The Association of International Accountants (AIA) is a professional accountancy and membership body with a core purpose to enhance and sustain responsible, ethical professional accountancy education and practices and work in the public interest.
The corporate governance structure is shaped by our Constitution (Article, Bye-laws, Regulations and Code of Ethics) and is underpinned by recognition and regulation by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA) and Office for Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Supervision.
AIA is a not-for-profit company, limited by guarantee with no share capital, as detailed in the AIA's Memorandum of Association.
AIA is governed by a Council of members, responsible for ensuring we deliver the objectives outlined in our Constitution. The Council also decides on AIA’s strategic objectives, monitors our performance in relation to them and oversees our annual budget.
The Council consists of members who are elected at the Annual General Meeting and draws on a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. Encompassing key jurisdictions around the world, the Council represents all our members and reflects AIA's global nature.
The Council are responsible for the overall governance of AIA and its affairs and are supported and advised in their work by a number of committees.
Profile
Shahram has a thriving accountancy practice; one of the oldest and most respected firms in Brighton. With a national client base, the practice specialises in healthcare, media, and entertainment. Shahram prides himself on providing a bespoke and supportive service for their clients. He has an expansive knowledge of business development, accountancy, and taxation.
Declaration of Interest
Membership of Professional Bodies and Other Organisations
Membership of AIA Council and Committees
Partnerships, Directorships and Beneficial Interests in Companies
Business or Social Relationships with AIA Suppliers or Competitors
Any Other Information
Profile
Philip manages a successful accountancy practice in Manchester, offering a personalised service to business owners, from start-ups to larger companies, and individuals. His client portfolio includes local, national and international clients. Philip specialises in accounts preparation, taxation services, and business development. He qualified with PricewaterhouseCoopers and was previously a director at Tenon Accountants. Philip is Chairman of the Qualifications Committee and is a member of the Finance Committee.
Declaration of Interest
Membership of Professional Bodies and Other Organisations
Membership of AIA Council and Committees
Partnerships, Directorships and Beneficial Interests in Companies
Business or Social Relationships with AIA Suppliers or Competitors
Any Other Information
Profile
Linda joined Wildstar Films in 2018 as Head of Finance following almost 30 years’ experience in Television Production Finance roles for the BBC, ITV, Endemol Shine UK and other independent Producers. Wildstar Films currently employs over 150 staff with an annual turnover of over £20m.
Linda’s expertise lies in management accounting and reporting, but she is also proficient in financial reporting, management information systems, auditing and taxation.
Declaration of Interest
Membership of Professional Bodies and Other Organisations
Membership of AIA Council and Committees
Partnerships, Directorships and Beneficial Interests in Companies
Business or Social Relationships with AIA Suppliers or Competitors
Any Other Information
Profile
Les runs a busy accountancy practice with a varied client portfolio. He has accumulated a vast amount of knowledge of accountancy, taxation and business advisory services, working with enterprises of different sizes and sectors. Les has always been an active member of AIA and was an experienced member of the Council and held the office of President from 2013 to 2020. His priority has always been supporting members, whatever their different needs and geographical location and he is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional education and membership services.
Declaration of Interest
Membership of Professional Bodies and Other Organisations
Membership of AIA Council and Committees
Partnerships, Directorships and Beneficial Interests in Companies
L D Bradley International Accountants
Business or Social Relationships with AIA Suppliers or Competitors
Any Other Information
Profile
Venetia is highly skilled in all areas of company secretarial, legal and corporate governance functions, particularly in multi-national, multi-facility environments. She is the founding partner of VC Associates, a consultancy providing company secretarial, company law and corporate governance services. Venetia has worked for Boards of all levels from listed companies through to small family owned businesses. She is a strong advocate of promoting good corporate governance and has worked for a number of PRA/FCA (and previously FSA) regulated businesses in the financial services sector and large charities, sorting out governance issues, as well as legal and company secretarial issues.
Declaration of Interest
Membership of Professional Bodies and Other Organisations
Membership of AIA Council and Committees
Partnerships, Directorships and Beneficial Interests in Companies
Business or Social Relationships with AIA Suppliers or Competitors
Any Other Information
Profile
Michael’s background is in the banking sector and financial control; started his career with Chase Manhattan Bank and he was trained in Citibank regional training centre Manila with his last banking job at Bankers Trust in Singapore as Vice President for 3 countries. His areas of expertise are trade banking, forensic investigation, risk management, compliance, governance, and anti-money laundering, as well as corporate social responsibility and ethics. He was Auditor of the United Nations Association of Singapore (UNAS) and subsequently served as a Board Director. Michael is currently a lead partner in an advisory firm and is well respected in his field and often invited to participate in leadership discussions and dialogues. He was the immediate past President of The London Institute of Banking & Finance (Alumni Singapore). He is now the Board Director of the The London Institute of Banking & Finance (APAC) Pte Ltd in Singapore.
