ICAA or NIA
#1
ICAA or NIA
Following on from a previous thread, I'm trying to pick the best TRA assessor.
I'm a CIMA qualified accountant who works in local government.
On reading the blurb from these 2 bodies, I note that ICAA have a 'strategic alliance' with CIMA (which basically relates to how CIMA members can become ICAA members). However, when you look at the assessment forms, ICAA asks CIMA members to provide employer references and academic transcripts, whereas the NIA skills assessment doesn't.
Both bodies indicate that CIMA members will LIKELY be considered comparable with the Australian Bachelor degree, which is the skills requirement.
I'm not too bothered about assessment times at the moment and the fees are the same, so this seems to be the main difference.
My wife (a nurse) is going to be the main applicant, so my main reasons for assessment are for the extra points and to be able to work in Aus. I would prefer not to disclose to my employer at the moment as we are still early in this process.
Can anyone offer advice on my perceived difference between ICAA and NIA, or will the NIA ask for similar information during the process.
Thanks
I'm a CIMA qualified accountant who works in local government.
On reading the blurb from these 2 bodies, I note that ICAA have a 'strategic alliance' with CIMA (which basically relates to how CIMA members can become ICAA members). However, when you look at the assessment forms, ICAA asks CIMA members to provide employer references and academic transcripts, whereas the NIA skills assessment doesn't.
Both bodies indicate that CIMA members will LIKELY be considered comparable with the Australian Bachelor degree, which is the skills requirement.
I'm not too bothered about assessment times at the moment and the fees are the same, so this seems to be the main difference.
My wife (a nurse) is going to be the main applicant, so my main reasons for assessment are for the extra points and to be able to work in Aus. I would prefer not to disclose to my employer at the moment as we are still early in this process.
Can anyone offer advice on my perceived difference between ICAA and NIA, or will the NIA ask for similar information during the process.
Thanks
#2
Re: ICAA or NIA
Originally Posted by pippin lara
Following on from a previous thread, I'm trying to pick the best TRA assessor.
I'm a CIMA qualified accountant who works in local government.
On reading the blurb from these 2 bodies, I note that ICAA have a 'strategic alliance' with CIMA (which basically relates to how CIMA members can become ICAA members). However, when you look at the assessment forms, ICAA asks CIMA members to provide employer references and academic transcripts, whereas the NIA skills assessment doesn't.
I'm a CIMA qualified accountant who works in local government.
On reading the blurb from these 2 bodies, I note that ICAA have a 'strategic alliance' with CIMA (which basically relates to how CIMA members can become ICAA members). However, when you look at the assessment forms, ICAA asks CIMA members to provide employer references and academic transcripts, whereas the NIA skills assessment doesn't.
Why ICAA ask for this evidence is unclear as you can't get an accountant skill assessment based on work experience anyway.
There is nothing stopping you going back to ICAA and get a different type of skill assessment solely for the CA Program once you are an Australian PR. Cost in that case is only A$50 as it wouldn't be for migration purposes.
Another point to be aware of is that the NIA recently 'upgraded' their PNA designation to more or less the same standard as CPA. Traditionally NIA has not been so well regarded in the marketplace but long term this should change. You can as far as I know get PNA based on mutual recognition and this might be a good long term investment.
You should also investigate doing the CA Program after you arrive in Australia. Getting the necessary work experience should not be a problem so long as you work somewhere where there is an ICAA member among the management. It doesn't have to be in public practise. CA is a more prestigious designation than CPA.
Jeremy
#3
Re: ICAA or NIA
Thanks Jeremy
I'm interested if any CIMA members have looked into this recently as part of their own skills assessment and can shed any light on whether the NIA assessment is straightforward or have a prefernce as to which body to use. The ICAA road seems a little bit more complicated (especially as I would prefer not to let my employer know just now) and this may be unnecessary.
I'm not too concerned about which (if any) Aus a/c body to join at the moment. I'll worry about that later. My hope just now is just to get a job in Aus Local Govt. if possible and I'll look into my options further down the visa process.
once again, thanks
I'm interested if any CIMA members have looked into this recently as part of their own skills assessment and can shed any light on whether the NIA assessment is straightforward or have a prefernce as to which body to use. The ICAA road seems a little bit more complicated (especially as I would prefer not to let my employer know just now) and this may be unnecessary.
I'm not too concerned about which (if any) Aus a/c body to join at the moment. I'll worry about that later. My hope just now is just to get a job in Aus Local Govt. if possible and I'll look into my options further down the visa process.
once again, thanks
#4
Re: ICAA or NIA
Originally Posted by pippin lara
Thanks Jeremy
I'm interested if any CIMA members have looked into this recently as part of their own skills assessment and can shed any light on whether the NIA assessment is straightforward or have a prefernce as to which body to use. The ICAA road seems a little bit more complicated (especially as I would prefer not to let my employer know just now) and this may be unnecessary.
