(12 September 2012)
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (“TAQA”) is the first non-accounting firm to offer the Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) training programme in Abu Dhabi. ACA-qualified accountants are entitled to offer their services as a ’Chartered Accountant’ and can use the designated letters ACA after their names. Faisal Foulad, who recently completed the TAQA UAE National Graduate Trainee Programme, is TAQA’s first ACA candidate.
Faisal Foulad commented: “The programme’s perfect mix of knowledge and work experience is what differentiates it from the others and makes it stand above the rest. The ACA qualification will fast track my way to a successful international career.”
TAQA launched the ACA training programme following its certification as an Authorised Training Employer by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), the largest accountancy body in Europe. TAQA had to meet a number of strict training criteria and underwent a detailed review by ICAEW in order to be eligible and recognised as an ACA Authorised Training Employer.
Stephen Kersley, TAQA CFO and ACA Training Programme Advisor, said: “We are pleased to have received this recognition from such a prestigious international institution. Through our new ACA training programme we hope to attract new talent to benefit from our highly skilled team of qualified financial professionals in Abu Dhabi.”
The ACA qualification from ICAEW is internationally recognised and valued around the world in business and the public sector. The ACA training programme teaches a wide range and depth of finance and business knowledge and the practical application of these skills. It also focuses on ethics training and professional skills development. In order to obtain the ACA qualification, candidates such as Mr Foulad are required to complete 450 days of applicable work experience, pass 15 examinations, meet initial professional development requirements and complete structured training in ethics.
Ken Boyle, TAQA Group Vice President Human Resources, commented further: “At TAQA we are committed to providing an environment that is conducive to learning. Our international senior management team will be on hand to mentor our ACA trainees through their studies and monitor their career development. We expect the programme to be very popular with UAE Nationals in particular who wish to acquire formal qualifications in accounting and deepen their knowledge of the energy sector whilst working in an international environment.”
Interested applicants should contact Tatyana Hamid, Qualified Person Responsible for Training (QPRT), in Abu Dhabi at +971 2 691 4834 or Tatyana.Hamid@taqaglobal.com