Declaration of Interest
Membership of Professional Bodies and Other Organisations
Membership of AIA Council and Committees
Partnerships, Directorships and Beneficial Interests in Companies
Business or Social Relationships with AIA Suppliers or Competitors
Any Other Information
Profile
Seth has extensive knowledge of finance and management, currently acting as Managing Director of First Corporate Options Ltd, a management, financial, investment and ICT consultancy, procurement and indenting agency; Weightron International Ltd, the West African representative company of Weightron Bilanciai Group, Europe’s largest weighbridge manufacturers; and Viset Unag Consult Ltd, a financial and management consultancy. Seth advises national and international companies on trade, investment and general management. He is a skilled negotiator and is experienced in international trade and management.
Declaration of Interest
Membership of Professional Bodies and Other Organisations
Membership of AIA Council and Committees
Partnerships, Directorships and Beneficial Interests in Companies
Business or Social Relationships with AIA Suppliers or Competitors
Any Other Information
Profile
KS’ expertise lies in business and finance. As previous Executive Director of East Rise Corporation Limited, a company operating in the mining industry, trading in certified non-conflict African minerals, KS was responsible for the company's finance and logistics operations in Hong Kong and Africa, as well as for sales to the Chinese market.
KS has extensive commercial experience, gained in Hong Kong and New Zealand, managing large national and multinational organisations. In addition to his role on the Council, he is an active member of the AIA Hong Kong Branch, supporting the Branch's activities and AIA members in the region.
Declaration of Interest
Membership of Professional Bodies and Other Organisations
Membership of AIA Council & Committee
Partnership, Directorship and Beneficial Interests in Companies
Business or Social Relationships with AIA Suppliers or Competitors
Any Other Information
Profile
George is Managing Director of G Josephakis Audit Ltd, a firm of Certified Public Accountants in Cyprus, specialising in auditing and assurance, corporate and personal taxation, business consulting and accounting.
George trained as an accountant in London and has significant experience of working in commercial organisations both in the UK and Cyprus before establishing his own practice. George is a dedicated supporter of AIA, acting as President of the AIA Branches in both Cyprus and Greece, and he is actively involved in the efforts to further AIA’s recognition in Greece.
Declaration of Interest
Membership of Professional Bodies and Other Organisations
Membership of AIA Council and Committees
Partnerships, Directorships and Beneficial Interests in Companies
Business or Social Relationships with AIA Suppliers or Competitors
Any Other Information
Profile
Andrew Lamb is the senior partner of Collins Johnson & Co LLP, an international practice, which specialises in UK compliant global tax and accountancy solutions, and has international offices. Andrew has significant experience in the vertical integration of financial management, human resource management, quality management, information systems and international legal/fiscal systems for both corporate and personal business development and investment.
Declaration of Interest
Membership of Professional Bodies and Other Organisations
Membership of AIA Council and Committees
Partnerships, Directorships and Beneficial Interests in Companies
Business or Social Relationships with AIA Suppliers or Competitors
Any Other Information
Profile
Hugh is a registered auditor in the Republic of Ireland, founding and managing a flourishing practice offering professional services to a wide range of clients. He is an experienced and sought after advisor to business management at all levels. Hugh trained with 'Big 5' auditing firm, Craig Gardner, and his areas of expertise are auditing, financial accounting, taxation and the supervision of financial undertakings. He is passionate about representing the interests of AIA members in Ireland.
Declaration of Interest
Membership of Professional Bodies and Other Organisations
Membership of AIA Council and Committees
Partnerships, Directorships and Beneficial Interests in Companies
Business or Social Relationships with AIA Suppliers or Competitors
Any Other Information
Profile
Gloria started her own accountancy practice to help small and micro businesses to understand their finances and help them grow their business. Dubbed “The Queen of Profit” by her clients, Gloria has focused on increasing her knowledge, expertise and abilities to help small business owners. The practice was named The Most Innovative Small Accountancy Practice in the UK in 2014 and has been featured in The Business Owner's Guide to the UK's Best Accountancy Practices as well as The Most Inspiring Accountants in the World in 2016.
