ICSA, the Institute for professionals working in governance and compliance, is launching four new Level 4 (the equivalent of first year undergraduate) qualifications for offshore finance professionals.
The new International Finance and Administration qualifications replace ICSA’s Certificate in Offshore Finance and Administration (COFA) and will offer much greater choice and flexibility than before.
The existing COFA qualification has been updated and reorganised into smaller, more manageable modules. Students who successfully complete all available modules will earn themselves a CertICSA post nominal, but can also gain recognition of their achievement if they decide to study fewer modules.
The new qualifications being offered from January 2015 are:
• CSA Level 4 Award in International Finance and Administration – this covers the key principles in offshore finance and administration, including products and services available, how the sector is monitored and regulated, as well as how trusts and companies are created and managed. This module meets the regulatory requirements for offshore jurisdictions.
• CSA Level 4 Subsidiary Certificate in International Finance, Accounting and Administration – this qualification covers the same introduction to the offshore financial environment as the Award, and introduces the fundamentals of accounting – how financial information is created and used.
• CSA Level 4 Subsidiary Certificate in International Finance, Investment and Administration – this qualification covers the same introduction to the offshore financial environment as the Award, and introduces types of investment products and how they work.
• Level 4 Certificate in International Finance and Administration – this covers the general principles of international finance and administration, plus the fundamentals of accounting and investment. Students successfully completing this qualification can use the post nominal CertICSA.
Students of the new qualifications will benefit in the following ways:
• ‘Step-on/step-off’ approach so that students have the option of studying for a larger or smaller qualification according to their needs
• Recognised by the financial regulators in Jersey and the Isle of Man
• Fewer and shorter examinations
• Updated study materials
• Study aids such as webinars making it easier for students to study after work
• Electronic syllabus, sample assessment materials and study texts
• A one-off fee per qualification will include everything students need to complete their studies independently
• Convenient and easy online registration.
“We are delighted to offer students and employers greater choice in our new, streamlined qualifications,” says Simon Osborne, Chief Executive at ICSA. “There are no formal entry requirements and you do not need to have a degree, although it is helpful to be working in a relevant occupation.”
“We have also consulted with employers to verify that these qualifications will provide the knowledge needed for a successful career in the offshore financial services sector,” adds Robert Le Corre, ICSA Jersey Branch Chair. “The new qualifications offer greater flexibility and are ideal for employees new to the offshore financial services industry undertaking junior roles or those who have been working in the industry for some time without a recognised qualification.”
