At ACCA, we are committed to empowering our global community by ensuring our qualification opens doors to opportunities across borders. That’s why we are delighted to share a major milestone: 

Obtaining experience towards the ACCA UK audit qualification is now easier and well streamlined thanks to Switzerland being added to the list of territories where statutory audit work experience can be obtained to meet ACCA’s UK audit qualification requirements.

What has changed?

Previously, ACCA members and students based in Switzerland had to travel to other jurisdictions, such as the UK, Germany etc. to obtain the statutory audit work experience required for the ACCA UK audit qualification. This created logistical and financial challenges for individuals and employers.

Now, Switzerland’s inclusion on the list of approved territories means that statutory audit work experience can be gained locally. This change not only simplifies the process for ACCA members and students to the ACCA UK audit qualification but also reinforces the ACCA Qualification’s relevance and accessibility in one of the world’s most sought-after markets for finance professionals. 

Mutual recognition agreement with Switzerland

This significant development has been made possible also thanks to the mutual recognition agreement (MRA) between the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) in the UK and Switzerland’s Federal Audit Oversight Authority (FAOA) signed at the end of 2023. This agreement recognises ACCA’s UK statutory auditor status and ensures that ACCA members can seamlessly integrate into the Swiss auditing landscape. Read the full details of the mutual recognition agreement and the letter of understanding from FAOA.

Why this is a game-changer

This development marks a turning point for ACCA professionals in Switzerland and beyond:

• For ACCA members and students:
  Members and students can now gain the required UK statutory audit work experience directly in Switzerland. This removes the need for travel and simplifies the pathway to obtaining the UK audit qualification.
  
• For employers in Switzerland:
  Employers can now develop their staff’s statutory auditing expertise locally, without the need to send them abroad in the early stages of their careers. This change not only reduces costs but also makes the ACCA Qualification even more attractive for Swiss firms.
  
  In addition, recognition by FAOA of the UK statutory auditor (responsible individual) status will allow greater mobility of experience between the jurisdictions, widening a firm’s potential to identify Swiss auditors of the future.
  
• For the global ACCA community:
  By strengthening recognition in Switzerland and streamlining the process from ACCA to the local audit qualification, ACCA reaffirms its global status and commitment to opening new doors for its members, ensuring that they remain competitive in an increasingly interconnected world.

How to take advantage of this opportunity

For ACCA members and students interested in obtaining the ACCA UK audit qualification, the updated process reflects Switzerland’s inclusion as a recognised territory for statutory audit work experience. Visit the ACCA audit qualification pages for detailed application guidelines and eligibility requirements. The required work experience needs to be obtained within an ACCA Approved Employer on the Practising Development Scheme - Audit.

ACCA members that already hold UK statutory auditor status can now apply for the local audit license in Switzerland following successful completion of the Swiss Law for Foreign Accountants test.

Celebrating a 'new era' for ACCA in Switzerland

This recognition is more than a regulatory update—it’s a celebration of ACCA’s ability to adapt and expand opportunities for its members worldwide. By removing barriers and enabling students and members to gain the UK audit qualification using statutory audit work experience gained locally and recognising the UK statutory auditor status for those wanting to obtain Swiss Licensed Audit Expert status, we are fostering career growth, strengthening local talent pipelines and reinforcing Switzerland as a key destination for ACCA-qualified professionals. We are convinced finance and audit companies operating in Switzerland, recruiting internationally, will now be even more interested in having ACCA members and students on board.

ACCA qualification journey towards the Swiss audit license:

Individual who are already UK statutory auditors can apply for the Swiss Licensed Audit expert status by following the steps below:

1. Complete the test 'Swiss Law for Foreign Accountants'
   An applicant applying for Swiss Licensed Audit Expert status must demonstrate the necessary knowledge of Swiss law. The examination is conducted by EXPERTsuisse, in accordance with the examination regulations approved by the FAOA. An applicant must register directly for the examination via the EXPERTsuisse website. Applicants may choose to attend an optional preparatory course offered by EXPERTsuisse.
   
   
2. Apply for Swiss Licensed Audit Expert status
   Applicants must register with the FAOA and complete the relevant parts of the application form on the FAOA’s website. Detailed information can be found in FAOA - Circular 1/2007 (in particular paragraph 7).

Applicants must enclose the required evidence with the application. The required evidence consists of:

• Confirmation that the applicant has passed the specified test in ‘Swiss Law for Foreign Accountants.’
• Evidence that the applicant holds a UK audit qualification issued by a UK Recognised Qualifying Body.
• The applicant’s certificate of registration as a statutory auditor