Obtaining an ACCA Practising Certificate
Many returners choose to go into practice when they return to work. This is because practice tends to allow more flexible working and being self-employed suits many members. Many returners choose to return as an employee in practice rather than a principal with a view to self-employment later. If you are planning to be the principal in a practice or a director in a limited company operating as a practice, then you must first obtain a practicing certificate.
You can get a practicing certificate even if you previously worked in industry.
Please refer to our practising certificates and licenses pages for further information.
Cost
The total annual cost of a start-up practice, either audit or non-audit, is around €1,200 a year, about half of which will be the cost of professional indemnity insurance and the other half will be the annual ACCA practicing certificate fee. Two insurers that provide professional indemnity insurance cover in Ireland are Arachas or JDM Insurance Services, but other providers are available.
When you don’t need a practicing certificate
You do not need a PC if you are only going to do bookkeeping work (non-public practice work), but only doing bookkeeping is really wasting your qualification and skills. If you choose to only do bookkeeping and do not apply for a PC, then you will need to register with the Department of Justice for AML. You do not need to register with the Department of Justice if you obtain an ACCA PC or PCA, refer to the relevant link within the useful information area of this page for access to further guidance.
If the work is paid for through Schedule E (PAYE) or you are an employee of the business you are acting for, then you do not need a PC nor do you need to register with the Department of Justice.
