Professional accountancy education and research
- Determining the framework for professional accountancy education. The syllabi for accountancy courses are premised on the International Education Standards (IES) which are set by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) for Professional Accountancy Organisations.
- Administering examinations: Examinations are held three times a year for the Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (CPA-U) course, that is, May/June, August/September and November/December; and twice a year, that is, May/June and November/December for the Accounting Technicians Diploma (ATD) and the Certified Tax Advisor (CTA) course.
Examination centres
- Arua
- Fort Portal
- Gulu
- Kampala
- Mbale
- Mbarara
- Nkozi (special centre)
Note: ICPAU is not involved in tuition provision. This function is executed by accountancy trainers in various training institutions.
Investigations and disciplinary
ICPAU maintains and publishes the roll of professional accountants in Uganda. The Institute prescribes the code of conduct for professional accountants, through the Code of Ethics which is enforced by the Disciplinary Committee.
Prescribing professional standards
ICPAU adopts accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards from the International Federation of Accountants and makes them adaptable and available for professional accountants in Uganda. These include: the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) – adopted in 1998, International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) – adopted in 1999, International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) – adopted in 2006 and the International Financial Reporting Standards for Small and Medium Enterprises (IFRS for SMEs) – adopted in 2009.
Licensing and issuance of certificates of practice
The Institute is responsible for issuing licences and Certificates of Practice to accounting firms and practising accountants, respectively.
Quality assurance
To monitor auditor compliance with professional quality assurance standards, ICPAU operates the audit quality review programme.
Continuing professional development
Professional accountants are required to pursue continuous learning, in order to remain relevant in the dynamic accountancy world. ICPAU operates a robust annual CPD programme to avail opportunities for continuous learning.
Professional guidance
The Institute offers continuous professional guidance to its members, pertaining to various areas in their careers.
Advisor to the Government
The Institute is legally mandated to advise the Government on matters of financial accountability and management in all sectors of the economy.
Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (CPA)
Designed to produce competent professional accountants, capable of making a positive contribution to the profession and the national economy in general.
Certified Tax Advisor (CTA)
Introduced to produce expert tax advisors who will contribute to the economic development of the country.
Accounting Technicians Diploma (ATD)
To produce competent accounting staff with comprehensive and a wide range of technical knowledge, skills and attitudes which will enable them to work in any sector of the economy.