligible for consideration if promotion is received within the same company leading to a position in a different section or if a move is made to a different employment address of the same firm. Please contact AIA for advice specific to your situation.
Q: How much detail do I need to record?
A: Your record should be clear and concise and should provide adequate detail to demonstrate ability and progressive levels of responsibility in technical competency and professional skills, values and ethics.
Can I complete my IPD record retrospectively?
A: It is possible to complete your record retrospectively however AIA advises that the record is completed on an on-going basis to allow regular review by you and your supervisor to ensure that your work experience is progressing in line with your IPD training plan and schedule.
Q: Who can be a supervisor?
A: Your supervisor should be an International Accountant, a member of an IFAC member body or a member of a statutorily recognised professional body in your relevant jurisdiction. Where possible they should be your direct supervisor within your organisation.
Q: Can my employer also be my supervisor?
A: Yes, your employer can also be your supervisor provided that they meet the requirements of being a professionally qualified accountant (an International Accountant, a member of an IFAC member body or a member of a statutorily recognised professional body) and that they are able to allocate appropriate time to meet the requirements of both supervisor and employer.
Q: I am the most senior member of accounting staff, who can I ask to sign my IPD Work Experience Profile?
A: AIA will contact you and offer guidance as to how best to proceed.
Q: What if my employer is not appropriate or my supervisor is not appropriately qualified?
A: Your IPD Work Experience Profile should then be signed by the auditors or accountants of your organisation.