I'm interested if any CIMA members have looked into this recently as part of their own skills assessment and can shed any light on whether the NIA assessment is straightforward or have a prefernce as to which body to use. The ICAA road seems a little bit more complicated (especially as I would prefer not to let my employer know just now) and this may be unnecessary.
Many people don't even think about the NIA option - instead they automatically only consider ICAA and CPAA. For migration purposes, that's not always the smartest idea.
If you qualified as CIMA through the normal route then there should not be a problem getting a skill assessment from NIA. It's more of a grey area if you got CIMA through another route, such as mutual recognition.
Jeremy
Last edited by JAJ; Dec 4th 2005 at 3:35 pm.
#5
PR33T
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 68
Re: ICAA or NIA
Originally Posted by JAJ
If NIA appears to be simpler, then use NIA. There is little point wasting time with indecision.
Many people don't even think about the NIA option - instead they automatically only consider ICAA and CPAA. For migration purposes, that's not always the smartest idea.
If you qualified as CIMA through the normal route then there should not be a problem getting a skill assessment from NIA. It's more of a grey area if you got CIMA through another route, such as mutual recognition.
Jeremy
Many people don't even think about the NIA option - instead they automatically only consider ICAA and CPAA. For migration purposes, that's not always the smartest idea.
If you qualified as CIMA through the normal route then there should not be a problem getting a skill assessment from NIA. It's more of a grey area if you got CIMA through another route, such as mutual recognition.
Jeremy
Smart counselling, I have quite liked CPA aswell as they have been pretty quick, NIA is getting better too. The agents I work with Prefer NIA.
#6
Re: ICAA or NIA
Originally Posted by PR33T
Hey Jaj ,
Smart counselling, I have quite liked CPA aswell as they have been pretty quick, NIA is getting better too. The agents I work with Prefer NIA.
Smart counselling, I have quite liked CPA aswell as they have been pretty quick, NIA is getting better too. The agents I work with Prefer NIA.
Most agents who deal regularly with accountants prefer NIA, as far as I know. CPAA are especially problematic for any ACCA/CIMA people who don't have a university degree equivalent to an Aus bachelors (any subject). CPAA advise such ACCA/CIMA people to apply instead to ICAA/NIA.
Jeremy
#7
Re: ICAA or NIA
Originally Posted by pippin lara
Following on from a previous thread, I'm trying to pick the best TRA assessor.
I'm a CIMA qualified accountant who works in local government.
However, when you look at the assessment forms, ICAA asks CIMA members to provide employer references and academic transcripts, whereas the NIA skills assessment doesn't.
I'm not too bothered about assessment times at the moment and the fees are the same, so this seems to be the main difference.
I would prefer not to disclose to my employer at the moment as we are still early in this process.
Can anyone offer advice on my perceived difference between ICAA and NIA, or will the NIA ask for similar information during the process.
Thanks
I'm a CIMA qualified accountant who works in local government.
However, when you look at the assessment forms, ICAA asks CIMA members to provide employer references and academic transcripts, whereas the NIA skills assessment doesn't.
I'm not too bothered about assessment times at the moment and the fees are the same, so this seems to be the main difference.
I would prefer not to disclose to my employer at the moment as we are still early in this process.
Can anyone offer advice on my perceived difference between ICAA and NIA, or will the NIA ask for similar information during the process.
Thanks
Given that ICAA now ask for an E'er reference, I'd say go with NIA.
Good luck.
Gina
#9
Re: ICAA or NIA
Originally Posted by GinaUK
I believe that the UK CIMA accountants that post here all had their skills assessment done with ICAA. BUT - until about 10 months ago, ICAA didn't require an employer reference for CIMA accountants. (We applied for skills assessment at the end of Jan 2005 and didn't need an E'er reference.) Without the E'er reference, the ICAA assessment was very easy - just collecting a few bits of paper.
Given that ICAA now ask for an E'er reference, I'd say go with NIA.
Given that ICAA now ask for an E'er reference, I'd say go with NIA.
It's not clear *why* ICAA ask for an employer reference, and only for those CIMA qualified at that.
NIA is an alternative. CPAA is also an alternative for CIMAs who have a degree equivalent to an Australian bachelors (as far as I know, any subject will do).