Declaration of Interest
Membership of Professional Bodies and Other Organisations
Membership of AIA Council and Committees
Partnerships, Directorships and Beneficial Interests in Companies
Business or Social Relationships with AIA Suppliers or Competitors
Any Other Information
Profile
Twaraq runs and manages his own accountancy practice, he has an in-depth understanding of statutory accounts, abbreviated accounts, audit, taxation, payroll and management accountancy. He advises businesses on management accountancy, financial control systems, software implementation and training. Twaraq is also a skilled mediator, litigation consultant and advocate specialising in employment, fraud, money laundering, tax disputes and forensic accountancy, among other areas.
Declaration of Interest
Membership of Professional Bodies and Other Organisations
Membership of AIA Council and Committees
Partnerships, Directorships and Beneficial Interests in Companies
Business or Social Relationships with AIA Suppliers or Competitors
Any Other Information
Profile
Philip is a qualified accountant and experienced accounting professional. His personal values reflect those of AIA: opportunity, quality, diversity, accountability and transparency. He is highly motivated with a strong determination to succeed.
Philip leads a dedicated team at the AIA where he has overall responsibility for the AIA’s qualifications, professional standards, reputation, services and corporate responsibility. He reports directly to the Council on the execution and performance of the AIA’s strategy and business plan.
Declaration of Interest
Membership of formal bodies or groups including other Professional Bodies
Membership of AIA Council and Committees
Partnerships, Directorships and Beneficial Interests in Companies
Company Secretary and person with significant control for AIA, and for the 12 dormant companies controlled by AIA:
Professional or social relationships with individuals who have business relationships or compete with AIA
Any other matters you feel should be identified
The Constitution of the Association covers the rights and obligations of Members of the Association and also gives a structured framework for the governance processes of the Association. The Constitution is split into the following separate documents, which come together as one to form the regulatory framework under which the Association operates:
The Council Terms of Reference provides an easy reference interpreting the formal requirements set out within the Constitution.
You can access a copy of the Constitution and Terms of Reference at the foot of this page.
The AIA Constitution sets out the role, responsibilities and rules of the Council.
AIA committees are underpinned by the following key principles:
The AIA Council delegates its powers in the running of the Association to the following committees:
All applications for admission to membership are scrutinised by the Applications & Membership Committee and the Committee satisfies itself as to the qualifications, professional experience, standing and general character of every applicant in line with the Constitution and entry requirements.
Chair: Shahram Moallemi
The Finance Committee is responsible for dealing with all matters relating to the accounts and financial affairs of the Association, the sanctioning of its expenditure and ensuring sufficient funds are maintained to enable the development, delivery and award of qualifications.
Chair: Shahram Moallemi
The Qualifications Committee is responsible for the examinations of the Association including written examinations, practical training, study requirements, the conduct of examinations and compliance with statutory requirements.
Chair: Philip Ford
The AIA Exam Board is responsible for reviewing candidate profiles and exam scripts relating to AIA examinations and receiving the marks for each candidate alongside reviewing performance and making recommendations to the Qualifications Committee.
Chair: AIA Chief Examiner
The Regulatory Oversight Committee deals with scrutiny, oversight and review of the Association’s regulatory requirements as a recognised supervisory body under the Money Laundering Regulations.
The Committee is empowered to make recommendations to the Council to address areas of weakness or highlight areas of good practice relating to AIA’s AML supervision.
Chair: George Josephakis
The Association's Technical Committee is responsible for monitoring and discussing key technical developments in the accountancy profession and the financial world, as well as formulating AIA's views on government consultation documents and commenting on the regulation of the profession.
AIA operates an independent complaints, monitoring and disciplinary function in the public interest.
Individuals cannot be a member of more than one of the Investigations Committee, the Disciplinary Committee, the Appeals Committee, the Practice Compliance Committee and the Practice Compliance Appeals Committee.
The Practice Compliance Committee deals with all matters concerning:
The Committee can require remedial action to be taken by a Member, or a Firm in the case of non-compliance with a Regulatory Requirement.
Where there is failure to meet a Regulatory Requirement the Committee in addition to requiring remedial action to be taken within a specified period can:
The Practice Compliance Appeals Committee hears all appeals resulting from decisions taken by the Applications and Membership Committee and the Practice Compliance Committee relating to:
The Committee is empowered to:
The Investigations Committee has the power to:
The Disciplinary Committee has the power to:
The Appeals Committee has the power to:
