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Governance

Corporate Governance

Established in 1928, The Association of International Accountants (AIA) is a professional accountancy and membership body with a core purpose to enhance and sustain responsible, ethical professional accountancy education and practices and work in the public interest.

The corporate governance structure is shaped by our Constitution (Article, Bye-laws, Regulations and Code of Ethics) and is underpinned by recognition and regulation by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA) and Office for Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Supervision. AIA operates an independent complaints and disciplinary framework.

AIA is a not-for-profit company, limited by guarantee with no share capital, as detailed in the AIA’s Memorandum of Association.

The AIA Council

AIA is governed by a Council of members, responsible for ensuring we deliver the objectives outlined in our Constitution. The Council also decides on AIA’s strategic objectives, monitors our performance in relation to them and oversees our annual budget.

The Council consists of members who are elected at the Annual General Meeting and draws on a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. Encompassing key jurisdictions around the world, the Council represents all our members and reflects AIA’s global nature.

The Council is responsible for the overall governance of AIA and its affairs and is supported and advised in their work by a number of committees.

Read More About AIA

AIA Constitution and Terms of Reference

The Constitution of the Association covers the rights and obligations of Members of the Association and also gives a structured framework for the governance processes of the Association. The Constitution is split into the following separate documents, which come together as one to form the regulatory framework under which the Association operates:

  • Memorandum of Association
  • Articles of Association
  • Bye-Laws
  • Regulations
  • Code of Ethics

The Council Terms of Reference provides an easy reference interpreting the formal requirements set out within the Constitution.

You can access a copy of the Constitution and Terms of Reference at the foot of this page.

Upcoming Council Meeting – TBC

Committees of the Council

The AIA Constitution sets out the role, responsibilities and rules of the Council.

AIA committees are underpinned by the following key principles:

Selflessness – members should take decisions in terms of the public interest and not in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their families or friends.

Integrity – members should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might, or might be perceived to, influence them in the performance of their official duties.

Objectivity – in carrying out the Association’s business, including awarding contracts and recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, members should make choices on merit.

Accountability – members are accountable for their decisions and actions to the Association’s membership and the wider public and must be submitted to appropriate scrutiny.

Openness – members should be as open as possible about the decisions and actions that are taken. Members should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

Honesty – members have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their appointments and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.

Leadership – members should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

AIA Council Committees

All applications for admission to membership are scrutinised by the Applications & Membership Committee and the Committee satisfies itself as to the qualifications, professional experience, standing and general character of every applicant in line with the Constitution and entry requirements.

Chair: Shahram Moallemi

Terms of Reference

The Finance Committee is responsible for dealing with all matters relating to the accounts and financial affairs of the Association, the sanctioning of its expenditure and ensuring sufficient funds are maintained to enable the development, delivery and award of qualifications.

Chair: Shahram Moallemi

Terms of Reference

The Qualifications Committee is responsible for the examinations of the Association including written examinations, practical training, study requirements, the conduct of examinations and compliance with statutory requirements.

Chair: Phillip Ford

Terms of Reference

The AIA Exam Board is responsible for reviewing candidate profiles and exam scripts relating to AIA examinations and receiving the marks for each candidate alongside reviewing performance and making recommendations to the Qualifications Committee.

Chair: AIA Chief Examiner

Terms of Reference

The Association’s Law & Parliamentary Committee is responsible for dealing with all matters relating to Bills and proposals before Parliament or legislative assemblies in any jurisdiction, and all proposals made or actions taken by any Government Departments affecting the interests of the members of the Association as a whole, including legal matters.

Terms of Reference

Downloads

AIA Constitution
AIA Council Terms of Reference

AIA offers a qualification and membership pathway for everyone.

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