Levels of Membership

IFA membership levels are available as follows:   

• Financial Accounting Executive
• Associate
• Fellow 

AFFILIATE

Affiliates are not voting members of the IFA, but are a particular category representing specialist areas of professionalism within the IFA Group. For example the Federation of Tax Advisor (FTA) members are also IFA affiliates by virtue of their tax specialisation.

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING EXECUTIVE

Playing an important part in supporting the organisation and its finance manager or team, the Financial Accounting Executive is often responsible for drafting final accounts and interpretation of financial information.

With broad accounting and finance technical knowledge and skills the Financial Accounting Executive provides core services and plays an important role in keeping the finance function working effectively. Access to this level of membership is usually IFA’s Financial Accountant Diploma qualification. However, certain other relevant and recognised qualification may also be deemed equivalent.

Financial Accounting Executives may use the post nominal letters Dip FA. Progression to Associate level would be recommended as an individual’s career requires.

ASSOCIATE

Associates of the Institute have achieved a level of competency considered necessary to manage or lead the finance function of an organisation. They have an advanced level of skill and ability and are often responsible for all aspects of financial management and reporting, They are also likely to have responsibilities related to regulation and compliance for the business and require broad management skills,

This is level of professional membership is available for those successfully completing the IFA’s Professional Financial Accountant qualification. Certain other relevant and recognised qualification may also be deemed equivalent. An Associate may use the post nominal letters AFA. Progression to IFA Fellow level may be possible after successful completion of the necessary requirements and proven relevant professional work experience.

FELLOW

Fellow is the most senior level of IFA membership and demonstrates that the individual has senior, leadership experience or qualities. The qualification level demonstrates competence in all aspects of financial management and in strategic management.

Applicants for Fellow membership must have completed one of IFA’s Evidence of Professional Competence programmes and have a minimum of three years’ relevant experience in a senior accounting or finance role. Those with equivalent qualification may also be eligible to join as Fellows, subject to professional experience.  

Fellows may use the post nominal letters FFA.