Can independent accountants sign applications?

Didn't find your answer?

An application requires a reference, this can "include a minister of religion, civil servant or a member of a professional body such as an accountant or solicitor"

However if the accountant is no longer member of a professional body but still working as an accountant, can he sign documents applications?

 

Replies (9)

Please login or register to join the discussion.

By johngroganjga
27th Dec 2019 15:29

The answer is in the words “a member of a professional body” in your question.

You ask, in effect, whether someone who “is no longer a member of a professional body” is “a member of a professional body”.

Thanks (2)
RLI
By lionofludesch
27th Dec 2019 15:39

The person requiring the reference makes up his own rules.

There's no legislation.

Thanks (1)
Replying to lionofludesch:
avatar
By johnhemming
27th Dec 2019 18:33

Passports have similar rules.

Thanks (0)
Replying to lionofludesch:
By turchyna582
07th Jan 2020 13:08

You have it 'spot on'! It is the person/entity that seeks the reference that decides the criteria. The use of 'titles' ascribed in the application is outdated and now largely irrelevant.

Minister of 'religion' is outdated, when there are an increasing number of 'religions' in which many of the 'ministers' are self-appointed.
There are many public workers (in local authorities, government departments including HMRC) who consider themselves to be 'civil servants', yet they do not fall within the historical and strict criteria for such title.

There are FD's, CFO's, and senior accountants in listed PLC's, NGO's, significant size Private businesses, and non-commercial organisations, who are not 'chartered' accountants. Indeed many of these accountants, hold the position (personally and commercially successfully) based solely on their experience and performance, with no personal membership of any professional body.

In this rapidly changing business environment, is also of no particular relevance to the average consumer, who will judge their 'accountant' or 'surveyor' or 'lawyer' or 'teacher' by his/her ability to deliver the relevant services in a professional and timely manner and at an acceptable cost.

The consumer, or in the case of the person/entity seeking the Reference; he/she/they will decide the criteria used to determine the 'fitness for purpose' of the Service provider/Referee. Go ahead and provide the 'reference' signature - after all it is YOU and the relevance of YOUR status, experience, and relationship with the applicant that will be judged.

Thanks (1)
avatar
By paul.benny
27th Dec 2019 16:31

You could sign - but whether the recipient will accept is another matter, since you don't appear to meet the required criteria.

You can call yourself an "accountant" as that is not a restricted title. But you cannot say you are a chartered nor can you use the relevant letters.

Thanks (0)
avatar
By carnmores
27th Dec 2019 18:59

Probably yes surprisingly when i gave up my FCA after 30 years i asked HO and they said yes and the fact that i was irish was irrelevant HO DT not the best gov depts

Thanks (0)
Replying to carnmores:
ALISK
By atleastisoundknowledgable...
07th Jan 2020 17:47

carnmores wrote:

...the fact that i was irish ...

I’d’ve thought that that was enough to count you out on its own.

Thanks (0)
Replying to atleastisoundknowledgable...:
RLI
By lionofludesch
07th Jan 2020 18:00

atleastisoundknowledgable... wrote:

carnmores wrote:

...the fact that i was irish ...

I’d’ve thought that that was enough to count you out on its own.

Step away from the keyboard.

Thanks (0)
Replying to lionofludesch:
avatar
By carnmores
09th Jan 2020 01:51

ROTF if only i could :-(

Thanks (0)