The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA & CIMA) is a leading global body representing professional accountants. Established to unify the profession internationally, it serves as a powerful voice advocating for the accounting profession’s interests within the European Union. The association focuses on advancing the accounting profession by influencing EU legislation and policy, particularly in areas crucial to accounting standards, corporate governance, sustainability reporting, tax policy, and anti-money laundering regulations.
AICPA & CIMA actively engage with key EU institutions, including the European Commission, the European Parliament, and various Directorates-General such as DG FISMA (Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union) and DG Taxation and Customs Union. Their lobbying efforts concentrate on strengthening corporate governance quality, implementing the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, and shaping the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. They also address critical issues such as tax policy reforms and measures to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
The association’s communication strategy includes regular meetings with EU officials, permanent representatives, and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), often participating in roundtables and consultations to influence policy development. Although not part of any inter-institutional or unofficial groupings, the association networks closely with other professional bodies such as Accountancy Europe, the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), and the Global Accounting Alliance (GAA).
Financially, the association operates on a budget funded primarily through member subscriptions and fees, with expenditures focused on staff and regulatory compliance activities. Their EU office is based in London, United Kingdom, which serves as the hub for their lobbying activities within the EU framework.
Through its efforts, the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants aims to ensure that the accounting profession remains dynamic, ethical, and responsive to evolving regulatory environments, thereby supporting transparency, governance, and sustainable business practices across Europe.