Jeremy
#10
PR33T
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 68
Re: ICAA or NIA
Originally Posted by JAJ
Most agents who deal regularly with accountants prefer NIA, as far as I know. CPAA are especially problematic for any ACCA/CIMA people who don't have a university degree equivalent to an Aus bachelors (any subject). CPAA advise such ACCA/CIMA people to apply instead to ICAA/NIA.
Jeremy
Jeremy
Now CPA needs atleast a M.Com Accounts from the same Uni for a positive assessment. I think the subjects have been upgraded since.
Though the assessment criteria is same with all assessment authorities but still some people have different views in relation to assessment results.
#11
Migration Agent
Joined: May 2002
Location: Offices in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Geelong (Australia), and Southampton (UK)
Posts: 6,459
Re: ICAA or NIA
We don't ... for accountant skills assessments I generally consider the ICAA before the CPAA and the NIA because:
1. I can call them and discuss specific accountant scenarios - useful when the background isn't a routine one.
2. Their turnaround time is good - generally less than a fortnight.
I'm also a member of the ICAA, but that doesn't come into it of course ... :-)
Best wishes.
1. I can call them and discuss specific accountant scenarios - useful when the background isn't a routine one.
2. Their turnaround time is good - generally less than a fortnight.
I'm also a member of the ICAA, but that doesn't come into it of course ... :-)
Best wishes.
Originally Posted by JAJ
Most agents who deal regularly with accountants prefer NIA, as far as I know. CPAA are especially problematic for any ACCA/CIMA people who don't have a university degree equivalent to an Aus bachelors (any subject). CPAA advise such ACCA/CIMA people to apply instead to ICAA/NIA.
Jeremy
Jeremy
#12
Re: ICAA or NIA
Originally Posted by Alan Collett
We don't ... for accountant skills assessments I generally consider the ICAA before the CPAA and the NIA because:
1. I can call them and discuss specific accountant scenarios - useful when the background isn't a routine one.
2. Their turnaround time is good - generally less than a fortnight.
I'm also a member of the ICAA, but that doesn't come into it of course ... :-)
Best wishes.
1. I can call them and discuss specific accountant scenarios - useful when the background isn't a routine one.
2. Their turnaround time is good - generally less than a fortnight.
I'm also a member of the ICAA, but that doesn't come into it of course ... :-)
Best wishes.
Alan - the problem is that ICAA (apparently) seem to be asking CIMA members for employment references. Why would they do that when work references are not the basis of obtaining an accountant assessment, and why only CIMA and not others?
Jeremy
#13
Migration Agent
Joined: May 2002
Location: Offices in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Geelong (Australia), and Southampton (UK)
Posts: 6,459
Re: ICAA or NIA
Don't know, I'm afraid Jeremy. We have lodged applications with the ICAA for CIMA and CIPFA qualifieds recently and I don't recall them being asked for employment references for the migration assessment ... maybe the original poster was looking at the requirements for membership of the ICAA as against the assessment for migration purposes?
Best regards.
Best regards.
Originally Posted by JAJ
Alan - the problem is that ICAA (apparently) seem to be asking CIMA members for employment references. Why would they do that when work references are not the basis of obtaining an accountant assessment, and why only CIMA and not others?
Jeremy
Jeremy
#14
Re: ICAA or NIA
Alan
ICAA is asking for an employment reference for immigration, not membership.
My circumstances have now changed in that my employer has now instigated a redundancy exercise which is worth my while applying for. I will therefore by advising them of my future plans after the holidays. The cats out of the bag, so to speak and I may therefore now consider ICAA and get the required reference.
Cheers David
ICAA is asking for an employment reference for immigration, not membership.
My circumstances have now changed in that my employer has now instigated a redundancy exercise which is worth my while applying for. I will therefore by advising them of my future plans after the holidays. The cats out of the bag, so to speak and I may therefore now consider ICAA and get the required reference.
Cheers David
#15
Migration Agent
Joined: May 2002
Location: Offices in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Geelong (Australia), and Southampton (UK)
Posts: 6,459
Re: ICAA or NIA
Noted - thanks David. This is news to me, so I'll follow up with the ICAA and will report back ...
Best regards.
Best regards.
Originally Posted by pippin lara
Alan
ICAA is asking for an employment reference for immigration, not membership.
My circumstances have now changed in that my employer has now instigated a redundancy exercise which is worth my while applying for. I will therefore by advising them of my future plans after the holidays. The cats out of the bag, so to speak and I may therefore now consider ICAA and get the required reference.
Cheers David
ICAA is asking for an employment reference for immigration, not membership.
My circumstances have now changed in that my employer has now instigated a redundancy exercise which is worth my while applying for. I will therefore by advising them of my future plans after the holidays. The cats out of the bag, so to speak and I may therefore now consider ICAA and get the required reference.
Cheers David