Since the inception of the new Accountants Act 2010, in April 2011, the Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants had a lot to do in terms of implementing some of the items on the Act, at the same time BICA was born, the new BICA qualification was also born, and then came the introduction of new categories:
- Accounting Technician
- Associate Certified Professional Accountant (ACPA)
- Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA)
- Fellow Certified Professional Accountant (FCPA)
Accounting Technician
The procedure for applying for Accounting Technician category remains the same as before, filling in the new BICA 1000 form, attach all the relevant documents (Prove of 2 years of practical work experience acquired in the accountancy field, academic certificates of accountancy and related qualifications, identity documents, Reference from Employer), and two references from BICA active members, police clearance report.
There is also a form call the Work experience check list which is also a requisite when applying for this category, the form has different fields of accounting which one must fill in the period he/she has worked on that particular field then the supervisor/employer should countersign and put the company stamp at the end of the form.
The minimum academic requirements for this category is a Diploma in any of the accounting and related qualifications such as Diploma in Accounting and Business Studies (DABS), Higher National Diploma (HND), Diploma in Public Finance and Accounting, International Accounting Technician Qualification (IATQ) etc.
Other qualifications include Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), Bachelor of Accounting degree, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Accounting and Finance, Member of Chartered Institute of Secretaries (CIS), Part qualifications of a recognized professional chartered accountancy qualification like ACCA or CIMA), or any other related qualification as may have approved by Council from time to time from accredited Institution of high learning.
Associate Certified Professional Accountant (ACPA)
Any person who wants to apply for this category must be a member in good standing of such other Institute or Professional Chartered Accountancy body of accountants as the Institute may recognize can apply for this category. This is done by completing a prescribed form, providing certified copies of full Membership Certificate, letter of good standing from the parent institute, copy of ID, confirmation letter of employment,2 reference letters from BICA active members, police clearance certificate, and the prescribed fees. Members in this category can use (ACPA) as their designatory.
Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA)
To be registered as an Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA), one has to prove to the BICA council that he/she has passed the examinations set under the Botswana Professional Accountancy Qualification (BICA QUALIFICATION), and has satisfied the practical training requirements specified under the rules. Such person should also be a member in good standing of the Associate category of the BICA as at the date of commencement of the Act.
Fellow Certified Professional Accountant (FCPA)
A person who wants to apply for this category must be a member in good standing of such other Institute or Professional Chartered Accountancy body of accountants as the Institute may recognize can apply for this category. This is done by completing a prescribed form, providing certified copies of full Membership Certificate (Fellow membership certificate), letter of good standing from the parent Institute, copy of ID, confirmation letter of employment,2 reference letters from BICA active members, police clearance certificate, and the prescribed fees. Members in this category can use (FCPA) as their designatory.
